This role pays less than
91%
of similar roles. Most pay
$169,550–$210,012
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$135k
versus about
$190k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company providing systems in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics. Industry: Aerospace & Defense
Northrop Grumman currently has
367 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$114,900–$176,300
across 353 roles with salary data.
Principal or Sr. Principal Systems Engineer
The Mission Defense Cyber Team seeks a Cybersecurity Systems Engineer to support the Sentinel program by ensuring weapon system cyber survivability. This role involves decomposing and refining cybersecurity requirements, designing architecture changes with traceability, and evaluating risk across attack surfaces. You will guide security tool selection, oversee technical implementations, and manage verification efforts within an Agile, DevSecOps environment. The position requires expertise in systems engineering principles, NIST 800-160 standards, and RMF assessment authorization artifacts to satisfy NIST SP 800-37 requirements. Key skills include proficiency with Model-Based System Engineering tools like Cameo, requirement management via IBM DOORs, and experience with containerized software systems. You will solve complex problems across disciplines to ensure compliance with CNSSI 1253, DoD 8570, and DoD 8510 standards while supporting the development of Launch and Missile Defense systems.
What does a Systems Engineer earn?
Median $158250 from 186 postings across 30 companies.
Decompose, derive, and refine system cybersecurity requirements at all levels to ensure built-in protections are integrated into architecture and design.
Guide and support security layout, architecture, and the selection and development of security tools.
Evaluate proposed implementations to identify security risks, analyze attack surfaces, and verify that cybersecurity protections are functional.
Ensure weapon system compliance with contractually obligated standards including CNSSI 1253, DoD 8570, DoD 8510, and AFI 17-101.
Propose and design cyber systems architecture changes with full traceability to requirements.
Perform cyber-attack surface analysis of system designs and provide recommendations to mitigate risks.
Participate in cybersecurity assessment activities, including reviewing plans, procedures, and security penetration test execution.
Develop and document technical standard engineering processes and procedures as needed for the program.
What we're looking for
Possession of an active Secret clearance is required.
Must be able to obtain a Top-Secret clearance and Special Access.
U.S. Citizenship is required for positions requiring government clearance.
Ability to obtain an IASAE II certification (CISSP preferred) within six months of hire.
Bachelor’s degree with 5 years, Master’s with 3 years, or PhD with 1 year of experience in Systems/Cyber/Computer Engineering or Science for Principal level.
Bachelor’s degree with 8 years, Master’s with 6 years, or PhD with 4 years of experience in Systems/Cyber/Computer Engineering or Science for Sr. Principal level.
Direct experience utilizing NIST 800-160 system security engineering and the system development life cycle.
Direct experience supporting RMF assessment authorization artifacts to satisfy NIST SP 800-37 requirements.