This role pays more than
79%
of similar roles. Most pay
$137,700–$191,950
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$196k
versus about
$165k
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
358 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$114,000–$171,000
across 345 roles with salary data.
The Senior Principal Cyber Systems Engineer joins the AISR&T program team to apply systems engineering and cybersecurity disciplines across the full program lifecycle. This role involves developing, decomposing, and managing cyber and security requirements while ensuring traceability through design, implementation, and testing. The engineer will define system architectures aligned with RMF, NIST, and DoD guidance, perform threat modeling, conduct vulnerability analyses, and produce critical artifacts like CONOPS and interface specifications. Day-to-day tasks include collaborating with cross-functional hardware and software teams to embed security controls, performing system scans, and leading remediation activities. The role requires expertise in secure network architectures, enclave design, and Model-Based Systems Engineering tools. This position focuses on the technical challenge of securing mission-critical airborne ISR and tactical systems within a complex defense environment involving specialized communication and platform technologies.
Develop, decompose, and manage cyber and security requirements while ensuring traceability through design, implementation, and testing.
Define and maintain system and subsystem security architectures aligned with RMF, NIST, and DoD guidance.
Perform security risk assessments, threat modeling, and vulnerability analyses to identify and track mitigation measures.
Produce and maintain engineering artifacts including CONOPS, ICDs, security plans, and interface specifications.
Embed security controls into hardware, software, and network designs in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Execute system scans and develop associated findings reports and vulnerability analyses.
Plan and execute security testing while driving remediation activities based on findings.
Deliver technical briefings and status updates to program leadership and mission partners.
What we're looking for
Must have a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field and at least 8 years of relevant military or professional experience.
Must have a Master's degree in a STEM field and at least 6 years of relevant military or professional experience.
Must have a PhD and at least 4 years of relevant military or professional experience.
Must have experience in systems engineering and/or cybersecurity including requirements, architecture, integration, or test.
Must have familiarity with government and industry security frameworks such as NIST, RMF, and DoD STIGs.
Must have an active US Government Secret clearance or higher.
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Experience in airborne ISR, mission systems, tactical communications, RMF within DoW acquisition, secure network architectures, MBSE tools, or professional cybersecurity certifications are preferred.