Sr. Principal Engineer Network – Top Secret

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Put your skills to the test by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. From global defense to sustainment and modernization to mission readiness, your experience and ability will make it a reality. Our programs are built on equal parts of curiosity and collaboration. Our combined effort means our customers can connect and defend millions of people around the world. With Northrop Grumman, you’ll have the opportunity to be an essential part of projects that will define your career, now and in the future.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Sr. Principal Network Engineer (4) to maintain smooth operation of local area, worldwide and Virtual Private Networks (VPN) at Palmdale CA.

Successful candidate will design and plan network communications systems. Provides specifications and detailed schematics for network architecture. Provides specific detailed information for hardware and software selection, implementation techniques and tools for the most efficient solution to meet business needs, including present and future capacity requirements. Conducts testing of network design. Maintains technical expertise in all areas of network and computer hardware and software interconnection and interfacing, such as routers, multiplexers, firewalls, hubs, bridges, gateways, etc. Evaluates and reports on new communications technologies to enhance capabilities of the network.

Basic Qualifications:

• At least 9 Years of related experience with Bachelor's in science; 7 Years with Masters. In lieu of formal education, High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) and at least 13 years of applied experience.

• Knowledge of network testing methodologies using routers, switches, firewalls and encryption devices.

• Knowledge of TCP/IP behavior, network communications and routing protocols, network traffic analysis and troubleshooting experience.

• Work under minimal direction and independently determine and develop approach to solutions.

• Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.

• Must be willing to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, and weekends and support on call status for 24 hours-a-day, 7 days- a-week, and 365 days a year.

• Current DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification or ability to obtain within 6 months

• Must have an active DoD Top Secret security clearance and be able to maintain that clearance

• Ability to obtain and retain Special Program access clearance within 365 days from submission.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Industry certifications, such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and/or Network+.

• VMWare or other virtualization experience.

• Ability to understand and design complex network systems.

• Experience performing system validation and verification on complex networks.

• Ability to objectively assess architectural limitations or shortcoming in such areas as scaling, speed and throughput.

• Support multiple networks and ensure necessary administration tasks are completed.

• Recommend and implement system enhancements that will improve the performance and reliability of the system including installing, upgrading/patching, monitoring, problem resolution, and configuration management.

• Test new releases of products to ensure compatibility and minimize network impact.

• Develop and document technical processes and procedures as needed.

• Make recommendations to purchase hardware, software, system components.

• Interact, meet, discuss, and troubleshoot issues with vendors; evaluate vendor products, services, and suggestions.

• Adhere to strict Information Systems security guidelines in all cases.

• Maintain security audit and logging information on all classified network hardware as directed by the Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM).

• Prepare security documentation.

• Report project status as required for all recurring and non-recurring efforts.

• Work under minimal direction and independently determine and develop approach to solutions.

Salary Range: $117,700 USD - $176,500 USD

Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. The company encourages employees to remain up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. U.S. Northrop Grumman employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042 https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.