Network Communications /Principal Network Communications

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.

The COMSEC Security Specialist will work directly with the Government customer as a program representative and will be responsible for the management of all procurement, fielding, and sustainment of Crypto/Keying material and devices supporting the program.  This individual will also assist in the tracking, control, and inventory requirements of all Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and company owned equipment. This position will be located in Palmdale, CA with occasional travel to other Northrop Grumman and sub-contracting facilities.

The COMSEC Security Specialist's duties will include:  Managing proper accountability, handling, storage, packaging, shipment, and administration of all cryptographic materials, troubleshooting, software upgrades, ensuring maximum COMSEC safeguards are in place, and configuration management using industry specific databases.  Other duties will involve the ordering and transfer of cryptographic keys, interfacing with the Central Office of Record, communicating with sub-contracting locations, and providing changes and trend information to other security team members and management.  The COMSEC Security Specialist will also assist in the ongoing development, presentation and accurate record keeping of COMSEC security awareness training for all COMSEC users.

The COMSEC Security Specialist will also be performing Cryptographic Network Management (CryptoNet) functions.  These duties will include the management of COMSEC key, equipment, configuration, distribution, and planning for entire secure network.  The CryptoNet manager will be the sole authority to direct the Central office of Record (COR) to release COMSEC Key and CCI equipment for the secure network, regardless of location.  Other functions include, overall monitoring of the health and wellness of the secure networks, ensuring all networks are operating on current key, remote management of networks (GEM) to include HAIPE to HAIPE Key Transfers.  The CryptoNet manager will validate all cryptographic network requirements, node requirements and accreditation, physical security requirements, and the creation and maintenance of a Key Management Plan (KMP).  Lastly, the CryptoNet Manager will create network sustainment and expansion processes, engineer keying infrastructure/topology, and ensure all NSA and COR policies are being met and maintained.        

This requisition may be filled at either a Network Communications /Principal Network Communications.

Basic Qualifications:

• Network Communications :Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 2 years of direct COMSEC experience or Military COMSEC experience; OR 0 years with a Master's degree; OR additional 4 years of experience, training and certifications in lieu of a degree

• Principal Network Communications: Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 5 years of direct COMSEC experience or Military COMSEC experience; OR 3 years with a Master's degree; OR additional 4 years of experience, training and certifications in lieu of a degree

• Candidate must have and be able to maintain an active U.S. Government security clearance at the Secret level with a background investigation date within 6 years

• Candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance within a reasonable time frame

• Experience with Controlled Cryptographic Items (CCI) equipment and associated keying material

• Experience providing COMSEC support to DoD and Special Access Programs

• Experience with NSA/CSS 3-16, AFI 33-201v2, and CNSS 4005

• Experience as a Cryptographic Network (CRYPTONET) Controlling Authority (CONAUTH)

• Demonstrated proficiency with using COMSEC Fill Devices (SKL, RASKL, SDS, etc.)

• Demonstrated experience with governing policy in protecting classified information including requirements pertaining to the general safeguarding, control, transmission, disposition and retention of classified material

• Proficiency with COMSEC specific tracking databases, (CARDS, DIAS, etc.)

• Ability to properly track and document the issuance, inventory and receipt of COMSEC materials

• Knowledge of DoD COMSEC principles and Crypto Keymat management policies and regulations

• Familiarity with IT Security and associated concepts (i.e. requirements, countermeasures, risk management, contingency planning, emergency action procedures)

• Ability to instruct users on proper use and protection of COMSEC material

• Ability to travel may be required

• Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in some or all of the following NSA Type-I Encryption Devices: KG-175, KIV-7, KG-250, Omni, DTD, SDS, VIPERs and Secure Terminal Equipment (STE) with KSV-21

• Active Top Secret clearance

Salary Range: $74,900 USD - $112,300 USD

Salary Range 2: $92,200 USD - $138,400 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.