Principal Network Engineer

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company known for its pioneering role in developing revolutionary systems that impact national security worldwide. With a rich history of technological innovations – from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean to stealth bombers and the moon landing – Northrop Grumman continues to be at the forefront of advanced defense and intelligence solutions. The company values intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and fosters a culture where employees bring their whole selves to work. Known for its insatiable drive to push boundaries and achieve what many consider impossible, Northrop Grumman offers a collaborative and inclusive work environment where bold ideas and pioneering spirits thrive. Employees at Northrop Grumman are more than just a part of history; they are actively making history by shaping the future of defense technology.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, a division of the company, specializes in mission-enabling solutions for global security, providing innovative technologies and optimized product lines tailored to give warfighters an authoritative edge. Based in San Diego, CA, this division focuses on developing digital transformation initiatives using Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps, and Agile methodologies to enhance how critical national defense products and capabilities are delivered to the warfighter.

The Principal Network Engineer role at Northrop Grumman is a high-impact position that offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to enterprise-wide digital transformation efforts. The successful candidate will play a key role in leveraging cutting-edge networking technologies and principles such as Zero Trust, microsegmentation, cloud networking (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), Kubernetes networking, and infrastructure as code using Terraform. This role requires a forward-thinking engineer who is collaborative, open, and focused on team empowerment, continuous learning, automation, and innovation.

In this strategic role, the Principal Network Engineer will act as a consultant on specialized and leading-edge information technologies, performing installation, configuration, maintenance, system enhancement recommendations, and problem-solving across a complex network and software environment. The position also involves compliance with stringent cyber security requirements and supports an Agile, DevSecOps culture. Candidates who thrive in a fast-moving environment that encourages rapid innovation and teamwork will find this role to be highly fulfilling.

This position does not require an initial security clearance; however, the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance is required. The role involves travel approximately 10% of the time for system installations, test support, and customer demonstrations. Northrop Grumman offers a competitive salary range from $103,600 to $155,400, commensurate with experience, education, and skills, along with a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, life and disability insurance, savings plans, paid holidays, and paid time off for vacation and personal business. The company encourages diversity and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all candidates regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class. U.S. citizenship is a requirement for this role due to government clearance restrictions.