> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1112668-network-engineer-principal-network-engineer-active-top-secre](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1112668-network-engineer-principal-network-engineer-active-top-secre). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Network Engineer / Principal Network Engineer - Active Top Secre - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Aurora, CO, United States - **Salary:** $83,400.0 - $125,200.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Windows, Software Applications, Linux, Network Architecture, Wide Area Networks, Network Routers, Load Balancing, Firewalls (Computer Science), Cisco - **Published:** June 30, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/8944439/network-engineer-principal-network-engineer-active-top-secre ## About the Role In this role, the successful candidate will design and plan network communication systems and provide specifications and detailed schematics for network architecture. The candidate must be able to troubleshoot and isolate network faults and failures in a LAN/WAN environment and provide specific detailed information for hardware and software selections, implementation techniques and tools for the most efficient solution to meet business needs, including present and future capacity requirements. This candidate will have to maintain technical expertise in all areas of network and software interconnections and interfacing, such as routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers etc, and evaluate and report on new communication technologies to enhance capabilities of the network. Candidates are required to be Security+ certified and have an adjudicated full-scope polygraph at time of employment. Candidates must have the ability to work within a group or independently where collaboration and attention to detail is critical to mission success. This position can be staffed at a level 2 or level 3, based on the basic qualifications below., * Level 2: Bachelor's degree in STEM with 2+ years of relevant experience, OR Master's degree with 0 years * Level 3: Bachelor's degree in STEM with 5+ years of relevant experience, OR Master's degree with 3+ years * Must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access. * Must have an active U.S. Government Full Scope Polygraph at time of application, current and within scope. * Candidates are required to be Security+ certified. * Candidates are required to travel a minimum of 30%. * The candidate will have to maintain technical expertise in all areas of network and software interconnections and interfacing, such as routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers and COMSEC equipment knowledge etc. * CISCO Router, Switches Hardware and Software Knowledge * Experience with designing additions to a large network * Linux and Windows knowledge * The ability and willingness to travel up 30% of the time., * Firewall Hardware and Software Knowledge, administration, management and modifications ## Related Videos - [How Cisco embraced a DevOps culture within its network engineering team](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/99-how-cisco-embraced-a-devops-culture-within-its-network-engineering-team) - [What makes Cybersecurity different for critical infrastructure?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/571-what-makes-cybersecurity-different-for-critical-infrastructure) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [gRPC Load Balancing Deep Dive](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1576-grpc-load-balancing-deep-dive) - [Your Infrastructure Is Not a Playground: AI Agents for Infra Done Right](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2084-your-infrastructure-is-not-a-playground-ai-agents-for-infra-done-right) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) ## Related Articles - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Best Paying Jobs in Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/256-best-paying-jobs-in-technology) - [Where to Find Entry-Level Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/397-where-to-find-entry-level-software-engineering-jobs) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [What Are The Top Skills Required For Azure Developers?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/77-what-are-the-top-skills-required-for-azure-developers) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)