> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1898973-sr-principal-engineer-systems](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1898973-sr-principal-engineer-systems). 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). --- # Sr Principal Engineer Systems - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Beale Air Force Base, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $108,800.0 - $163,200.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Secure Shell (SSH), C (Programming Language), Microsoft Windows, Agile Methodology, Systems Engineering, JIRA, Bash Shell, C++ (Programming Language), Cisco PIX, Cyber Security, Computer Programming, Computer Networks, Data Centers, Linux, VMware ESX Servers, Networking Hardware, Interoperability, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Python (Programming Language), Linux System Administration, Network Configuration and Change Management, Network Architecture, Routing, Network Administration, Satcom, SAP (Applications), Simple Network Management Protocols, Syslog, Systems Integration, Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System (TACACS), TCP/IP, Virtual Local Area Networks, Virtualization Technology, Network Routers, Scripting, Hardware Testing, Firewalls (Computer Science), Hardware Infrastructure, Firepower, Cisco - **Published:** August 1, 2026 - **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/B22F1F3DFBC54D4CB315045F3B4C9D69/job/ ## About the Role Applicable at a Principal Engineer Level (level 3): * Must have a Bachelors degree in a STEM field and at least 5 years of relevant systems engineering or related professional engineering/ military experience, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 3 years of relevant systems engineering or related professional engineering/ military experience, OR a PhD and at least 1 year of relevant systems engineering or related professional engineering/ military experience Applicable at a Senior Principal Engineer Level (level 4): * Must have a Bachelors degree in a STEM field and at least 8 years of relevant systems engineering or related professional engineering/ military experience, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 6 years of relevant systems engineering or related professional engineering/ military experience, OR a PhD and at least 4 years of relevant systems engineering or related professional engineering/ military experience. Applicable at Both Levels: * Experience with system integration, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis across hardware, software, and network boundaries. * Familiarity with modern operating systems and networking concepts (e.g., Windows and/or Linux administration, TCP/IP, VLANs, routing, ACLs, VPNs). * Experience reading and interpreting electrical and/or mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation. * Experience working cross-functionally with engineering teams and technicians to implement system changes and resolve issues under schedule pressure. * Active USG Top Secret SCI clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). * Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Access Program (SAP) access via a Program Access Request (PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs. * Ability to work non-standard hours (shift work, nights, weekends, holidays) and support occasional travel (up to ~25%). Preferred Qualifications * Strong written and verbal communication skills, including clear technical documentation and briefings. * Experience supporting airborne ISR platforms and associated ground systems in field or test environments. * Experience configuring and troubleshooting network equipment (e.g., Cisco or equivalent switches/routers, firewalls such as Cisco ASA/Firepower or Palo Alto) and virtualized environments (VMware ESXi or similar). * Familiarity with network management and security protocols (e.g., SNMP, SSH, syslog, RADIUS/TACACS). * Experience with Agile practices and/or tools (e.g., JIRA) for managing engineering actions. * Proficiency in one or more programming/scripting languages (e.g., C, C++, Python, Bash) * Prior military, flight test, or depot-level field engineering support experience. * DoD 8140 IAT Level II (or higher) compliant certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CCNA Security, CCNP, CISSP) strongly preferred. ## Description Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Systems Engineer (Principal or Senior Principal Engineer Level) to support fielded airborne ISR systems and associated data center, network, and communication infrastructures onsite at Beale AFB, CA . This role is a key technical interface between operations, field users, engineering Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), and customer representatives. The selected engineer will apply systems thinking to sustain and improve mission systems, resolve complex field issues, and drive configuration changes from concept through implementation in support of 24/7 operations. Roles and Responsibilities * Serve as the on-site systems engineering liaison between operations, engineering IPTs, and customer stakeholders to resolve field issues, escalations, and installations. * Sustain and provide real-time support for mission systems, including operating systems (Windows, Linux, VMware ESXi), data center hardware (compute, storage, network), and ground communication/network infrastructure (routers, switches, firewalls, SATCOM/RF). * Perform system-level troubleshooting and root cause analysis across avionics, data center, network, and communication subsystems in field and control room environments. * Plan, configure, integrate, and test hardware/software changes in lab and operational environments; ensure interoperability across compute, storage, and network. * Lead intake, technical review, and execution of configuration and change requests, including preparation of Configuration Change Board (CCB) packages with risk assessments and implementation guidance. * Coordinate and track cross-functional action items and change requests; maintain status and performance metrics for field modifications and fixes. * Develop and execute test plans, integration procedures, and verification/validation activities for new or modified payloads, instrumentation, and network configurations. * Provide technical briefings and written status updates to customers, program leadership, and internal stakeholders. * Support mission operations, including shift work, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime. ## 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) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) - [Computer Vision from the Edge to the Cloud done easy](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/263-computer-vision-from-the-edge-to-the-cloud-done-easy) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [7 Important Tips That Every Software Developer Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/101-7-important-tips-that-every-software-developer-should-know) - [The Ultimate Software Engineer Career Path Guide for 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/146-the-ultimate-software-engineer-career-path-guide-for-2023)