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# Principal Cyber Systems Engineer Lead

- **Company:** Northrop Grumman
- **Location:** Chantilly, VA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $125,300.0 - $187,900.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Agile Methodology, Software Applications, Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), Cloud Computing, Cloud Computing Security, Static Program Analysis, Code Review, Cyber Security, Information Systems, Continuous Delivery, Continuous Integration, DevOps, Python (Programming Language), Object-Oriented Software Development, Open Web Application Security, Scrum Methodology, Software Architecture, Fortify (Software), Zero Trust Network Access, Scaled Agile Framework, Web Application Security, Software Engineering, Trusted Systems, Privacy Controls, Scripting, Information Security Management System, Software Security, Technical Debt, Information Technology, Vulnerability Analysis
- **Published:** September 17, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9168785/principal-cyber-systems-engineer-lead

## About the Role

* Bachelor's Degree (STEM) with 5 Years of relevant experience, or a Master's Degree (STEM) with 3 years of relevant experience, or a PhD (STEM) with 1 years of relevant experience

Execution:

 * Required Location: Sterling and/or Chantilly, VA
 * Active Top Secret (TS) Security Clearance at the time of application, SCI Eligible and U.S. Citizenship required
 * Possess CISSP, CSSLP, CASP, CISM or equivalent certification
 * Understanding of NIST 800-37 (Risk Management Framework), NIST 800-53 (Security and Privacy Controls for Information Systems) and OWASP Top 10 (Web Application Security) security controls and the Systems Engineering requirements analysis, decomposition, and analysis process
 * Experience with Cloud Security and Best Practices
 * Demonstrated knowledge of Software Development Lifecycle (SwDLC), Systems Engineering Review Processes, and System/Software Accreditation Milestones
 * Technical Leadership and/or Mentorship Experience, * Bachelors and/or Master's Degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity or Information Systems Management
 * 2+ years of experience in the Defense Space Industry
 * Experience and/or Certified in Earned Value Management (EVM)
 * Experience in Application Security, Software Development, DevOps, and/or related field
 * Experience with Embedded (C/C++), Scripting (Python) and Object-Oriented Programming languages (Java); previous development experience preferred
 * Familiarity with Zero-Trust Security Principles and Implementation Approaches

#SpaceEngJobs
#SpaceSoftwareJobs

#NoVASpace

## Description

We are looking for an Mid-Level Cybersecurity Professional to join our Cybersecurity Integrated Product team (IPT) who will maintain an enhanced focus on ground segment cloud infrastructure and lead the cybersecurity posture of mission-critical information systems in 100% Agile Development and Operational environment(s) from design through decommissioning. In this role, you will operate as a Cybersecurity Lead for a new mission onboarding into a pre-existing program's ecosystem; this role will report to the overall program cybersecurity lead. You will work closely with the integrated product teams to develop and decompose software security requirements, technical architectures, system designs and provide technical oversight to the organization. Finally, you will collaborate with the Platform Deployment team supporting the implementation of secure infrastructure, Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, and achieving accreditation & sustainment of a private cloud
infrastructure.

If you thrive on ownership, strategic thinking, customer engagement, and creative solutioning, this role is for you!, * Working in an Agile engineering environment, where you will lead the design, development, and/or implementation of secure systems. Continuously ensure systems are compliant with program security requirements.

 * Working with space vehicle vendors to communicate ground security requirements and support the integration of space vehicle hardware into an overall, encompassing operational ground accreditation
 * Working in an Agile engineering environment, where you may assist in identifying, prioritizing, and/or guiding strategic oversight of software security requirements; to include triage of Static Code Analysis (SCA) tool findings (e.g. Fortify) and assist in prioritizing the findings as technical debt in the Software Development LifeCycle (SwDLC) backlog
 * Advising software development scrum teams on secure coding practices, cybersecurity practices for containerized/orchestrated environments and CI/CD pipelines, security-focused engineering trade studies, and other security best practices.
 * Conducting security assessments of mission software applications to include code reviews, vulnerability assessments, application security testing, while contributing to the overall security posture of the system and software architecture
 * Assist in the development and implementation of security tools and automation processes; to include Static and Dynamic Code Analysis, Software Dependency Scanning, Compliance and Vulnerability Scanning, Auditing & Event Monitoring Solutions
 * Developing standard Risk Management Framework (RMF) artifacts, such as System Security Plan (SSP), Risk Assessment Report (RAR), Security Controls Traceability Matrix (SCTM), Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms), and additional security policies and best practices for application security
 * Familiarity with the system accreditation process to achieve Authority to Operate (ATO) and experience in conducting system security assessments outlined through the RMF process
 * Documenting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and when needed, performing software patch installation, other flaw remediation, antivirus updates, and continuous monitoring (ConMon) activities.
 * Ensuring systems are operated, maintained, and disposed of in accordance with security policies and procedures as outlined in the system security authorization package.


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