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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal / Sr. Principal Cyber Systems Engineer - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Huntsville, AL, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $119,600.0 - $179,400.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Windows, Systems Engineering, Cyber Security, System Configuration, Data Transmissions, Linux, Design of User Interfaces, Identity and Access Management, Intrusion Detection Systems, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Information Systems Security Architecture Professional, Key Management, Network Security, Network Protocols, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Penetration Tools, Secure Coding, Systems Architecture, Software Vulnerability Management, Scripting, Software Security, Firewalls (Computer Science), CIS Benchmarks, Splunk, Plan of Action and Milestones - **Published:** October 14, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/d393c420-82d3-418a-9ec5-b7cde943ae78 ## About the Role * 5 years of experience with Bachelors in Science; 3 Years with Masters; 1 Year with PhD * ship and active DoD secret clearance * Current DoD 8570 IAT Level II Certification (Security+) or higher. * Experience translating technical concepts and program information to others * Experience with threat modeling, risk assessment, secure design principles * Familiarity with common frameworks/controls (e.g., NIST SP 800-53, RMF, CIS Controls) * Knowledge of: + Network security (firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs) + Host/application security (hardening, secure coding concepts) + Identity & access management, encryption, key management * Experience with vulnerability management and security testing (scans, ST&E, pen-test coordination) Preferred Qualifications for Principal Cyber Systems Engineer: * In-depth knowledge of DoD 8500-series directives. * System Administrator Experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Windows Systems * In-depth understanding of planning, design, and implementation necessary to support a large enterprise system * Working knowledge of NIST 800-series documents * Experience with configuring Security Incident Event Monitoring and IDS/IPS tools such as ACAS, ESS, and Splunk on Linux RedHat and Windows environments * Experience with vulnerability and compliance scanners such * Working experience deploying and configuring Linux and Windows systems in accordance with DoD STIG requirements * Experience in developing scripts to automate security processes, * 8 years of experience with Bachelors in Science; 6 Years with Masters; 4 Years with PhD * ship and active DoD secret clearance * Current DoD 8570 IAT Level II Certification (Security+) or higher * Experience translating technical concepts and program information to others * Deep expertise in: + Secure architecture and design for complex, distributed, or mission-critical systems + Applying NIST RMF, NIST 800-53, 800-171, CNSSI 1253, or similar frameworks + Designing and evaluating defense-in-depth strategies (network, host, application, data, identity) * Experience leading security architecture trade studies * Experience defining cyber requirements, test approaches, and risk mitigations at system-of-systems level * Engage on ATO/Authorization strategy and major security reviews. * Comfortable owning the overall system architecture, not just one component * Proficiency in: + Requirements decomposition & allocation, especially for cyber controls + Interface design, integration strategies, and end-to-end V&V planning Preferred Qualifications for Sr. Principal Cyber Systems Engineer: * In-depth knowledge of DoD 8500-series directives. * Excellent communication (written and oral), negotiation and interpersonal skills necessary to support known activities/challenges working with engineering teams, management, customers, partners and government * System Administrator Experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Windows Systems * In-depth understanding of planning, design, and implementation necessary to support a large enterprise system. * Working knowledge of NIST 800-series documents * Experience with configuring Security Incident Event Monitoring and IDS/IPS tools such as ACAS, ESS, and Splunk on Linux RedHat and Windows environments * Experience with vulnerability and compliance scanners such. * Working experience deploying and configuring Linux and Windows systems in accordance with DoD STIG requirements * Experience in developing scripts to automate security processes. * In-depth systems engineering knowledge to include understanding of systems engineering lifecycle * Experience in managing stakeholder expectations, programmatic risk management, and customer engagement ## Description * Design, plan, implement, and perform assessment of security controls, polices, and processes that are compliant with National Security Agency (NSA) programs and DoD wide frameworks such as Risk Management Framework (RMF) and CMMC * Participate in assessment of systems security controls to validate control implementation and identify weaknesses * Document the results of Certification and Accreditation activities, technical or coordination activity, prepare the system Security Plans, and update the POA&M * Periodically conduct a complete review of each system\'s audits and monitor corrective actions until all actions are closed Implementation, automation, configuration and maintenance of security tools, centralized authentication solutions, IDS/IPS, and compliance baselines * Provide advanced technical analyses of cyber infrastructure challenges and problems; develop/identify technical solutions responsive to customer needs * Participate in team reviews of technical requirements, design and implementation plans prior to deployment * Recommend and implement system enhancements that will improve the performance, reliability, and security of the system including installing, upgrading, monitoring, problem resolution, and configuration * Serve as a Cyber SME supporting high-level technical and practical expertise * Assures the implementation of Cyber Security disciplines, including COMSEC, EMSEC, OPSEC, digital communications systems, network protocols and architectures, and penetration tools and techniques * Support the continuous assessment of Cyber Control compliance for systems within their responsibility