Skip to main contentA logo with &quat;the muse&quat; in dark blue text.

Cyber Systems Engineer - level 3 or 4

Yesterday Dulles, VA

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE TYPE: SCITRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman's Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Cyber Systems Engineer - level 3 or 4 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals.
This role is located in Dulles, VA.
This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work. * This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.
Position Description:
A Cyber Systems Security Engineering position requires demonstrated technical accomplishments in securing complex systems that can be applied to Space Systems. Space Systems are comprised of multiple segments and this position has responsibilities across Ground Segments, Communications Segments, and Space Segments. This position supports National Security Space missions that require the most trustworthy personnel and a new hire start date is contingent on TS/SCI clearance transfer.
This position is responsible for the following:

Work as part of an integrated product team (IPT) to architect, implement, and satisfy Risk Management Framework (RMF) CyberSecurity, CyberResilience, and/or CyberSurvivability requirements of satellite systems, communications links, and ground command & control (C2) systems. You will engage with multiple engineering disciplines and contribute to the secure design of complex systems

System Security Engineering Requirements management in support of program protection (PP) requirements, work with systems engineers to decompose system-level security controls into technical performance requirements across the segments and down to specific components, across disciplines Anti-Tamper, TEMPEST, Cybersecurity (RMF), and cryptographic component integration/development. You will ensure that Cyber requirements are included in the formal requirements tracking process and is Cyber/SSE contributor for a segment or subsystem

Perform Attack Surface Analysis (ASA) and prepare Systems Security Plan (SSP) documentation for complex space systems, including Risk Assessment Reports (RAR), Security Control Traceability Matrices (SCTM), Security Assessment Procedures, and POA&Ms

Implement and maintain COTS security products (firewalls, anti-virus, two-factor authentication, SIEM tools, etc. within terrestrial systems

For space segments, you will support design and implementation of space vehicle hardening, for embedded processors and flight software. Experience with real-time operating systems, secure coding best practices, or other mission critical operational systems is required

Prepare and Execute assessment procedures to verify conformance with Commercial, Federal Civilian agency, Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community, and/or Special Access Program, Cyber/SSE security controls, and or survivability requirements, as required based on the specified customer/system requirements

Work in an Agile engineering environment, where the Cyber/SSE may assist in triage of Static Code Analysis (SCA) tool findings (e.g. Fortify) and assist in prioritizing the findings as technical debt in the SwDLC backlog

Want more jobs like this?

Get jobs in Dulles, VA delivered to your inbox every week.

Job alert subscription


Work in small teams to complete systems engineering, assembly, integration, and test activities for security-critical components, such as Cross Domain Solutions, cryptographic devices, and controlled interfaces

Securely deploy Mission Unique Software (MUS) in computing clouds and/or highly virtualized environments. Prepare Certification To Field (CTF) assessment procedures. Execute CTF test cases for observation by customer cybersecurity representatives

Interface with customer representatives to accomplish Cyber Test & Evaluation of systems to meet critical program milestones

Perform system vulnerability scanning, remediation, and patch management activities on Windows and Red Hat operating systems and various COTS/GOTS applications including those within virtualized and/or cloud environments

Document (or update) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and when needed, perform software patch installation, other flaw remediation, antivirus updates, and continuous monitoring (ConMon) activities

Ensure systems are operated, maintained, and disposed of in accordance with security policies and procedures as outlined in the system security authorization package

To be successful you should have:

Experience designing systems/networks to use, or hands-on experience operating, DISA Host Based Security System (HBSS) or Endpoint Security Suite (ESS) solutions

Experience designing systems/networks to use, or hands-on experience with industry platform hardening practices, such as DISA Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) implementation, as well as documentation of deviations and mitigations

Experience designing systems/networks to use, or scanning, remediating, mitigating, and reporting cybersecurity vulnerabilities discovered through use of audit reduction tools and/or the DISA Automated Security Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS) tool or Tenable NESSUS

Experience implementing the RMF process from system categorization through continuous monitoring

Excellent technical document preparation skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders ranging from technical staffers up to senior program managers

This position is contingent upon candidate program approval and clearance verification and transfer to the NG sponsored program as well as continued ability to maintain required clearance level.
Basic Qualifications (must have/required to be considered):
This requisition may be filled at either a level 3 (Principal) or a level 4 (Sr Principal), depending on the candidate's experience as laid out in the basic qualifications detailed below as well as the interview assessment.

Requires an active Top-Secret (TS)/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance [TS/SCI] at time of application [US Citizenship required]

Level 3: (Principal)

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 5 years of cyber systems experience (excluding internships, research projects, etc)

Master's degree in a STEM field with 3 years of cyber systems experience (excluding internships, research projects, etc)

PhD degree in a STEM field with 1 year of cyber systems experience (excluding internships, research projects, etc)

Level 4: (Sr Principal)

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 8 years of cyber systems experience (excluding internships, research projects, etc)

Master's degree in a STEM field with 6 years of cyber systems experience (excluding internships, research projects, etc)

PhD degree in a STEM field with 4 years of cyber systems experience (excluding internships, research projects, etc)

Must hold a current CompTIA Sec+ certification OR an IAM level 2 certification

If does not possess, must be able to obtain a CISSP or CASP prior to start

Experience designing systems/networks to use, or hands-on experience with industry platform hardening practices, such as DISA Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) implementation, as well as documentation of deviations and mitigations.

Experience designing systems/networks to use, or scanning, remediating, mitigating, and reporting cybersecurity vulnerabilities discovered through use of audit reduction tools and/or the DISA Automated Security Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS) tool or Tenable NESSUS.

Experience implementing the RMF process from system categorization through continuous monitoring.

Preferred Qualifications (not required, but nice to have):

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering

Current CISSP-ISSEP or CISSP-ISSAP certification

Experience with IA/cybersecurity experience, with are least 3 of those within the SAP community in the defense aerospace industry

Experience hardening Docker containers

About Space Sector:
Offering satellite, payload, directed energy, and electronics for security and civil markets. We're built on innovative, cost-effective aerospace/defense solutions, ensuring mission success. Join our revolution, where the impossible becomes possible.
Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:*
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
Primary Level Salary Range: $125,300.00 - $187,900.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $156,400.00 - $234,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Client-provided location(s): Dulles, VA
Job ID: NorthropGrumman-R10214736
Employment Type: OTHER
Posted: 2025-11-18T20:24:27

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Health Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • HSA
    • HSA With Employer Contribution
    • On-Site Gym
    • Pet Insurance
    • Mental Health Benefits
    • Virtual Fitness Classes
  • Parental Benefits

    • Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
    • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
    • Fertility Benefits
    • Adoption Assistance Program
    • Family Support Resources
    • Adoption Leave
  • Work Flexibility

    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Remote Work Opportunities
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
    • Four-Day Work Week
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
    • Company Outings
    • On-Site Cafeteria
    • Holiday Events
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Paid Holidays
    • Sabbatical
    • Leave of Absence
  • Financial and Retirement

    • 401(K)
    • 401(K) With Company Matching
    • Performance Bonus
    • Relocation Assistance
    • Financial Counseling
    • Profit Sharing
  • Professional Development

    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Promote From Within
    • Mentor Program
    • Shadowing Opportunities
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Lunch and Learns
    • Internship Program
    • Leadership Training Program
    • Associate or Rotational Training Program
  • Diversity and Inclusion

    Company Videos

    Hear directly from employees about what it is like to work at Northrop Grumman.