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Sr Principal Engineer Comm Sys - PAAWNS Technical Lead (26-119)

7 days ago Colorado Springs, CO

CO Salary Range: USD 117,500.00 - 176,300.00 per year

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: 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.Northrop Grumman Space Systems-Missile Defense Integration offers an excellent opportunity for a Sr Principal Engineer Communications Systems - PAAWNS Technical Lead (26-119) to join our team of talented and diverse professionals. Located at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado Springs, CO, this role is essential to supporting the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at the strategic, regional, and operational levels.

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This position does not provide relocation assistance and requires on-site work with no remote options.

Position Overview:

The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program is a key component of the Missile Defense System. It is an essential operational system that enables the U.S. president, the secretary of defense, and combatant commanders at the strategic, regional, and operational levels to systematically plan ballistic missile defense operations, collectively monitor the battle, and dynamically control networked sensors and weapon systems to accomplish global and regional mission objectives. C2BMC supports layered missile defense capabilities that provide an optimized response to threats across all ranges and flight phases. It acts as a force multiplier by networking, integrating, and synchronizing autonomous sensor and weapon systems and operations globally and regionally to improve performance. C2BMC is vital for all ground and flight tests that verify and demonstrate the current and future capabilities of missile defense systems.

The Protected Anti-Jam/Anti-Scintillation Wide Band Network (PAAWNS) Lead Engineer will oversee Active Directory accounts, policies, and procedures for the network while continuously monitoring circuits, troubleshooting in real-time, and mitigating connectivity issues. This role acts as the primary liaison with Regional Satellite Support Centers (RSSC) to diagnose outages, determine the reason for outages (RFO), and provide 24/7 hardware sustainment, replacement, and troubleshooting support to globally dispersed spoke-site engineers. The engineer will also deploy hardware and software updates, maintain and improve troubleshooting documentation, and deliver clear status reports to government leads, enterprise watch officers, and other network engineers through on-site and telephonic channels. Additionally, the engineer will train 24/7 network operations personnel on monitoring, reporting, and remediation procedures, offer technical guidance to remote site engineers and higher-level development teams, and coordinate CONOPs, OPSCON updates, and scheduled IT/Cyber events. Up to 10% of travel per year may be required for on-site hardware and software upgrades.

Essential Functions:

The role requires initiative, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead projects with minimal supervision, including providing Level II operational support for enterprise upgrades, installations, and troubleshooting as authorized

Proven experience in leading a team and reporting system status

Experience delivering training to DoW personnel or contractors

Understanding of DoW, COCOM, and Service Component structures

Background in communications or related fields supporting missile defense systems

Typically has 5 or more years of relevant experience and may possess a post-secondary degree or training in a related field

Performs other duties and assignments as required

Basic Qualifications:

Please list your current security clearance and IAT or relevant certifications on your resume, if applicable.


A Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field from an accredited university, along with 8 years of experience; or a Master's degree in a related field with 6 years of relevant work experience; or 12 years of relevant work experience may be considered as an alternative to a degree

Applicants must possess a current, active DoD 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher (such as Security+ CE, SecurityX, CCNA Security, CySA+ , GICSP, GSEC, SSCP, CASP+ CE, CISSP, CCNA-Security, CND, etc.) at the time of application, which is required to start. The candidate is responsible for maintaining their DoD 8140 certification throughout the entire contract period

Applicants must have a current, active in-scope DoD-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start with the ability to obtain Top Secret with eligibility to be read onto SCI

Willingness to travel 10% of the time for business needs

Prior experience at RSSC, STEPSITE, or as a SATCOM Operator (military or contractor) involving direct interaction with RSSC or STEPSITE

Strong understanding of network devices and integration of PAAWNS with routers, switches, TACLANEs, and others

Preferred Qualifications:

Applicants with a current, active in-scope DoD-issued Top Secret security clearance at the time of application, and who are eligible to be read onto SCI, are strongly preferred.

Advanced certifications like CISSP, CCNA/CCNP, or GSEC

Prior experience with the PAAWNS Management Component or similar wideband anti-jam/anti-scintillation networks

Hands-on experience with hardware and software version control and deployment in a 24/7 environment

Proven track record in developing and maintaining technical documentation and SOPs

Experience coordinating large-scale CONOPs/OPSCON updates and IT/Cyber event planning



What We Can Offer You:

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that encourages your growth, supporting both employees and the company's success. The benefits at Northrop Grumman are flexible and customizable, allowing you to choose options that best suit your needs and your family's. Your benefits will include the following:

Health Plan

Savings Plan

Paid Time Off

Education Assistance

Training and Development

Flexible Work Arrangements

https://benefits.northropgrumman.com/us/en2/BenefitsOverview/Pages/default.aspx

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Additional Northrop Grumman Information:
Primary Level Salary Range: $117,500.00 - $176,300.00The 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): Colorado Springs, CO
Job ID: NorthropGrumman-R10226694
Employment Type: OTHER
Posted: 2026-03-22T19:57:44

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

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