Principal/Sr Principal Systems Security Engineer
Job Description
We are looking for a Principal / Senior Principal Systems Security Engineer to join our team in Rolling Meadows, IL. This position requires 100% onsite work.
What You Will Get to Do:
As an integral part of our Systems Security Engineering team you will be responsible for providing hands-on experience in the development of sensor payloads and mission security solutions supporting our hardware and software security solutions.
Roles & Responsibilities:
• Demonstrate full life cycle development experience encompassing architecture design, trade studies, Anti-Tamper / Cybersecurity requirements formulation, detailed design, unit testing, system testing, and validation and verification practices.
• Support the development and implementation of hardware and software Anti-Tamper / CyberSecurity techniques and countermeasures to protect assets and enhance operational integrity and reliability.
• Implement and ensure compliance with government policies (e.g., JSIG, DAAPM, NIST 800-53, CNSSI 1253, DODI 5200.39, etc.) by reviewing process tailoring needs and approving documented procedures.
• Conduct thorough analyses to validate existing security requirements and develop additional safeguards as necessary to enhance system security.
• Collaborate with the US Government and program teams to negotiate and develop Anti-Tamper / CyberSecurity solutions for international export markets, ensuring compliance with Tri-Service Committee and Red Team requirements for US-deployed and exported military systems.
• Utilize reverse engineering techniques to architect and validate effective Anti-Tamper / CyberSecurity solutions.
• Conduct Technical Release Analyses in accordance with US Government security governance, service policies, and licensing precedents. Prepare, assess, and certify Controlled Unclassified Information and higher information and Critical Program Information determinations for licensing.
• Coordinate Technology Release efforts with program personnel by engaging relevant stakeholders and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to ensure successful outcomes, to include development and delivery of training on Technology Release processes to program personnel.
• Manage and communicate the necessary analyses and modifications for system, subsystem, or sensor exportability, ensuring compliance with international standards.
• Apply intermediate understanding of cryptographic security protocols to safeguard sensitive information.
• Support formal Security Test and Evaluation (ST&E) processes mandated by government authorities through comprehensive pre-test preparations, active participation in testing, result analysis, and the preparation of required reports.
• Document findings from Assessment and Authorization activities, as well as technical and coordination efforts, while preparing and maintaining the system Security Plans and updating the Plan of Actions and Milestones (POA&M).
• Support strategic planning for Anti-Tamper / CyberSecurity technology development that aligns with global strategic priorities and influences current and future policies.
• Collaborate effectively with program teams and global Business Development stakeholders to incorporate international requirements and features into design processes and drive product line initiatives for global market success.
• Actively participate in communities of practice to enhance domain knowledge and foster continuous professional development throughout the organization.
This position can be filled at the Principal Systems Security Engineer or Sr. Principal Systems Security Engineer level based on specific requirements.
This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.
This position is contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access program and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Security Engineer:
• Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field with 5+ years of related experience, a Master's degree in a STEM field with 3+ years of related experience or a PhD in a STEM field with +1 year of related experience.
• Two (2) years of Systems Engineering experience with DoD based Platforms, Sensors and/or Sub-systems. Including but not limited to: EO/IR, Embedded Software or Cryptography, Satellite, Architecture development, Hardware design, RF, Radar and Undersea Sensors, etc.
• Two (2) years of experience with requirements development, derivation, system integration & test and validation and verification.
• Two (2) years of experience with Anti-Tamper / Cyber Security, Reverse Engineering and/or Cyber Security Risk Management Framework / Cyber Resiliency
• Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.
Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Systems Security Engineer:
• Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics field with 8+ years of related experience, a Master's degree with 6+ years of related experience, or a PhD with 4+ years of related experience.
• Two (2) years of Systems Engineering experience with DoD based Platforms, Sensors and/or Sub-systems. Including but not limited to: EO/IR, Embedded Software or Cryptography, Satellite, Architecture development, Hardware design, RF, Radar and Undersea Sensors, etc.
• Two (2) years of experience with requirements development, derivation, system integration & test and validation and verification
• Two (2) years of experience with Anti-Tamper / Cyber Security, Reverse Engineering and/or Risk Management Framework / Cyber Resiliency
• Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Advanced degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics or related technical fields.
• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance
• Experience with Hardware (Firmware) Assurance, Software Attack Surface Analysis Report, Select Software/Firmware Encryption, and Secure Key Handling
• Experience with identifying and mitigating software assurance vulnerabilities and performing integration testing of mitigation/resolution
• Experience with contributing to and/or making technical presentations to internal and external customers
Primary Level Salary Range: $105,400.00 - $158,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $131,100.00 - $196,700.00The 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.
We are looking for a Principal / Senior Principal Systems Security Engineer to join our team in Rolling Meadows, IL. This position requires 100% onsite work.
What You Will Get to Do:
As an integral part of our Systems Security Engineering team you will be responsible for providing hands-on experience in the development of sensor payloads and mission security solutions supporting our hardware and software security solutions.
Roles & Responsibilities:
• Demonstrate full life cycle development experience encompassing architecture design, trade studies, Anti-Tamper / Cybersecurity requirements formulation, detailed design, unit testing, system testing, and validation and verification practices.
• Support the development and implementation of hardware and software Anti-Tamper / CyberSecurity techniques and countermeasures to protect assets and enhance operational integrity and reliability.
• Implement and ensure compliance with government policies (e.g., JSIG, DAAPM, NIST 800-53, CNSSI 1253, DODI 5200.39, etc.) by reviewing process tailoring needs and approving documented procedures.
• Conduct thorough analyses to validate existing security requirements and develop additional safeguards as necessary to enhance system security.
• Collaborate with the US Government and program teams to negotiate and develop Anti-Tamper / CyberSecurity solutions for international export markets, ensuring compliance with Tri-Service Committee and Red Team requirements for US-deployed and exported military systems.
• Utilize reverse engineering techniques to architect and validate effective Anti-Tamper / CyberSecurity solutions.
• Conduct Technical Release Analyses in accordance with US Government security governance, service policies, and licensing precedents. Prepare, assess, and certify Controlled Unclassified Information and higher information and Critical Program Information determinations for licensing.
• Coordinate Technology Release efforts with program personnel by engaging relevant stakeholders and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to ensure successful outcomes, to include development and delivery of training on Technology Release processes to program personnel.
• Manage and communicate the necessary analyses and modifications for system, subsystem, or sensor exportability, ensuring compliance with international standards.
• Apply intermediate understanding of cryptographic security protocols to safeguard sensitive information.
• Support formal Security Test and Evaluation (ST&E) processes mandated by government authorities through comprehensive pre-test preparations, active participation in testing, result analysis, and the preparation of required reports.
• Document findings from Assessment and Authorization activities, as well as technical and coordination efforts, while preparing and maintaining the system Security Plans and updating the Plan of Actions and Milestones (POA&M).
• Support strategic planning for Anti-Tamper / CyberSecurity technology development that aligns with global strategic priorities and influences current and future policies.
• Collaborate effectively with program teams and global Business Development stakeholders to incorporate international requirements and features into design processes and drive product line initiatives for global market success.
• Actively participate in communities of practice to enhance domain knowledge and foster continuous professional development throughout the organization.
This position can be filled at the Principal Systems Security Engineer or Sr. Principal Systems Security Engineer level based on specific requirements.
This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.
This position is contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access program and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Security Engineer:
• Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field with 5+ years of related experience, a Master's degree in a STEM field with 3+ years of related experience or a PhD in a STEM field with +1 year of related experience.
• Two (2) years of Systems Engineering experience with DoD based Platforms, Sensors and/or Sub-systems. Including but not limited to: EO/IR, Embedded Software or Cryptography, Satellite, Architecture development, Hardware design, RF, Radar and Undersea Sensors, etc.
• Two (2) years of experience with requirements development, derivation, system integration & test and validation and verification.
• Two (2) years of experience with Anti-Tamper / Cyber Security, Reverse Engineering and/or Cyber Security Risk Management Framework / Cyber Resiliency
• Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.
Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Systems Security Engineer:
• Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics field with 8+ years of related experience, a Master's degree with 6+ years of related experience, or a PhD with 4+ years of related experience.
• Two (2) years of Systems Engineering experience with DoD based Platforms, Sensors and/or Sub-systems. Including but not limited to: EO/IR, Embedded Software or Cryptography, Satellite, Architecture development, Hardware design, RF, Radar and Undersea Sensors, etc.
• Two (2) years of experience with requirements development, derivation, system integration & test and validation and verification
• Two (2) years of experience with Anti-Tamper / Cyber Security, Reverse Engineering and/or Risk Management Framework / Cyber Resiliency
• Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Advanced degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics or related technical fields.
• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance
• Experience with Hardware (Firmware) Assurance, Software Attack Surface Analysis Report, Select Software/Firmware Encryption, and Secure Key Handling
• Experience with identifying and mitigating software assurance vulnerabilities and performing integration testing of mitigation/resolution
• Experience with contributing to and/or making technical presentations to internal and external customers
Primary Level Salary Range: $105,400.00 - $158,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $131,100.00 - $196,700.00The 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.
About Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip out customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our nearly 100,000 employees contribute to launching the technology of tomorrow, today.
© 2025 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.
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