Principal Systems Security Engineer

Salary: $108,800 - 163,200 per year Requirements:

• We require a bachelors degree in a Science, Engineering, or Mathematics discipline plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a masters degree in a STEM field plus 3 years of related experience, or a PhD in a STEM field plus 1 year of related experience.
• We require 2 years of systems engineering experience with DoD platforms, systems, sensors, or subsystems such as EO/IR, embedded software, cryptography, satellites, architecture development, hardware design, RF, radar, or undersea sensors.
• We require 2 years of experience, individually or combined, in one or more of the following areas: anti-tamper, cybersecurity, cybersecurity risk management framework, cybersecurity resiliency, reverse engineering, security requirements development, system security integration and testing, or security validation and verification.
• We require the ability to obtain and maintain at least a Secret clearance, along with any additional customer-specified clearance.
• We prefer advanced degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields.
• We prefer an active Secret or Top Secret clearance.
• We prefer experience supporting systems security engineering for DoD weapon systems.
• We prefer experience with hardware assurance, attack surface analysis and reporting, software or firmware encryption, and secure key handling.
• We prefer experience identifying and mitigating software vulnerabilities and performing integration testing of mitigation measures.
• We prefer experience preparing and delivering technical presentations to internal and external customers.

• We provide hands-on support in developing sensor payloads and secure mission security solutions for our hardware and software security offerings.
• We apply full life cycle systems engineering practices in anti-tamper and/or cybersecurity, including architecture design, trade studies, requirements development, detailed design, unit testing, system testing, and verification and validation.
• We help develop and implement hardware and software anti-tamper and cybersecurity methods and countermeasures that protect assets and improve operational integrity and reliability.
• We support compliance with U.S. Government security policies by helping architect secure systems, reviewing processes, tailoring controls, approving procedures and artifacts, and overseeing security testing and analysis.
• We analyze existing security requirements and identify additional safeguards where needed to strengthen system security.
• We work with the U.S. Government and program teams to shape anti-tamper and cybersecurity solutions for international export markets while meeting Tri-Service Committee and Red Team expectations.
• We use reverse engineering methods to design and validate effective security solutions.
• We conduct technical release analyses and help prepare, evaluate, and certify Controlled Unclassified Information and Critical Program Information determinations for licensing.
• We coordinate technology release activities with program personnel and SMEs, including developing and delivering training on technology release processes.
• We manage exportability analyses and communicate required system, subsystem, or sensor modifications to support international compliance.
• We apply an intermediate understanding of cryptographic security protocols to protect sensitive information.
• We support formal Security Test and Evaluation activities, including pre-test preparation, test participation, results analysis, and report writing.
• We document assessment and authorization findings, technical work, and coordination efforts, while maintaining Security Plans and updating the POA&M.
• We support strategic planning for anti-tamper and cybersecurity technology development aligned to global priorities.
• We collaborate with program teams and global business development stakeholders to incorporate international requirements into design efforts and advance product line initiatives.
• We participate in communities of practice to strengthen domain expertise and support continuous professional growth across the organization.

• Architect
• Cryptography
• Embedded
• Firmware
• Hardware
• Support
• Security

More:

We are Northrop Grumman, and we offer a full-time, on-site opportunity at our Rolling Meadows, IL location on our Systems Security Engineering team. Our work spans advanced sensing technologies and state-of-the-art targeting and tracking systems for EOIR and RFEW applications that support U.S. and allied warfighters. We provide competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a workplace that values intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and purposeful work. Relocation assistance may be available, travel is expected up to 10% of the time, and this role may be contingent on funding or contract award and the ability to obtain the required U.S. Government security clearance before start.

last updated 36 week of 2026