Sr. Principal Mission Management Network Engineer at Northrop Grumman

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Principal Mission Management Network Engineer
Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: United States-Florida-Melbourne
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Network Engineering
Date Posted: 2025-06-25
Experience Level: 10+
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Network Architecture & Design: Design and develop network architectures for mission-critical systems, ensuring high performance, security, and scalability.
Hardware Integration & Testing: Perform hardware integration and testing to validate network designs and ensure system compatibility.
Requirements Analysis & Allocation: Interpret, allocate, and tailor requirements to all levels of a system architecture, ensuring traceability and compliance.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers and program stakeholders, to integrate network solutions and manage strategic partners and suppliers.
Technical Leadership: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members, driving innovation and advancing engineering capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in network engineering, with a focus on mission-critical systems and a proven track record of delivering high-quality network solutions in a complex, fast-paced environment.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Network Architecture & Design: Develop and maintain network architectures, considering factors such as performance, security, and scalability. Document designs using detailed schematics, diagrams, and specifications.
Hardware Integration & Testing: Perform hardware integration and testing to validate network designs and ensure system compatibility. Troubleshoot and resolve hardware-related issues as they arise.
Requirements Analysis & Allocation: Interpret, allocate, and tailor requirements to all levels of a system architecture, ensuring traceability and compliance. Collaborate with stakeholders to define and refine requirements as needed.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers and program stakeholders, to integrate network solutions and manage strategic partners and suppliers. Facilitate effective communication and coordination among team members and stakeholders.
Technical Leadership: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members, driving innovation and advancing engineering capabilities. Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong technical leadership skills, with the ability to guide and mentor team members, drive innovation, and make critical decisions that impact the success of mission-critical systems.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university, with a preference for relevant fields such as Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Information Technology.

Experience

A minimum of 9 years of related professional/military experience in engineering, with a focus on network engineering and mission-critical systems.

Required Skills

Network Design & Troubleshooting: Solid understanding of IP4 network design, including IP subnetting and routing protocols such as BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP. Ability to configure and troubleshoot common network devices, with a focus on Cisco IOS-XE.
Advanced Network Topics: Solid understanding of advanced network topics, such as GRE/IPSEC tunnels, VRF, and VRRP. Familiarity with network management protocols like SNMP, SSH, syslog, RADIUS/TACACS.
Cyber Security: Working knowledge of cybersecurity principles and practices, including Risk Managed Framework (RMF), STIGs, and associated elements. Experience with authentication and data encryption methods to secure communications at the datalink or network layer.
Embedded Systems & Operating Systems: Experience with embedded systems, Unix and Linux operating systems, non-Cisco routing environments, single-board computers, servers, and Network Attached Storage (NAS) solutions.
Traffic Capture Tools: Experience with traffic capture tools such as Wireshark and tcpdump, nmap, and netcat for network troubleshooting and analysis.

Preferred Skills

Certifications: DODD 8570 certifications, such as CompTIA Security+ or CISSP, or similar network/security certifications. Professional certifications specific to the networking industry, such as CCNA/CCNP/CCIE.
Agile Processes & Tools: Familiarity with AGILE processes and SCRUM tools such as JIRA and Confluence.
Windows Configuration: Working knowledge of Windows configuration and troubleshooting.
Military COMSEC/CRYPTO Equipment: Experience with HAIPE/TACLANE and other military COMSEC/CRYPTO equipment and procedures.
Tactical/Military Radio Networks: Experience with tactical/military radio networks, such as Common Data Link (CDL) and ANW2.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 7 years of related professional/military experience in engineering, or a Ph.D. and 4 years of related professional/military experience in engineering, are also qualified for this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Network Architecture Portfolio: A comprehensive portfolio showcasing network architecture designs, including detailed schematics, diagrams, and specifications. Highlight projects that demonstrate an understanding of performance, security, and scalability considerations.
Hardware Integration & Testing Projects: Document hardware integration and testing projects, including validation of network designs and resolution of hardware-related issues. Include any relevant test cases, scripts, or documentation that demonstrates your ability to perform hardware integration and testing.
Requirements Analysis & Allocation Projects: Provide examples of requirements analysis and allocation projects, demonstrating your ability to interpret, allocate, and tailor requirements to all levels of a system architecture. Include any relevant documentation or case studies that showcase your understanding of requirements traceability and compliance.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management Projects: Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage strategic partners and suppliers. Include any relevant communication plans, stakeholder maps, or project documentation that showcases your ability to facilitate effective communication and coordination.
Technical Leadership Projects: Include projects that demonstrate your ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members. Highlight any leadership roles, technical innovations, or engineering advancements that showcase your technical leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a portfolio is not explicitly required for this role, providing a comprehensive portfolio that demonstrates your network engineering skills and experience can significantly enhance your application and increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range

The estimated salary range for this role is $118,600.00 - $178,000.00 per year, based on the provided salary range and industry standards for network engineering roles in the United States.

Benefits

Health Insurance Coverage: Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees and their families.
Life & Disability Insurance: Life and disability insurance options to protect employees and their families in case of unexpected events.
Savings Plan: A savings plan that allows employees to contribute pre-tax dollars to a retirement account, with company matching contributions.
Paid Holidays: Paid company holidays, giving employees time off to celebrate and recharge.
Paid Time Off (PTO): Paid time off for vacation and/or personal business, allowing employees to take time off to rest, recharge, and attend to personal matters.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range represents a general guideline, and actual offers may vary based on factors such as the candidate's experience, education, skills, and current market conditions. Additionally, Northrop Grumman offers a variety of benefits, including annual bonuses, discretionary bonuses, and long-term incentives for certain positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Northrop Grumman operates in the aerospace and defense industry, focusing on developing and manufacturing advanced technologies for various government and commercial customers.

Company Size: Northrop Grumman is a large, global organization with over 90,000 employees, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: Northrop Grumman was founded in 1939, with a rich history of innovation and technological advancements in the aerospace and defense industry.

Team Structure:

Network Engineering Team: The network engineering team is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining network architectures for mission-critical systems. The team consists of network engineers, senior network engineers, and principal network engineers, with a matrixed, cross-sector, and geographically dispersed structure.
Reporting Structure: Network engineers report to the Network Engineering Manager, who is responsible for overseeing the team's day-to-day activities and ensuring the delivery of high-quality network solutions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Network engineers collaborate with various stakeholders, including system engineers, software engineers, and program management, to integrate network solutions and ensure the success of mission-critical systems.

Development Methodology:

Agile/Scrum: Northrop Grumman employs Agile/Scrum methodologies for software development and network engineering projects. This approach emphasizes iterative development, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.
Code Review & Testing: Northrop Grumman places a strong emphasis on code review and testing to ensure the quality and reliability of network solutions. Peer review and automated testing tools are used to identify and resolve issues early in the development process.
Deployment Strategies: Northrop Grumman utilizes CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment strategies to ensure efficient and reliable network solution delivery. These strategies enable continuous integration, continuous delivery, and continuous deployment, allowing for rapid and consistent network updates.

Company Website: Northrop Grumman

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. The company values intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Employees are encouraged to challenge the status quo, think creatively, and drive technological advancements in the aerospace and defense industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Network Engineering Career Level: This role is at the senior principal level, representing a high level of technical expertise and leadership within the network engineering discipline. Senior principal network engineers are responsible for driving innovation, mentoring team members, and making critical decisions that impact the success of mission-critical systems.

Reporting Structure: Senior principal network engineers report to the Network Engineering Manager, who oversees the team's activities and ensures the delivery of high-quality network solutions. They also collaborate with various stakeholders, including system engineers, software engineers, and program management, to integrate network solutions and ensure the success of mission-critical systems.

Technical Impact: Senior principal network engineers have a significant impact on the technical direction and success of mission-critical systems. They are responsible for designing and implementing network architectures that meet the performance, security, and scalability requirements of these systems. Their work directly influences the user experience, system availability, and overall mission success.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Specialization: Senior principal network engineers have the opportunity to specialize in specific network engineering domains, such as software-defined networking, network virtualization, or network security. This specialization can lead to deeper technical expertise and increased recognition within the industry.
Technical Leadership: Senior principal network engineers have the opportunity to transition into technical leadership roles, such as network engineering manager or chief network architect. These roles involve overseeing teams, driving strategic decisions, and managing budgets and resources.
Architecture & Design: Senior principal network engineers can advance to principal network architect roles, focusing on designing and implementing complex network architectures for mission-critical systems. These roles require a strong understanding of network engineering principles, as well as the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development within the network engineering discipline. Employees are encouraged to pursue continuous learning, seek out mentorship opportunities, and take on new challenges to advance their careers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Northrop Grumman's office environment is collaborative and modern, with a focus on providing employees with the tools and resources they need to succeed. The company's offices are designed to foster communication, creativity, and innovation.

Office Location(s): Northrop Grumman has offices in various locations across the United States and internationally. The specific office location for this role is in Melbourne, Florida.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: Northrop Grumman's offices feature open, collaborative workspaces that encourage team interaction and knowledge sharing. These workspaces are designed to facilitate communication, brainstorming, and problem-solving among team members.
Development Tools & Equipment: Northrop Grumman provides employees with the latest development tools, software, and hardware to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed. This includes multiple monitors, testing devices, and other specialized equipment.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Northrop Grumman's offices are designed to facilitate cross-functional collaboration between network engineers, system engineers, software engineers, and other stakeholders. This collaboration enables efficient communication, knowledge sharing, and integrated problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Northrop Grumman offers a standard work schedule, with employees working Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break. The company also offers flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting and flexible hours, depending on the role and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's work environment is designed to support employees' professional and personal growth. The company offers a variety of resources, including training and development opportunities, to help employees reach their full potential.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone screen to assess communication skills, cultural fit, and basic technical qualifications.
Technical Phone Interview: A more in-depth technical phone interview focused on network engineering principles, hardware integration, and requirements analysis.
On-Site Interview: An on-site interview consisting of technical discussions, case studies, and behavioral interviews to assess technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.
Final Review: A final review with senior leadership to make a hiring decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Live Demo: Prepare a live demo of your network architecture portfolio, showcasing your ability to design, implement, and test network solutions in a real-world environment.
Case Studies: Develop case studies that demonstrate your ability to analyze network requirements, design and implement network architectures, and resolve hardware-related issues.
Code Walkthrough: Prepare a code walkthrough of your network architecture designs, highlighting your approach to performance, security, and scalability considerations.
User Experience: Highlight any network solutions that demonstrate your understanding of user experience principles and your ability to optimize network performance for end-users.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Network Design & Troubleshooting: Brush up on your network design and troubleshooting skills, focusing on IP4 network design, routing protocols, and advanced network topics.
Hardware Integration & Testing: Familiarize yourself with hardware integration and testing principles, including validation of network designs and resolution of hardware-related issues.
Requirements Analysis & Allocation: Review requirements analysis and allocation techniques, ensuring you understand how to interpret, allocate, and tailor requirements to all levels of a system architecture.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Prepare for questions related to collaboration and stakeholder management, demonstrating your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and manage strategic partners and suppliers.
Technical Leadership: Brush up on your technical leadership skills, focusing on your ability to guide and mentor team members, drive innovation, and make critical decisions that impact the success of mission-critical systems.

ATS Keywords: Network Design, Network Architecture, Hardware Integration, Requirements Analysis, Collaboration, Stakeholder Management, Technical Leadership, Network Engineering, Mission-Critical Systems, Cyber Security, Embedded Systems, Operating Systems, Traffic Capture Tools, Agile Processes, Scrum, JIRA, Confluence, Windows Configuration, Linux Configuration, Military COMSEC/CRYPTO Equipment, Tactical/Military Radio Networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's interview process is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. By preparing thoroughly and demonstrating your expertise in network engineering, you can increase your chances of success in the interview process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: N/A (This role focuses on network engineering and does not involve frontend technologies.)

Backend & Server Technologies:

Routing Protocols: BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, and other advanced routing protocols.
Switching & Networking Equipment: Cisco IOS-XE, Cisco Nexus, Cisco Catalyst, and other advanced networking equipment.
Hardware Platforms: Embedded systems, single-board computers, servers, and Network Attached Storage (NAS) solutions.
Operating Systems: Unix, Linux, and Windows operating systems.

Development & DevOps Tools:

Network Management Applications: Splunk, Firepower Management Center (FMC), and Cisco ISE.
Version Control Systems: Git, Subversion, or other version control systems.
CI/CD Pipelines: Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or other CI/CD pipeline tools.
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Tools: Terraform, Ansible, or other IaC tools.
Containerization & Virtualization: Docker, Kubernetes, or other containerization and virtualization tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman utilizes a wide range of technologies to support its mission-critical systems. The specific technology stack for this role may vary depending on the project and customer requirements.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Network Engineering Values:

Innovation: Northrop Grumman values innovation and encourages network engineers to challenge the status quo, think creatively, and drive technological advancements in the aerospace and defense industry.
Collaboration: Northrop Grumman emphasizes collaboration and fosters a culture of knowledge sharing, teamwork, and cross-functional collaboration between network engineers, system engineers, software engineers, and other stakeholders.
Continuous Learning: Northrop Grumman encourages continuous learning and provides employees with the resources and opportunities they need to develop their skills and advance their careers.
Customer Focus: Northrop Grumman is committed to delivering high-quality network solutions that meet the needs of its customers and exceed their expectations.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Northrop Grumman's network engineering team works closely with various stakeholders, including system engineers, software engineers, and program management, to integrate network solutions and ensure the success of mission-critical systems.
Code Review & Peer Programming: Northrop Grumman places a strong emphasis on code review and peer programming to ensure the quality and reliability of network solutions. This approach enables knowledge sharing, technical mentorship, and continuous learning.
Knowledge Sharing: Northrop Grumman fosters a culture of knowledge sharing, with employees encouraged to share their expertise and insights with their colleagues to drive collective growth and success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's network engineering team values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. By embracing these values, network engineers can drive technological advancements, foster a culture of knowledge sharing, and contribute to the success of mission-critical systems.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Network Design & Troubleshooting: Describe your approach to designing and implementing network architectures, considering factors such as performance, security, and scalability. Provide examples of network design challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
Hardware Integration & Testing: Explain your process for integrating and testing hardware components in a network architecture. Describe any challenges you've faced and how you resolved them.
Requirements Analysis & Allocation: Walk through your approach to interpreting, allocating, and tailoring requirements to all levels of a system architecture. Provide examples of requirements analysis and allocation projects you've worked on and the outcomes you achieved.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams and managing strategic partners and suppliers. Describe any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them to ensure the successful delivery of network solutions.
Technical Leadership: Explain your approach to providing technical guidance and mentorship to team members. Describe any leadership roles you've held and the impact you've made on the success of mission-critical systems.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: How do you see yourself contributing to Northrop Grumman's culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning?
Agile Methodologies: Describe your experience with Agile methodologies and how you've applied them in network engineering projects. How do you ensure the successful delivery of network solutions using Agile practices?
User Experience: How do you approach optimizing network performance for end-users? Can you provide examples of network solutions that demonstrate your understanding of user experience principles?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Live Demo: Prepare a live demo of your network architecture portfolio, showcasing your ability to design, implement, and test network solutions in a real-world environment. Highlight your approach to performance, security, and scalability considerations.
Case Studies: Develop case studies that demonstrate your ability to analyze network requirements, design and implement network architectures, and resolve hardware-related issues. Include any relevant documentation or data that showcases your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
Code Walkthrough: Prepare a code walkthrough of your network architecture designs, highlighting your approach to performance, security, and scalability considerations. Explain your design choices and any trade-offs you made to optimize network performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: By preparing thoroughly and demonstrating your expertise in network engineering, you can increase your chances of success in the interview process and make a strong impression on Northrop Grumman's hiring team.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Principal Mission Management Network Engineer position at Northrop Grumman:

Submit Your Application: Click the application link provided in the job listing and submit your resume and any relevant portfolio materials.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Tailor your network architecture portfolio to showcase your ability to design, implement, and test network solutions in a real-world environment. Highlight your approach to performance, security, and scalability considerations.
Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume is optimized for web development and server administration keywords, with a focus on network engineering skills and experience.
Prepare for Technical Interviews: Brush up on your network design, hardware integration, requirements analysis, and collaboration skills. Familiarize yourself with Northrop Grumman's technology stack and be ready to discuss your technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.
Research the Company: Learn about Northrop Grumman's mission, values, and culture. Prepare questions to ask during the interview process to demonstrate your interest in the company and the role.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Sr. Principal Mission Management Network Engineer