user avatar

Principal/ Sr. Principal Network Communications (Level 3 or Leve

Northrop Grumman

Posted today

Job Requirements

Chantilly, VA
Top Secret Polygraph
Career Level not specified
$103,600 - $155,400

Job Description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription

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.

Are you interested in expanding your career through experience and exposure, all the while supporting a mission that seeks to ensure the security of our nation and its allies? If so, then Northrop Grumman may be the place for you.

As a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions to customers worldwide, Northrop Grumman offers an extraordinary portfolio of capabilities and technologies. Here at Northrop Grumman we are comprised of professionals that bring different perspectives, are curious about the world, accepting of each other, and understand that the more ideas, backgrounds, and experiences we bring to our work then the more innovative we can be. As we continue to build our talented workforce we look for professionals that exemplify our core values, leadership characteristics, and approach to innovation.

Job Description:

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Principal/Sr. Principal Network Communications (level 3 or 4) to join our diverse team of professionals located in Chantilly, VA.

The Network Communication Subject Matter Expert (SME) will plan, evaluate, and coordinate installation and/or reconfiguration of hardware and software elements of data and/or voice communication network. Maintains technical expertise in all areas of networks and computer hardware and software interconnection and interfacing, such as routers, virtual systems and servers, automated systems, and data storage. May propose solutions to management to ensure all communications requirements based on future needs and current usage, configuring such solutions to optimize cost savings. Prepares or ensures that appropriate network documentation exists, including operational instructions. Provides regular monitoring and network analysis regarding short- and long-range planning for in-house systems. May coordinate third-party maintenance for network equipment. May design network or portion of network that include selection of hardware and software packages.

The Network Communication SME will develop technical manual and training curriculum to be employed during procedures, simulation, and/or flight training. Writes, rewrites and/or edits technical documents such as technical procedure manuals, user manuals, operational specifications, and related technical publications to communicate clearly and effectively technical specifications and instructions to aviation related audiences. Evaluates curriculum materials based on trainee feedback and instructor input. Reviews simulator design and training effectiveness to provide maximum proficiency. Reviews mission planning processes and software for incorporation into training materials. Coordinates meetings and working groups with engineering support and SMEs to develop new, and expand already designed training curriculum. Conducts quality review of materials.

This position may be filled as a Level 3 or Level 4 based on the qualifications outlined below.

Basic Qualifications Sr. Principal (Level 3):
  • Bachelors degree and 5 years of Network Communications experience; Masters and 3 years for relevant experience; In lieu of formal education, 9 years of relevant job experience may be considered.
  • Must be able to complete initial qualification training within 180 days from program access.
  • Must have an active Security +
  • Must be able to complete qualification and training program within 6 months of program access
  • Must be willing to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, and weekends and support on call status for 24 hours-a-day, 7 days- a-week, and 365 days a year.
  • Must meet medical requirements for worldwide travel.
  • Must have and maintain a valid U.S. passport.
  • Must accept customer furnished quarters for a period up to 120 days away from primary work location and comply with mobility requirements to include required immunizations and vaccinations.
  • Applicants must be a US citizen and have a current and active US Government Top Secret clearance with ability to maintain, SCI eligible, and willingness to undergo a polygraph.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and retain Special Program access clearance within 365 days from submission.


Basic Qualifications Sr. Principal (Level 4):
  • Bachelors degree and 8 years of Network Communications experience; Masters and 6 years for relevant experience; In lieu of formal education, 12 years of relevant job experience may be considered.
  • Must have an active Security +
  • Must be willing to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, and weekends and support on call status for 24 hours-a-day, 7 days- a-week, and 365 days a year.
  • Must meet medical requirements for worldwide travel.
  • Must have and maintain a valid U.S. passport.
  • Must accept customer furnished quarters for a period up to 120 days away from primary work location and comply with mobility requirements to include required immunizations and vaccinations.
  • Must possess an active U.S Government Top Secret Clearance and be able to maintain that clearance.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and retain Special Program access clearance within 365 days from submission.


Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with:
  • Requirements Capture
  • Test and Implementation
  • Virtual Systems and Servers
  • Linux/OpenShift Operating Systems and Principles
  • Windows Server and Desktop versions.
  • Wide Area (WAN) and Local Area (LAN) networking
  • Automated Tools (Ansible, Kubernets)
  • Radio Frequency Transmission Systems
  • Satellite Communications Systems
  • Mongo, PostgreSQL DB
  • NetApp, Docker
  • Quality Assurance or performing quality reviews of technical publications or training documents.


Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00

The 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.
group id: 10122071

The Classified Life

job ad image
Find Northrop Grumman on Social Media
Network Employers
user avatar
About Us
Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees are Defining Possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will allow you to work together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines. © 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.
job ad2 image

Northrop Grumman Jobs


Job Category
IT - Hardware
Clearance Level
Top Secret