Sr Principal Network Communications Administrator - Secret

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Melbourne
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: 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. At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and secure technological solutions to enable strategic objectives. We’re looking for innovators, who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we will support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you will have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career. Networking Professionals, We Want You! The Northrop Grumman Classified Solutions team is seeking a highly experienced Senior Network Administrator to join its dynamic team of technical professionals. The qualified applicant will become part of Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems support team in Melbourne, FL . Note: Due to the classified nature of the work being performed, this position does not offer any virtual or telecommute working options. Applicants are encouraged to apply, only if they are willing to work on-site. Responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following: Maintains smooth operation of LAN/WAN/VPNs. Plan, design, configure, and install network hardware in support of customer requirements. Maintains technical expertise in all areas of networks and computer hardware and software interconnection and interfacing, such as routers, firewalls, switches, WAN accelerators, etc. Proposes 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. Operate with considerable independence, and to self-identify/pursue long-term interests. Lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds. Work after hours and weekends as needed. Key Responsibilities: The candidate will be responsible for architecting solutions that meets technical requirements, including present and future capacity requirements. In addition to architecting the overall IT/enterprise network, the candidate will perform requirements analysis, technical trade studies, formally manage risks, independently develop interface control documents, recommendations, and participate in Supplier Management Team overseeing vendor selection, procurement, and vendor oversight. The candidate maintains technical expertise in all areas of network and computer hardware, software interconnection and interfacing, routers, multi-level security, multiplexers, firewalls, hubs, bridges, gateways, etc. A firm understanding of existing architectures underlying the various layers and piece parts: including networking architecture (to include emerging 5G systems), computing and cloud architectures (to include emerging edge data approaches) as well as artificial intelligence architectures. A firm understanding of architecture development approaches: including USDOD approaches and DODAF frameworks. Ideally this will also include current state of the art in development of systems-of-systems architecture approaches being used across commercial and USDOD efforts. Ideally this will also include the ability to define and use relevant metrics that can be used to evaluate and trade architectural constructs (in addition to compliance of standards and interface, open systems etc.) Designing and implementing new network solutions and/or improving the efficiency of current networks, including the responsibilities for installing, configuring and supporting network equipment including routers, proxy servers, switches, WAN accelerators, DNS and DHCP Procuring network equipment and managing subcontractors involved with network installation Configuring firewalls, routing and switching to maximize network efficiency and security Maximizing network performance through ongoing monitoring and troubleshooting Arranging scheduled upgrades Investigating faults in the network Updating network equipment to the latest firmware releases Reporting network status to key stakeholders Managing suppliers who provide hardware and software solutions and will independently evaluate the technical trade space. If you are ready to solve complex problems in a dynamic environment, apply today! Basic Qualifications: Master's Degree with 6 years of relevant experience; OR a Bachelor's Degree with 8 years of relevant experience; OR an Associate's Degree with 10 years of relevant experience; 12 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of completed degree Must have a Security CE certification (or higher) Candidates must have a current DOD Secret level security clearance (at a minimum) in order to be considered with the ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Top Secret clearance as a condition of continued employment Candidates must have the ability to obtain (and maintain) access to Special Programs prior to starting as a condition of employment Experience with network design, architecture, specifications, and equipment selection IP4 and IPv6 network design, including IP subnetting and protocols including BGP, OSPF and EIGRP experience Network device configuration and troubleshooting (ideally, Cisco IOS/IOS-XE) experience Experience and understanding advanced features like GRE, IPSEC, IP quality-of-service, VLANs, and multicast Experience with network management protocols, like SNMP, SSH, syslog, RADIUS/TACACS Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor or Masters in Computer Science/Engineering or Electrical Engineering with a focus on networking, digital communication systems or equivalent Active Top Secret, TS/SCI, Polygraph, or SAP/SAR access would be nice to have A professional certification specific to the networking industry like a CCNP, a CCIE, or equivalent certification Familiar with network management applications, like Splunk, SolarWinds, and/or Cisco ISE Experience with SDWAN and SD Access Experience with network automation/orchestration tools; Python, Cisco C Center, Ansible, Palo Alto Panorama. Exposure to the Risk Management Framework, associated security controls, and STIGs Familiar with Windows, Linux, and VMWare configuration and troubleshooting Experience with HAIPE/TACLANE and other military COMSEC/CRYPTO equipment and procedures Experience with Cisco Unified Communications / VoIP and VTC Works with the overall system architect to define and document the necessary connections between devices for both development and production Evaluates the overall network for scalability across the entire program/lab systems Evaluates the system and provides recommendations for network monitoring tools Assists with the standup and implementation of the network monitoring tools Reviews network utilization metrics regularly and provide recommendations based on results Assist with the integration of Hyperscale for a Cloud architecture solution We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) offer opportunities to be a friend, be active, be a volunteer, be a leader, be recognized, and to be yourself. At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare, a 9/80 work schedule, and a great 401k matching program. Come join us! Primary Level Salary Range: $111,700.00 - $167,500.00 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.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Palm Bay , Sr Principal Network Communications Administrator - Secret, IT / Software / Systems , Melbourne, Florida