Sr. Principal Network Engineer (AHT)

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

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.

The Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS) program within Northrop Grumman Defense Systems was developed and built by Northrop Grumman for the U.S. Army but has since transitioned to the USSF.  JTAGS receives and processes data directly down-linked from the Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) constellation of satellites, including Defense Support Program (DSP) and Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) sensors, and other infrared satellite sensors.  JTAGS then disseminates near-real-time warning, alerting and cueing information on ballistic missile launches and other tactical events of interest throughout the theater using multiple communications networks.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a self-motivated, energetic individual to work at our Colorado Springs, CO location as a Senior Principal Network Engineer supporting the JTAGS program. As a member of this team, you will focus primarily on the design, installation and configuration, and sustainment of network products: switches, routers and firewalls. Installation activities include initial setup following standard configuration guidelines, security hardening, cabling, labelling, documentation and checkout. Ongoing tasks include problem resolution, firewall changes, connection additions, moves and changes, monitoring.

The candidates will be responsible for (but not limited to) the following tasks:

• Maintain smooth operation of local area, worldwide and virtual private networks (VPN).
• Plan, evaluate, and coordinate installation and/or reconfiguration of hardware and software elements of data and/or voice communication network.
• Maintain technical expertise in all areas of networks and computer hardware and software interconnection and interfacing, such as routers, multiplexers, firewalls, hubs, bridges, gateways, etc.
• Propose solutions to management to ensure all communications requirements based on future needs and current usage, configuring such solutions to optimize cost savings.
• Prepare or ensure that appropriate network documentation exists, including operational instructions.
• Provide regular monitoring and network analysis regarding short- and long-range planning for in-house systems.
• Coordinate third-party maintenance for network equipment.
• Design network or portion of network that include selection of hardware and software packages.

Basic Qualifications:

• 8 years relevant operational and engineering experience with Bachelor’s degree in science, or 6 years relevant experience with Master’s degree, or 4 years relevant experience with a PHD
• Active DoD Secret security clearance
• Active DoD 8140 approved IAT Level II (or higher) compliant certification. Examples include: CCNA Security, CompTIA Security+, Security+CE, CCNP, and CISSP.
• Understanding of IPv4/IPv6 and network design, including IP subnetting and protocols including BGP, OSPF and EIGRP
• Familiar with network management protocols, like SNMP, SSH, syslog, RADIUS/TACACS and network simulation tools and load testing (e.g. CML, GNS3)
• Understanding of communication architecture and communication hardware
• Experience with, and knowledge of, Cisco IOS and Cisco Nexus Operating systems
• Experience with Cisco appliances, specifically Firepower firewalls and TACACS+ services
• Intimate knowledge and experience designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting Network switching and routing protocols.
• Basic systems administration knowledge and skills.
• Ability to travel up to 10%
• Ability to wor