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Northrop Grumman

Cyber Operator (Level 1 OR 2) - R10231550

Northrop Grumman · Colorado Springs, CO

  • On site
  • Full-time
  • $125,000 / year
  • Colorado Springs, CO

Job highlights

  • Manage cybersecurity for ground sensors.
  • Implement security engineering systems.
  • Maintain Authority to Operate (ATO).
  • Utilize Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
  • Travel internationally for site support.

About the role

Cyber Operator (Level 1 OR 2)

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.

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Cyber Operator (Level 1 OR 2) to work closely with Space Systems Command (SSC) to manage and sustain the cybersecurity posture of the globally dispersed NEXION and ISTO Ionospheric Ground Sensors (IGS).

Responsibilities

This position designs and implements information assurance and security engineering systems with requirements of business continuity, operations security, cryptography, forensics, regulatory compliance, internal counterespionage (insider threat detection and mitigation), and physical security analysis (including facilities analysis, and security management). Assesses and mitigates system security threats and risks throughout the program life cycle.

This position will work with the Government Information System Security Manager (ISSM) to maintain Authority to Operate (ATO) approvals for various systems by adhering to the Risk Management Framework (RMF). This position supports cybersecurity efforts throughout the RMF process for one or more assigned programs(s) to include the enforcement of System Security Plans, Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), assessing and auditing systems security controls.

This position requires a working knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The position’s knowledge will be used to work closely with the System Administrator to scan lab and field based systems with a Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS). Additionally, this position will help keep systems compliant by reviewing quarterly Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and providing updates to the ISSM and Systems Administrator for remediation.

The position will assist with opening network paths for new installations as well as troubleshooting networking issues at established sites. This position works directly with the Government customer on a frequent basis as well as numerous military entities, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.

This position will involve 10-20% travel to remote sites, to include foreign travel, so the ability to obtain a U.S. passport is required.

This position is based in-person at a facility in Colorado Springs, CO and can be filled at level 1 or 2. No relocation assistance is available for this position.

Basic Qualifications

Level 1:
  • Bachelors in Science (BS) + 0 years of experience; or 4+ years of relevant experience in lieu of degree.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a US DoD Secret Security Clearance
  • Security+ certification
  • Fundamental understanding of vulnerabilities scanning
  • Fundamental understanding of evaluating and implementing security controls
  • Fundamental understanding of operating systems and administration techniques
  • Ability to occasionally work after hours to support team members in the field.
  • Strong communications skills required
Level 2:
  • Bachelors in Science (BS) with 2+ years of relevant experience; OR Masters Degree (MS) + 0 years of experience; 4+ years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a US DoD Secret Security Clearance
  • Security+ certification
  • Fundamental understanding of vulnerabilities scanning
  • Fundamental understanding of evaluating and implementing security controls
  • Fundamental understanding of operating systems and administration techniques
  • Ability to occasionally work after hours to support team members in the field.
  • Strong communications skills required

Compensation and Benefits

Primary Level Salary Range: $69,300.00 - $103,900.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.

Key skills/competency

  • Cyber Operator
  • Cybersecurity
  • Information Assurance
  • Risk Management Framework (RMF)
  • Vulnerability Scanning
  • Network Security
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux
  • System Security Plans
  • Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs)
  • Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS)

Skills & topics

  • Cyber Operator
  • Cybersecurity
  • Information Assurance
  • Risk Management Framework
  • Vulnerability Scanning
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux
  • System Security
  • Network Security
  • DoD Clearance
  • Security+

How to get hired

  • Tailor your resume: Highlight experience with cybersecurity, RMF, and Linux to match job requirements.
  • Emphasize your clearance: Clearly state your ability to obtain and maintain a Secret DoD clearance.
  • Showcase technical skills: Detail experience with vulnerability scanning, ACAS, and STIGs.
  • Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your understanding of cybersecurity principles and problem-solving abilities.

Technical preparation

Study RMF and ATO processes thoroughly.,Practice vulnerability scanning with ACAS.,Familiarize yourself with STIGs and Linux administration.,Review Red Hat Enterprise Linux documentation.

Behavioral questions

Describe a complex security issue you solved.,How do you handle working after hours?,How do you communicate technical issues to non-experts?,Explain your experience with government customers.

Frequently asked questions

What are the basic qualifications for the Cyber Operator position at Northrop Grumman?
For the Cyber Operator position at Northrop Grumman, candidates need a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) and a Security+ certification. Depending on the level (1 or 2), 0-2+ years of experience is required. Crucially, you must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Secret Security Clearance.
Is there relocation assistance for the Cyber Operator role at Northrop Grumman?
No, there is no relocation assistance available for this Cyber Operator position at Northrop Grumman. The role is based in Colorado Springs, CO, and candidates are expected to be able to work on-site without relocation support.
What is the salary range for the Cyber Operator position at Northrop Grumman?
The Cyber Operator position has two potential salary ranges depending on the level. The primary level (Level 1) ranges from $69,300 to $103,900 annually, while the secondary level (Level 2) ranges from $83,400 to $125,200 annually. These figures are guidelines and actual offers depend on experience and other factors.
What kind of travel is expected for the Cyber Operator role?
The Cyber Operator role involves approximately 10-20% travel. This travel may include trips to remote sites and foreign destinations, so the ability to obtain a U.S. passport is a requirement for this position.
What operating systems and tools are important for this Cyber Operator job?
A working knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux is essential for this Cyber Operator role. You will also be expected to use tools such as Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS) for vulnerability scanning and to review Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).
Does Northrop Grumman require U.S. Citizenship for this Cyber Operator role?
Yes, U.S. Citizenship is required for this Cyber Operator position, as it involves a government clearance (Secret DoD) and work on restricted government systems.