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Cyber Systems Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Cyber Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$185K - $200K/yr

Strong background in cyber systems engineering and solution architecture. * Experience designing secure hybrid-cloud and enclave-based architectures. * Hands-on expertise with Windows Server, Active ...

RTL Networks

Cyber Systems Security Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

Cyber Systems Security Engineer Location: Schriever SFB, Colorado Springs, CO Pay Rate: The annual salary range for this position is $135,000 - $175,000. Please note that the salary information is a ...

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Cyber Systems Engineer information

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$73K

$131.7K

$168.8K

How much do cyber systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber systems engineer in California is $131,722.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,500.00 and $154,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cyber Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cyber Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, cybersecurity principles, systems architecture, and typically a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with cybersecurity tools such as SIEM platforms, firewalls, network monitoring systems, and certifications like CISSP or Security+ are commonly required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills are crucial to identify vulnerabilities, implement robust security measures, and ensure the protection and reliability of complex information systems.

What does a Cyber Systems Engineer do?

A Cyber Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining secure computer systems and networks to protect an organization’s data and operations from cyber threats. They assess potential vulnerabilities, develop security protocols, and monitor systems for suspicious activity. Their work often involves collaborating with IT, security teams, and management to ensure compliance with security standards and best practices. Additionally, they may be involved in incident response and recovery efforts if a security breach occurs.

How does a Cyber Systems Engineer typically collaborate with other IT and security teams within an organization?

Cyber Systems Engineers work closely with network administrators, cybersecurity analysts, and software developers to design, implement, and maintain secure systems. Collaboration often involves participating in cross-functional meetings to assess security needs, troubleshoot vulnerabilities, and develop mitigation strategies. They may also assist in incident response efforts and provide technical guidance to ensure compliance with security policies. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as these engineers frequently coordinate with various departments to uphold the organization's overall cybersecurity posture.

What is the difference between Cyber Systems Engineer vs Network Security Engineer?

AspectCyber Systems EngineerNetwork Security Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a BS in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related fields; certifications like CISSP, CEH are commonSimilar credentials; often holds CISSP, CompTIA Security+; focuses on security certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigns, develops, and integrates cybersecurity systems within various IT environmentsFocuses on securing network infrastructure, monitoring for threats, and implementing security protocols
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across government, defense, and private sectors for system security architecturePrimarily employed in organizations with extensive network infrastructure needing security measures

While both roles require cybersecurity knowledge and certifications, Cyber Systems Engineers focus on designing and integrating secure systems, whereas Network Security Engineers specialize in protecting network infrastructure from threats.

What are popular job titles related to Cyber Systems Engineer jobs in California? For Cyber Systems Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cyber Systems Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cyber Systems Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Cyber Systems Engineer jobs in CA? For Cyber Systems Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Cyber Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cyber Systems Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,722 per year, or $63.3 per hour.
Cyber Systems Engineer/Principal Cyber Systems Engineer

Cyber Systems Engineer/Principal Cyber Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 353 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 528 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 50% 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.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our organization is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter.
We are looking for you to join our team as a Cyber Systems Engineer/Principal Cyber Systems Engineer based out of San Diego, CA. As a Cyber Systems Engineer/Principal Cyber Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation.
What You'll Get to Do:
  • Join our product deployment team supporting initial deployment, operations and maintenance of a complex airborne and terrestrial tactical communication system within our customer's classified laboratories across the United States.
  • Perform hands-on system installation and integration activities, including staging, installing, and transporting equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
  • Work closely with several diverse Integrated Product Teams to quickly develop system and process knowledge, provide support on technical documentation, and collaborate on improvements to deployment processes.
  • Configures and maintains secure Linux, Windows, and cloud computing operating systems, with scans, patches, and hardening the computing environment to meet customer requirements
  • Collects, audits, generates reports and stores necessary log data for the system review and accounting requirements
  • Develops artifacts necessary to support assessment and authorization of the system
  • Maintain certifications and training of the most current and relevant technologies and aspects of a dynamic system with upgrades related to diminished manufacture supply (DMS) and new technologies.
  • Travel up to 50%

This position may be filled as a Cyber Systems Engineer or Principal Cyber Systems Engineer.
Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications for Cyber Systems Engineer:
  • Bachelors degree in science, engineering, or related discipline with 2 years of experience, or 0 years of experience with a Masters degree
    • An additional 4 years of relevant experience can be considered in lieu of Bachelors degree
  • Experience administering Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) systems, including user management, security patching, and troubleshooting.
  • Familiarity with IPv4/IPv6 network architecture
  • Familiarity with applying Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) to secure and harden enterprise operating systems and applications.
  • Familiarity with building, racking, stacking, and cabling enterprise server infrastructure within datacenter rack environments according to engineering schematics.
  • Knowledge of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) lifecycle.
  • Experience with utilizing Splunk for log analysis, search querying, and dashboard creation.
  • Travel up to 50%
  • Must be US Citizen
  • Clearance: A current/active U.S Government Secret clearance and ability to obtain a U.S Government Top Secret clearance after starting
  • Must have the ability to obtain, and maintain, a Special Access Programs (SAP/SAR) level clearance as a condition of continued employment

Basic Qualifications for Principal Cyber Systems Engineer:
  • Bachelors degree in science, engineering, or related discipline with 5 years of experience, or 3 years of experience with a Masters degree; or 1 year of experience with STEM PhD degree
    • An additional 4 years of relevant experience can be considered in lieu of Bachelors degree
  • Experience administering Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) systems, including user management, security patching, and troubleshooting.
  • Familiarity with IPv4/IPv6 network architecture
  • Familiarity with applying Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) to secure and harden enterprise operating systems and applications.
  • Familiarity with building, racking, stacking, and cabling enterprise server infrastructure within datacenter rack environments according to engineering schematics.
  • Knowledge of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) lifecycle.
  • Experience with utilizing Splunk for log analysis, search querying, and dashboard creation.
  • Travel up to 50%
  • Must be US Citizen
  • Clearance: A current/active U.S Government Secret clearance and ability to obtain a U.S Government Top Secret clearance after starting
  • Must have the ability to obtain, and maintain, a Special Access Programs (SAP/SAR) level clearance as a condition of continued employment

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Ability to operate with considerable independence, and to self-identify/purse long-term interests
  • Experience deploying, configuring, and managing Host Based Security System (HBSS) components, including McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO) and point products.
  • Experience developing Ansible playbooks and roles to automate system configuration, application deployment, and security hardening.
  • Experience administering VMware vSphere environments, including ESXi host configuration, vCenter management, and virtual machine deployment.
  • Familiarity with NCDSMO Raise the Bar (RTB) and current CDS/MLS vendors that are certified
  • DoD 8570 Security certification such as Sec+, CASP, CISSP, or equivalent.
  • Exposure to the Risk Management Framework and associated security controls.
  • Familiar with Windows, Linux, and VMWare configuration and troubleshooting.
  • Active Top Secret clearance

This position is contingent upon active clearance, ability to obtain and maintain SAP, and funding.
Primary Level Salary Range: $101,000.00 - $151,400.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $125,300.00 - $187,900.00
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.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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