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Cyber Systems Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ... Perform primary operational point of contact duties for the program's cybersecurity defense suite ...

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Cyber Systems Operations information

See California salary details

$20.2K

$55.5K

$134.2K

How much do cyber systems operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber systems operations in California is $55,490.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29,600.00 and $85,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is SOC an entry level job?

A Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst role can be entry level, especially for positions requiring basic knowledge of cybersecurity tools and monitoring. However, many SOC roles prefer candidates with some experience or certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Cisco CCNA, and advanced positions may require more specialized skills or experience. Entry-level SOC jobs often focus on monitoring security alerts and supporting incident response activities.

Can you make $500,000 a year in cyber security?

Cyber Systems Operations roles typically do not reach $500,000 annually, as salaries for cybersecurity professionals generally range from $70,000 to $150,000 depending on experience, certifications, and location. High-level positions such as senior security executives or consultants with specialized skills and extensive experience may earn higher salaries, but reaching $500,000 is uncommon in this field.

What are cyber system operations?

Cyber systems operations involve managing, monitoring, and securing computer networks and information systems to ensure their availability, integrity, and confidentiality. Professionals in this field often work with security tools, network hardware, and software, and may hold certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP. The role requires technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to respond to cybersecurity incidents promptly.

How much do cyber systems operations make?

Cyber Systems Operations specialists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with security clearances or advanced skills can earn over $100,000 annually.

What is the difference between Cyber Systems Operations vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectCyber Systems OperationsCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsSecurity+, Network+, CISSP (optional)Security+, CEH, CISSP (optional)
Work EnvironmentNetwork operations centers, system administrationSecurity teams, incident response
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment, military, IT infrastructurePrivate sector, cybersecurity firms, government

Cyber Systems Operations focuses on maintaining and managing IT and network systems, ensuring operational stability. In contrast, Cybersecurity Analysts primarily identify and respond to security threats. While both roles require similar certifications and often work in overlapping environments, their core responsibilities differ: operations centers on system uptime, whereas cybersecurity emphasizes threat mitigation.

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

To thrive as a Cyber Systems Operations specialist, you need a strong understanding of networking, cybersecurity principles, system administration, and often a relevant degree or military training. Familiarity with intrusion detection systems, firewalls, scripting languages, and certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Cisco CCNA are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in identifying threats and collaborating with teams. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of critical cyber infrastructure.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Cyber Systems Operations, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Cyber Systems Operations often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving security threats, maintaining system uptime, and managing complex networks. Staying updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and ongoing training can help address these issues. Additionally, effective communication with cross-functional teams and implementing robust incident response plans are key to overcoming operational hurdles. Collaborating closely with IT and security teams ensures a comprehensive approach to protecting organizational assets.

What are Cyber Systems Operations?

Cyber Systems Operations professionals are responsible for managing, monitoring, and protecting computer networks and information systems. They ensure the availability, integrity, and security of digital infrastructure by configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting hardware and software. These specialists often work in environments like the military, government, or private sector to defend against cyber threats, maintain network functionality, and support mission-critical communications. Their work is vital in safeguarding sensitive data and enabling secure, efficient operations.
Cyber Systems Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cyber Systems Operations 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 $55,490 per year, or $26.7 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

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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