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Cyber Systems Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 Aug 10, 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.

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?

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 is 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.
Infographic showing various Cyber Systems Operations job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,490 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Consulting Cyber Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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 Aeronautics Systems is currently seeking a Consulting Cyber Systems Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. The selected candidate will be supporting multiple programs/sites under our Manufacturing Engineering & Technology Organization and will be located in Palmdale, CA, Dayton, OH, San Diego, CA, Melbourne, FL, or Hybrid.

Position is eligible for full-time remote.

Pay Range: Will be dependent on the location of the selected candidate.

We're looking for a highly motivated, team oriented, individual that understands security and the importance to our mission. The candidate will be responsible for the secure operations infrastructure, platforms, and software, including the installation, maintenance, and improvement of environments. The candidate will act as a Cyber Subject Matter Expert (SME) and ensure compliance with multiple directives, such as the Risk Management Framework and NSA CSfC Capability Packages.

Responsibilities:

  • Perform technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, cost and risk, and supportability and effectiveness analyses for National Security Agency (NSA) Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) programs.
  • Align architectures with NSA Capability Packages to include developing cyber solutions for Data-in-Transit (DiT) while integrating commercial products such as VPNs, firewalls, and encryption layers.
  • Integrate and validate layered commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components to include configuring Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), automating deployment of DevSecOps secure pipelines, and support interoperability testing across multi-enclave environments.
  • Provide advanced technical analyses of cyber infrastructure challenges and problems; develop/identify technical solutions responsive to customer and program needs.
  • Participate in team reviews of technical requirements, design and implementation plans prior to deployment.
  • Recommend and implement system enhancements that will improve the performance, reliability, and security of the system including installing, upgrading, monitoring, problem resolution, and configuration.
  • Serve as a Cyber SME supporting on CSfC capability packages for stakeholders, to include leading technical exchange meetings, working groups with government customers, translating operational needs into scalable, production ready secure architectures, and mentoring engineers in advanced CSfC concepts. Support the continuous assessment of IA Control compliance for systems within their responsibility.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) degree with 20 years of technical experience in any combination of Cyber, Systems, Security, Software, or Hardware disciplines OR Master's of STEM degree with 18 years of technical experience in any combination of Cyber, Systems, Security, Software, or Hardware disciplines.
  • Active, In-Scope, DOD Secret Security Clearance or higher that has been granted / renewed within the past 6 years.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • DoD 8500-series and 8510.01 IA policy directives, approaches to cyber security, knowledge of security procedures, IATT and ATO requirements.
  • Excellent communication (written and oral), negotiation and interpersonal skills necessary to support known activities/challenges working with engineering teams, management, customers, partners and government.
  • Experience with Dell, Cisco, Palo Alto, Aruba and other next generation switches and firewalls.
  • Experience translating technical concepts and program information to others.
  • Solid understanding of planning, design, and implementation necessary to support a large enterprise system.
  • Working knowledge of NIST 800-37 RMF body of evidence artifacts such as SSP, SCTM, PoA&M's, SAR, RAR, RAL, ConOps, ISA, etc.
  • Experience with configuring Security Incident Event Monitoring and IDS/IPS tools such as ACAS, ESS (HBSS), and Splunk on Linux RedHat and Windows environments.
  • Experience with vulnerability and compliance scanners such as Tenable.SC and SCAP.
  • Experience with CDS technology, security, and compliance requirements.
  • Experience in preparing and/or reviewing technical and programmatic documentation.
Primary Level Salary Range: $212,100.00 - $318,100.00The 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