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Cybersec Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cybersec information

What is the difference between Cybersec vs Network Security Specialist?

AspectCybersecNetwork Security Specialist
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEHCompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA Security
Work EnvironmentOrganizations' security teams, cybersecurity firmsIT departments, network teams in various industries
Industry UsageBroad cybersecurity roles including threat analysis, incident responseFocus on securing network infrastructure and protocols

Cybersecurity (Cybersec) professionals have a broader scope, including threat detection and incident response, while Network Security Specialists focus specifically on protecting network infrastructure. Both roles often require similar certifications and work in overlapping environments, but their primary responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cybersecurity specialist?

To thrive as a Cybersecurity Specialist, you need a strong understanding of network security, risk assessment, and threat mitigation, often supported by a degree in IT or computer science and relevant certifications. Familiarity with tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, SIEM platforms, and certifications such as CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+ is highly valued. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for anticipating threats and collaborating with teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for protecting organizational assets and ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in cybersecurity roles, and how can they be managed?

Cybersecurity professionals often contend with rapidly evolving threats and the pressure to protect sensitive data in real time. Staying updated with the latest security trends and attack vectors is crucial, which can be challenging due to the fast-paced nature of the field. Additionally, balancing proactive security measures with user accessibility and business operations requires strong communication and collaboration with other departments. Building a habit of continuous learning and participating in cross-functional teams can help manage these challenges and contribute to both individual and organizational success.

What is a cybersecurity professional?

Cyber security professionals, often called 'cybersec' specialists, are experts who protect computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, and damage. Their responsibilities include monitoring for potential threats, securing sensitive information, and responding to security breaches. They work across various industries to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of digital assets. Their roles can range from analyzing vulnerabilities to implementing security protocols and educating users about safe online practices.

What are popular job titles related to Cybersec jobs in California?

For Cybersec jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cybersec jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cybersec job openings:

Infographic showing various Cybersec job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution.

Software Engineering Manager 2 - SW Test Lead

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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 Aeronautics Systems is currently seeking a Software Engineering Manager 2 - SW Test Lead role. This position will be located on site in San Diego, CA.
The successful candidate will lead a team of approximately 10-20 individuals to complete the full software development and test life cycle in an Agile software development environment.
The successful candidate will collaborate with Software Development, Systems Engineering, Test Automation, DevSecOps and Systems Test organizations, to ensure the team is meeting the mission engineering objectives of the contract. The successful candidate will implement and utilize several Agile development techniques and metrics to manage the team's progress and the work quality throughout the product life cycle. This position is a dual-hatted Technical and Functional Lead position that reports to the Enterprise SW IPT Lead on the program side and the Software Department Manager on the functional side.
Essential Functions:
  • Work in a high energy environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative team settings across all levels.
  • Participate in the full software development life cycle including design, implementation, test, and delivery of software products to our customers.
  • Work in Agile Scrum teams to develop software products for multiple software baselines.
  • Responsible for managing and reporting budget and schedule status for software test.
  • Work closely with program-assigned systems engineering, software development, and management professionals to ensure that the software lifecycle is accomplished with high quality and efficiency.
  • Supports team Allocation and IMS task planning based on received Budget Advice and associated TAs in coordination with SW IPT, SW Development Leads, SW Architects, and Product Owners.
  • Oversee and manage the quality and timeliness of the organization's products, and identification and remediation of potential issues before they become problems.
  • Develop and manage detailed budgets and schedules and create work assignments for indirect tasking.
  • Provide Functional Management to direct reports, including career guidance, staffing, interviewing/onboarding, disciplinary actions, and direct engagement.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) field AND 9 years of related professional experience that includes a background in software development, OR a Master's degree AND 7 years of related professional experience that includes a background in software development.
  • Prior leadership experience using agile development, including participating as Product Owner, SCRUM Master, and/or team member in an Agile development environment.
  • Experience with the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
  • Demonstrated experience with at least one of the following automated test frameworks: Cucumber, Google Test, TestComplete, Python PowerShell, Python, Ansible, and Robot Frameworks
  • Experience with at least one of the following programming languages: Python, C/C++, or C#
  • Experience with Object-oriented Programming (OOP) and Test Driven Development (TDD)
  • Continuous Integration Tools: Familiar with one of the following: Jenkins, Bamboo, GitLab CI
  • Experience with Agile software development, object-oriented architecture and programming, software integration and testing.
  • Experience with Microsoft Windows and Unix/Linux operating systems
  • Active DoD Secret Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • An advanced degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or other STEM disciplines.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in the application of software integration and automated test processes, tools, procedures, and metrics
  • Familiarity with communication protocols (MIL-STD-1553)
  • Experience in complete software development lifecycle
  • Experience in using Cameo
  • Administration and troubleshooting of Windows and Linux (RHEL / CENTOS) servers and workstations
  • Experience with cybersecurity compliance through the use of security frameworks and remediation tools (SCC SCAP scanner, Fortify and STIG Viewer
  • Advanced technical management degree.
  • Prior experience in engineering functional management is a plus.
  • Proven leadership qualities and strong interpersonal skills.
  • Previous experience leading a team of 5-12 employees with a record of on-time performance
  • Previous experience in developing proposal inputs (task descriptions and basis of estimate)
  • Prior experience with cost account management and task/resource planning.
  • Strong understanding of embedded software architectures and requirements that drive them
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management.
  • Experience with Java microservices, Graphical User Interface (GUI) applications, threading, intermediate object-oriented programming, design patterns, Data Distribution Service (DDS) messaging, web technologies, Unified Modeling Language (UML), database essentials and SQL/NoSQL.
  • Prior experience using Atlassian Tool Suite, JIRA, SonarQube.
  • Active DoD Top Secret Clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $161,000.00 - $241,700.00
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