Principal Cybersecurity Engineer Jobs in California
Principal Cybersecurity Engineer jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in defense contracting, cloud infrastructure, financial services, and enterprise technology across a seniority range from senior engineer to staff and principal level. The heaviest hiring is in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where employers like Northrop Grumman, Google, and Wells Fargo maintain large security engineering teams. The most in-demand specialties are zero-trust architecture, cloud security engineering, and threat intelligence program leadership. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Description
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.At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and secure technological solutions to enable strategic objectives. We’re looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we will support yours by expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you will have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.
The Northrop Grumman CIDO Classified Solutions team is seeking a Sr. Principal Classified Cybersecurity Analyst to support information systems lifecycle activities. The selected candidate will be required to work on-site, full-time at our Woodland Hills, CA location.
The responsibilities of this role will include but not be limited to the following:
- Manage the cybersecurity program of all assigned information systems and execute all cybersecurity-related tasks.
- Conduct and lead regular reviews of system audits and continuous monitoring activities, covering all security controls and configurations, to enhance operational efficiencies of the information system security posture.
- Perform assessments of systems and networks within the networking environment or enclave and identify where those systems and networks deviate from acceptable configurations, enclave policy, and/or local policy.
- Perform analyses to validate established security requirements and to recommend additional security requirements and safeguards.
- Drive the implementation of the required government policy, make recommendations on process tailoring, and participate in and document process activities.
- Establish and oversee strict program control processes that mitigate risk and support system Assessment and Authorization (A&A); this will include process support, analysis, coordination, security certification testing, security documentation, investigations, software research, hardware introduction and release, emerging technology research, inspections, and periodic audits.
- Lead the formal Security Test and Evaluation (ST&E) required by each government accrediting authority through pre-test preparations, participation in the tests, analysis of the results, and preparation of required reports.
- Document the results of A&A activities and inspection activities, along with any technical or corrective actions and work collectively with the security team to submit responses to the appropriate cognizant authority.
- Prepare, review, and submit A&A documentation (System Security Plan, Risk Acceptance Report, Security Controls Traceability Matrix, Plan of Action and Milestones, etc.) for review and approval.
Note: Due to the classified nature of the work being performed, this position does not offer any virtual or telecommute working options. Applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are willing to work on-site, full-time at our Woodland Hills, CA campus.
Basic Qualifications:
- Master's degree with 6 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with 8 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree with 10 years of relevant experience; a High School Diploma or equivalent with 12 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a completed degree.
- Candidates must meet the U.S. Government 8140 requirements for a Sr. Principal Classified Cybersecurity Analyst – CISSP or CISM; the required certification must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.
- Candidates must have a current U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance (at a minimum), to include a closed investigation date completed within the last 6 years OR must be enrolled in the U.S. Government Continuous Evaluation (CE) Program to be considered; the required security clearance must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.
- Candidates must have the ability to obtain and maintain access to Special Access Programs as a condition of continued employment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity or related field.
- Experience in cybersecurity compliance (ex. Assessment & Authorization under RMF).
- Knowledge of security tools such as ACAS, Nessus, Splunk, Trellix, and SCAP.
- Knowledge of security frameworks and documentation such as NIST, JSIG, DAAG, SSPs, POA&Ms, and SCTMs.
We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare, a 9/80 work schedule, and a great 401k matching program. Come join us!
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Principal Cybersecurity Engineer Job Market in California
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What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal cybersecurity engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information security, or a closely related field
- Active CISSP certification or equivalent senior security credential is strongly preferred
- Eight or more years of hands-on cybersecurity engineering experience required
- Deep expertise in cloud security platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
- Experience leading cross-functional security initiatives and mentoring engineering teams
- Familiarity with California Consumer Privacy Act compliance and related data protection requirements
Principal Cybersecurity Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a principal cybersecurity engineer in California?
The path typically starts with a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field, followed by progressive security engineering roles. California does not require a state-issued license for this role, but employers consistently expect senior industry credentials such as CISSP, CISM, or cloud-specific certifications. Most principals have spent years in roles like security architect or senior security engineer before reaching this level, often at large California technology or defense firms.
How much do principal cybersecurity engineers make in California?
Principal cybersecurity engineers in California earn a median of about $138,570 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $66,070 for the lowest 10% to over $221,000 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire principal cybersecurity engineers in California?
Employers hiring principal cybersecurity engineers in California right now include Northrop Grumman, Palo Alto Networks, and Masimo, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of defense contractors, major cloud providers, and large financial institutions makes it one of the deepest markets in the country for senior security engineering talent.
Which California cities have the most principal cybersecurity engineer jobs?
Los Angeles, Santa Clara, and Redondo Beach have the most principal cybersecurity engineer openings in California. The Bay Area leads because of its dense cluster of cloud and enterprise technology headquarters, while San Diego draws heavily from defense and government contractors, and Los Angeles reflects demand from both the entertainment technology sector and large financial services firms headquartered there.
Are there remote principal cybersecurity engineer jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most engineering disciplines. About 14% of principal cybersecurity engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how much of this work centers on architecture, policy, and program leadership rather than hands-on hardware. The most fully remote opportunities tend to sit in cloud security and application security program roles, while roles involving classified systems or on-site infrastructure typically require in-person presence.
How can I get hired as a principal cybersecurity engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a security operations or systems administration role at a California technology company or defense contractor, then building toward senior engineer and architect titles over time. Large California employers like aerospace and defense firms run early-career security programs and government-sponsored apprenticeships that provide structured development. Earning an entry-level certification such as Security+ and building a hands-on portfolio through capture-the-flag competitions or open-source security projects gives candidates a measurable edge when applying to associate security engineer roles that lead toward the principal track.
Where can I find and apply to principal cybersecurity engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to principal cybersecurity engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated on an ongoing basis. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 11 Principal Cybersecurity Engineer Jobs in California
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