Network Communications Engineer OR Network Communications Engineer (Hardware)

As a Network Communications Engineer (Hardware) at Northrop Grumman, you'll engage in various duties that are crucial for maintaining our advanced systems. This includes integrating and testing hardware alongside software in complex IT architectures. You will develop automated deployments for datacenter configurations, troubleshoot issues with engineers, and create thorough documentation. Furthermore, you'll be involved in planning and coordinating efforts within the team to ensure smooth operations.

To join Northrop Grumman as a Network Communications Engineer (Hardware), a Bachelor's degree in a related field along with at least 2 years of engineering experience or a Master's degree is typically required. You should also have experience with automation tools like Ansible and Terraform, proficient Linux skills, and hands-on experience with network routing, switching, and security devices. An active DoD Top Secret clearance is necessary for this position.

Yes, Northrop Grumman offers relocation assistance for the Network Communications Engineer (Hardware) position! We understand moving for a job can be a big step, so we provide support to make that transition smoother for selected candidates.

In the Network Communications Engineer (Hardware) role at Northrop Grumman, you can expect to travel up to 25% of your time. This travel may involve attending project meetings, collaborating with teams at different sites, or on-site support, depending on project needs.

Northrop Grumman offers an attractive benefits package for Network Communications Engineers (Hardware). This includes health insurance, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, and generous paid time off. Additionally, annual bonuses and potential long-term incentives for leadership positions are part of our commitment to recognize and reward your contributions.

When answering this question, emphasize your hands-on experience with tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Terraform. Discuss specific projects where you successfully applied automation to streamline processes or enhance system reliability. Provide metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the impact of your automation efforts on efficiency or time savings.

For this question, detail your systematic approach to troubleshooting. For example, explain how you diagnose issues by checking logs, analyzing traffic flows, and using network monitoring tools. It's also useful to mention specific tools you've used and the methodologies you follow to ensure thorough and efficient troubleshooting.

Showcase your experience with Linux by discussing how you've used the command line for various tasks, such as system configuration, script automation, or performance monitoring. Talk about specific distributions you've worked with and any projects where your use of Linux was instrumental to project success.

Discuss your understanding of network security principles and specific technologies, such as firewalls and IDS/IPS. Give examples of implementations you've worked on where you had to harden networks and ensure compliance with security standards. Highlight your proactive measures for identifying vulnerabilities before they become a problem.

Choose a project that showcases your skills relevant to the Network Communications Engineer (Hardware) position. Walk the interviewer through the project objectives, your responsibilities, and the technologies you utilized. Conclude with the project outcome and any lessons learned that improved your future work.

Be prepared to discuss the routing and switching protocols you're familiar with, such as OSPF, BGP, or VLANs. Mention any configurations you've executed and the environments you've worked in, whether enterprise-level or specialized departments that require unique protocol requirements.

Express your commitment to continuous learning by mentioning specific resources you utilize, such as online courses, webinars, or professional networking groups. Discuss any recent certifications you’ve pursued and their relevance to the Network Communications Engineer (Hardware) role at Northrop Grumman.

If applicable, share your understanding and hands-on experience with technologies like Kubernetes. Discuss how you have worked on container networking, including the challenges you've faced and how you solved them. Emphasize your ability to work in an Agile environment, highlighting collaborations with other team members.

Mention any programming languages you're skilled in, particularly focusing on Python or Go, as relevant to network automation. Discuss projects where you've scripted or written code to automate networking tasks, showcasing the practical impact your programming skills had on system efficiency.

Stress the importance of documentation in maintaining network systems. Describe your methods for keeping installation guides and procedural documents up to date, ensuring that all team members can reference current and accurate information. Mention any tools you use for version control, such as Git.