Quick Answer

Yes, Northrop Grumman hires individuals with criminal records but employment for most positions requires federal security clearances (Secret, Top Secret, or TS/SCI). A criminal record is not automatic disqualification for clearance, but significantly complicates the process. The greatest barriers exist for recent felonies within 10 years, financial problems, drug offenses, and dishonesty. Best entry points: Non-clearance roles in manufacturing, quality control, or administrative support ($48K-$79K) or apply for clearance with strong mitigating factors (old offenses, rehabilitation evidence, no pattern of conduct).

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. 🚨 Critical Regulatory Warning

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Benefits and Compensation

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

No Recent Serious Felonies: Felonies within past 10 years face heightened scrutiny, especially violent crimes, drug trafficking, or offenses indicating untrustworthiness.

Financial Stability: Must not have significant financial problems (heavy debt, bankruptcy, tax liens) financial issues are top reason for clearance denial due to blackmail/coercion concerns.

No Recent Drug Use: Any illegal drug use in past 7 years must be disclosed on SF-86 and may disqualify for clearance.

Complete Honesty: Must disclose ALL arrests, charges, citations, fingerprints on SF-86 regardless of dismissal, expungement, or outcome. Falsification is federal crime.

U.S. Citizenship: Security clearances require U.S. citizenship. Non-clearance positions may accept permanent residents.

🚨 Critical Regulatory Warning

IMPORTANT: Northrop Grumman is a defense contractor with approximately 95,000-100,000 employees. The majority of positions require federal security clearances (Secret, Top Secret, TS/SCI) due to work on classified Department of Defense and intelligence community programs. The security clearance process is governed by federal Adjudicative Guidelines and administered by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), formerly DSS.

Security Clearance Requirements (Most Positions)

SF-86 Questionnaire: Must complete Standard Form 86 (SF-86) disclosing criminal history for past 7 years including every charge, citation, arrest, or fingerprint regardless of dismissal or expungement.

FBI Fingerprint Checks: Full criminal history revealed through FBI database searches.

Credit and Financial Review: Extensive review of credit reports, debts, bankruptcies, tax liens financial problems are leading cause of clearance denial.

Reference Interviews: Investigators interview listed references, neighbors, former employers, and associates about your character, conduct, and trustworthiness.

Adjudicative Guidelines - Criminal Conduct

Disqualifying Conditions: Recent criminal conduct (within 10 years), pattern of criminal activity, or offenses indicating poor judgment, untrustworthiness, or unreliability.

Mitigating Factors: Clearance possible if offense was not recent, isolated incident without pattern, evidence of successful rehabilitation, and pressure/coercion contributed to conduct.

Mandatory Drug Testing

Pre-Employment Screening: All candidates must pass substance abuse testing as condition of employment.

FCRA Compliance

Written Consent: Must provide written authorization before background checks.

Adverse Action: If denied based on background, company must provide copy of report and opportunity to dispute inaccuracies.

Company Overview

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global aerospace, defense, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia. Founded in 1939 as Northrop Aircraft, the company merged with Grumman Corporation in 1994 to form Northrop Grumman. With approximately 95,000-100,000 employees, the company operates more than 550 facilities in all 50 U.S. states and over 25 countries. Annual revenue exceeds $36 billion. The company designs, develops, and manufactures aircraft systems, defense electronics, information technology solutions, and advanced defense and space technologies for the U.S. Department of Defense, intelligence community, and international customers. Major divisions include Aeronautics Systems (Palmdale, CA), Defense Systems (McLean, VA), Mission Systems (Baltimore, MD), and Space Systems (Dulles, VA). Northrop Grumman has not made public second-chance hiring commitments. The vast majority of positions require federal security clearances due to classified national security work.

Hiring Policy Analysis

Key Regulatory Constraints

Federal Security Clearance: Majority of positions require Secret, Top Secret, or TS/SCI clearances governed by Adjudicative Guidelines.

SF-86 Disclosure: Must disclose all criminal history for past 7 years regardless of expungement or dismissal.

ITAR/EAR Compliance: Work involves controlled technical data requiring U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status.

Factors in Hiring Decisions

Recency: Recent offenses (within 10 years) face greatest scrutiny; older offenses more likely mitigated.

Pattern of Conduct: Single isolated incident vs. pattern of criminal behavior.

Rehabilitation Evidence: Successful completion of probation, stable employment, education, treatment programs.

Financial Stability: Heavy debt, bankruptcies, tax liens indicate vulnerability to coercion/blackmail.

Position-Specific Barriers

Background Check Process

What They Check

SF-86 Criminal History: All arrests, charges, citations, fingerprints in past 7 years regardless of outcome.

FBI Fingerprint Database: Full criminal history revealed through federal databases.

Credit and Financial Records: Credit reports, bankruptcies, liens, debts, foreclosures.

Employment Verification: Contact all employers listed on SF-86 for past 10 years.

Reference Interviews: Investigators interview references, neighbors, associates about character and trustworthiness.

Lookback Period Summary

Disqualifying Factors

High Risk: Recent felonies within 10 years, pattern of criminal conduct, financial problems (debt/bankruptcy/liens), recent drug use, dishonesty on SF-86.

Lower Risk: Single old offense (10+ years), isolated incident, successful rehabilitation, no financial problems, complete disclosure.

Application Strategy

1. Assess Clearance Eligibility: Review Adjudicative Guidelines at dcsa.mil. If recent felonies (within 10 years) or financial problems, target non-clearance roles.

   
   

2. Apply at careers.northropgrumman.com: Search for positions marked "Clearance Type: None" if you have disqualifying factors.

   
   

3. Be 100% Honest on SF-86: Disclose every charge, arrest, citation, fingerprint. Falsification is federal crime and permanent disqualification.

   
   

4. Document Rehabilitation: Gather completion certificates, stable employment records, treatment records, character references.

   
   

5. Pass Drug Test: Pre-employment substance abuse testing is mandatory for all positions.

Tips for Applicants with Records

Target Non-Clearance Roles: Manufacturing Technician, Quality Technician, Administrative Assistant positions don't require clearances.

Wait for Time to Pass: If offense within 10 years, consider waiting until it's older before applying for clearance roles.

Resolve Financial Issues: Pay down debts, resolve tax liens financial problems are top clearance denial reason.

Never Falsify SF-86: Disclose everything. Investigators will find it, and omissions guarantee denial plus federal charges.

Gather Mitigation Evidence: Court documents showing completion, employer references, treatment certificates, character letters.

Benefits and Compensation

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Excellent benefits, 9/80 schedule, competitive salaries for cleared positions, stable defense contractor.

Cons: Slow raises, clearance process lengthy (6-18 months), bureaucratic culture, hybrid mandate implemented.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Northrop Grumman hire people with felonies?

   Yes, Northrop Grumman hires individuals with felony convictions, but employment prospects depend heavily on whether the position requires a federal security clearance. Approximately 60-70% of Northrop Grumman positions require Secret, Top Secret, or Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearances due to classified national security work with the Department of Defense and intelligence agencies. Criminal records are evaluated under federal Adjudicative Guidelines which consider the nature, seriousness, and recency of conduct. A felony conviction is not automatic disqualification for security clearance, but recent offenses within the past 10 years face significant scrutiny. The best opportunities for applicants with criminal records are non-clearance positions in manufacturing, quality control, and administrative support with salaries ranging from $48,000 to $79,000 annually. These roles undergo standard employment background checks rather than extensive federal security investigations.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Northrop Grumman?

   The background check process varies dramatically based on whether the position requires a security clearance. For positions requiring Secret, Top Secret, or TS/SCI clearances, applicants must complete the Standard Form 86 (SF-86) questionnaire which requires disclosure of all criminal conduct for the past 7 years including every charge, arrest, citation, or time you were fingerprinted, regardless of whether charges were dismissed, expunged, or sealed. Federal investigators from the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) conduct FBI fingerprint-based criminal history checks revealing all arrests and convictions, comprehensive credit and financial reviews examining debts, bankruptcies, foreclosures, and tax problems, and in-person interviews with listed references, neighbors, former employers, and associates to assess character and trustworthiness. The entire clearance process typically takes 6-18 months depending on clearance level and complexity of your background. For non-clearance positions, the company conducts standard employment background checks through third-party consumer reporting agencies with FCRA-compliant 7-year lookback periods for criminal convictions, which is substantially less invasive than the federal clearance process.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go at Northrop Grumman—what is the lookback period?

   SF-86 requires disclosure of criminal conduct for past 7 years including all charges, arrests, citations regardless of dismissal or expungement. Adjudicative Guidelines specifically scrutinize felonies within past 10 years. Non-clearance positions follow standard FCRA 7-year lookback.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Northrop Grumman?

   For security clearance positions, the most problematic convictions are recent felonies committed within the past 10 years, which are specifically highlighted in the Adjudicative Guidelines as disqualifying conditions requiring strong mitigation. Violent crimes including assault, domestic violence, weapons offenses, and crimes against persons raise serious concerns about judgment and self-control. Drug trafficking, distribution, or manufacturing offenses are particularly problematic given the classified nature of defense work. Financial crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, or identity theft directly relate to trustworthiness and create concerns about vulnerability to bribery or blackmail. Sex offenses typically result in permanent clearance denial. Espionage, sabotage, terrorism, or offenses involving classified information create absolute bars. Beyond criminal convictions, financial problems represent the single largest cause of security clearance denials—heavy debt loads, multiple bankruptcies, unpaid taxes, foreclosures, or patterns of financial irresponsibility indicate vulnerability to coercion or blackmail. Any dishonesty or falsification on the SF-86 questionnaire constitutes a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and results in permanent disqualification from ever obtaining a clearance. The most important factor is complete honesty investigators will discover undisclosed information through FBI databases, credit checks, and interviews, and omissions are viewed far more seriously than the underlying offense.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at Northrop Grumman for applicants with a record?

   Manufacturing Technician ($48K-$79K), Quality Technician ($56K-$70K), and Administrative Assistant ($50K-$60K) positions that don't require security clearances. Search for jobs with "Clearance Type: None" on careers website.

   
   

6. Does Northrop Grumman drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, mandatory pre-employment substance abuse testing for all positions. Type of test not publicly disclosed but likely urine screening. Any illegal drug use must be disclosed on SF-86 for clearance positions.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will Northrop Grumman ask about criminal history?

   For clearance positions: After conditional offer, you complete SF-86 which requires full disclosure of past 7 years of criminal conduct. For non-clearance: Background check after conditional offer per FCRA requirements.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Northrop Grumman if they have a felony?

   Possible if clearance is obtained. Advancement to senior engineering or management typically requires Top Secret clearance. Old offenses (10+ years) with strong rehabilitation evidence have better chances. Financial stability essential for clearance maintenance.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take?

   Non-clearance positions: 2-4 weeks. Clearance positions: 6-18 months total (application review 2-4 weeks, clearance processing 6-15 months depending on level). Top Secret/SCI takes longest.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at Northrop Grumman?

    For applicants with criminal records, the most strategic approach is to realistically assess your clearance eligibility before investing time in applications. First, review the federal Adjudicative Guidelines for Security Clearances available at dcsa.mil to understand disqualifying conditions and mitigating factors. If you have recent felonies within the past 10 years, significant financial problems, recent drug use, or pattern of criminal conduct, focus your applications exclusively on positions marked "Clearance Type: None" on the Northrop Grumman careers website at careers.northropgrumman.com. Manufacturing Technician, Quality Technician, and Administrative Assistant positions offer realistic entry points without clearance requirements. Second, if applying for clearance positions, be 100% truthful and complete on the SF-86 questionnaire disclose every arrest, charge, citation, or time you were fingerprinted for the past 7 years regardless of outcome, dismissal, expungement, or sealing. Federal investigators have access to FBI databases and will discover undisclosed information, and any omission or falsification is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 that guarantees permanent disqualification. Third, proactively address financial problems before applying by paying down debts, resolving tax liens, avoiding new delinquencies, and demonstrating financial responsibility financial issues are the leading cause of clearance denial because they indicate vulnerability to coercion, bribery, or blackmail. Fourth, gather compelling evidence of rehabilitation including official court documents showing successful completion of probation or parole, stable employment history demonstrating reliability since the offense, substance abuse treatment completion certificates if applicable, educational or vocational training certificates, and professional character reference letters from employers, counselors, or community leaders who can attest to your trustworthiness and reform. Fifth, consider the strategic value of waiting if your offense occurred 8-9 years ago, waiting 1-2 more years places it outside the critical 10-year window and significantly improves clearance prospects. Finally, consult with security clearance attorneys who specialize in federal clearance denials and appeals; they can review your specific circumstances, advise on mitigation strategies, and represent you if clearance is initially denied. Organizations like ClearanceJobs.com provide resources and forums where cleared professionals discuss the process.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information based on publicly available sources, federal security clearance guidelines, and defense industry practices. It is not legal advice. Security clearance decisions are made by federal adjudicators, not Northrop Grumman. Hiring decisions depend on position requirements, clearance level, criminal history details, time elapsed, rehabilitation evidence, and financial stability. Pay ranges based on Glassdoor, Indeed, PayScale data. Consult security clearance attorneys for personalized guidance. FelonFriendlyJobsNow.com makes no warranties about employment or clearance outcomes.