Northrop Grumman Logo

Northrop Grumman

Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Administrator

Posted Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
In-Office
Aurora, CO, USA
114K-213K Annually
Senior level
In-Office
Aurora, CO, USA
114K-213K Annually
Senior level
Administer Linux and Windows systems, VMware environments, Kubernetes clusters, NAS storage, networks, and classified government IT infrastructure. Responsibilities include system deployment, patching, monitoring, backups, recovery, account management, access control, configuration management, security auditing, STIG compliance, and cybersecurity support. The role also requires customer coordination, technical reporting, system accreditation support, overseas travel, and maintaining secure systems in complex or air-gapped environments.
The summary above was generated by AI
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: NoDescription

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 Space Systems is seeking a Principal or Sr. Principal Systems Administrator to join our team at our facility in Aurora, Colorado.


Job Responsibilities:

  • Perform as a Linux and Windows System Administrator on large government contracts.
  • Perform administration on VMware technologies (or related)
  • Experience with all aspects of NAS Storage
  • Maintain smooth operation of multi-user computer systems, including coordination with network, software, and system engineers, PC desktop technicians, project managers, end users, and customer and IT management.
  • Recommend and implement system enhancements that will improve the performance and reliability of the system including installing, upgrading/patching, monitoring, problem resolution, and configuration management.
  • Provide backup and recovery services; manage file systems and disk space; manage virus protection on a routine basis.
  • Create and maintain user and computer accounts and modify file permissions and security access lists.
  • Maintain security audit and logging information on all classified networked and standalone computers as directed by the Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM).
  • Support the Cyber Security team.
  • Report on project status as required for all recurring and non-recurring efforts.

This position can be staffed at the Principal or Sr Principal level, based on the basic qualifications below.

 

Basic Qualifications:

  • Principal: Bachelor’s degree in science with 5+ years of relevant experience; 3+ years with a Master’s; or 4 additional years of experience in lieu of a degree
  • Sr Principal: Bachelor’s degree in science with 8+ years of relevant experience; 6+ years with a Master’s; or 4 years with a PhD; 4 additional years may be considered in lieu of a degree
  • Must have a U.S. Government Top-Secret security clearance at the time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI access.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a CI polygraph.
  • Experience administering production Kubernetes clusters, including deploying containerized applications, configuring basic networking/ingress, managing persistent storage, and troubleshooting core workload issues
  • Working understanding of RHEL, Windows, VMWare, k8s, enterprise implementation, migration, and maintenance.
  • Experience in Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) compliance and IA accreditation. Experience operating under and managing systems within NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3-ICD 503, RMF, (STIG), JAFAN, or JSIG information system environments
  • Must have a DODD 8140 baseline certification. Security+ CE, CySA+, CCNA security, GSEC, SSCP, or higher-level security certification; certification must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.
  • Network design and implementation experience with Cisco and HP switching and firewalls.
  • NetApp and Network Attached Storage (NAS) design and implementation experience
  • Experience with cryptological devices (KG-175, KIV-7, KGR-42) technologies.
  • Ability to travel up to 30% to various overseas locations or as needed. TDYs typically occur 3-4 times a year for 2-3 weeks per deployment.
  • Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Maintaining complex mission systems in an air gapped environment.
  • Experience with NetApp storage
  • Perform as consulting Systems Administrator and subject matter expert for classified government contracts.
  • Obtain and analyze internal and external customer requirements, recommend equipment and software as needed, and oversee system implementation and accreditation.
  • Navigate complex system configurations and implement enhancements that will improve the performance, reliability, and security of the system including installing, upgrading/patching, monitoring, problem resolution, and configuration management.
  • Develop and document technical processes and procedures as needed.
  • Ensure necessary administration tasks are completed, and direct others as necessary.
  • Analyze internal or external customer requirements and determine equipment and software requirements for solutions to problems by means of automated systems.

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00

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.

Similar Jobs

5 Days Ago
In-Office
Aurora, CO, USA
114K-213K Annually
Senior level
114K-213K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
Administer Linux and Windows servers, VMware environments, NAS storage, file systems, accounts, permissions, backups, and security controls for classified government systems. Install patches, monitor performance, resolve problems, manage configurations, maintain audit logs, support cybersecurity teams, and document project status. The role requires active Top Secret clearance, full-scope polygraph, U.S. citizenship, DoD 8570 IAT Level 2 certification, and after-hours support as needed.
Top Skills: Active DirectoryCaspCisspDcid 6/3EsxiGroup PolicyIcd 503IptablesJafanJsigLinuxNasNessusNetappNispomOntapRaidRed Hat Enterprise LinuxRmfSecurity+ CeSharepointSplunkStigTenableVMwareWindows
29 Days Ago
In-Office
Colorado Springs, CO, USA
94K-176K Annually
Senior level
94K-176K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
Administer and maintain Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems and infrastructure in classified lab, development, and production environments. Responsibilities include system configuration, patching, monitoring, troubleshooting, package management, custom RPM maintenance, performance tuning, security updates, configuration management, release testing, process documentation, and system enhancements. The role collaborates with network, software, systems engineering, cybersecurity, and project management teams while independently resolving technical issues.
Top Skills: Active DirectoryBuild ScriptsEnterprise StorageGroup Policy ObjectsInstallation MediaLdapLinuxNetworkingRed Hat Enterprise LinuxRoutingRpmSubnetsVlansWindows Server
One Month Ago
In-Office
Aurora, CO, USA
114K-213K Annually
Senior level
114K-213K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
Administer and harden Windows and Linux systems supporting mission-critical classified workflows. Configure and maintain Atlassian tools, deploy Kubernetes and containerized workloads, and manage IPA and Active Directory identity services. Develop Bash and Python automation for operations, patching, and workflow execution. Provide Tier 2/3 support, root cause analysis, documentation, and runbook maintenance. The role also supports virtualization, VDI, infrastructure-as-code, configuration management, and security hardening.
Top Skills: Active DirectoryAnsibleAtlassian JiraBashBitbucketCitrixConfluenceIpaKubernetesLinuxPythonTerraformVmware EsxiVmware HorizonVmware VcenterWindows

What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene

With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.

Key Facts About Colorado Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
  • Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
  • Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
  • Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account