Sr Principal System Administrator (Ellsworth AFB)
Northrop Grumman· Defense· Aug 12, 2026 · 3mo agoPosted 76 days ago
United States-South Dakota-Ellsworth AFB
In office
Full-time
Principal
$168K–$230K est.
12+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Open 76 days.
Job description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time 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.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Sector is seeking a Sr Principal Systems Administrator to join our team of qualified individuals located at Ellsworth AFB, SD.
Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.
Key Responsibilities:
• Provide real-time support for Ground Systems multi-user computer systems supporting flight operations and maintenance.
• Account for, control, and deploy equipment.
• Configure user, administrator, and service accounts.
• Work with partners to resolve technical and data movement issues between Ground Systems and external systems.
• Perform field integration, troubleshooting, and repair of communications systems in military flight operations environment, including operations on flightline, in a hangar, and in command-and-control centers.
• Adherence to checklists and procedures to ensure repeated success and providing redlines to procedures when necessary.
• Work with a team to provide on-site end-user systems administration support 24 hours, 5 days a week.
• Provide systems administration support through updates, configurations, security patches, drawings, and feedback to the Responsible Engineers (REs).
• Communicate complex technical issues to local support, Main Operation Bases (MOBs), and Responsible Engineers (REs).
• Assist with trend analysis as needed for Responsible Engineers (REs).
• Perform/support review and analysis of supplier design data and definition of functional test requirements including acceptance, qualification, and system integration.
• Take responsibility for the testing, maintenance, and integration of communication systems equipment required to support ground and flight operations.
• Work with system admins, maintainers, and onsite personnel to troubleshoot and repair any internal operational issues.
Basic Qualifications for SR Principal Systems Administrator:
• Must have a High School diploma/GED and 12 years of relevant Systems Administration experience; or an Associate’s Degree and 10 years of relevant Systems Administration experience; or a Bachelor’s Degree and 8 years of Systems Administration experience; or a Master’s Degree and 6 years of Systems Administration experience.
• Experience with STIG compliance.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Must be willing/able to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, and weekends and support on call status for 24 hours-a-day, 7 days- a-week, and 365 days a year.
• Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated U.S. government Secret clearance (must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Active U.S. government Top Secret clearance
• Special Program Access
• Experience with remote cloud architecture
• Experience working in an Air Force flightline environment
• Experience working with Air Force flight communications systems
#ASMT #MPR
Primary Level Salary Range: $105,800.00 - $158,600.00
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 northropgrumman.com. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
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Benefits
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Health Insurance
Pto
Paid Time Off