Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Administrator (AHT)
Northrop Grumman· enterprise· Defense· Oct 22, 2026 · 6d ago
United States-Colorado-Aurora
In office
Full-time
Principal
$143K–$219K est.
5+ years exp
Job description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top 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 Space Systems is seeking a Principal or Sr. Principal Systems Administrator to join our team at our facility in Aurora, Colorado.
Job responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:
• 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 t he Principal or Sr. Principal level, based on the basic qualifications below.
Basic Qualifications:
• Principal: 5 Years with Bachelors in Science; 3 Years with Masters; 1 Year with PhD. 4 additional years required in lieu of a degree.
• Sr. Principal: 8 Years with Bachelors in Science; 6 Years with Masters; 4 Years with PhD. 4 additional years required in lieu of a degree.
• United States Citizenship is required in order to be considered.
• Must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access.
• Must have an adjudicated Full Scope Polygraph at time of application.
• Must have server administration experience with Linux (RedHat Enterprise Linux is preferred) and Windows
• Perform administration on VMware technologies (or related)
• Must have a DOD 8570 IAT Level 2 baseline certification (example: Security+ CE); OR must have the ability to obtain one within 6 months of start date.
• Experience with NAS storage device (preferably NetApp) administration (ONTAP 8.x or higher; CDOT)
• Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to support after hours and on weekends as needed
Preferred Qualifications:
• Higher degree in a STEM-related discipline
• Network hardware and configuration
• 6+ years of experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) server administration in an SCI classified environment
• Experience operating under and managing systems within NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3-ICD 503, RMF, STIG, JAFAN, or JSIG information system environments
• Solid understanding of Enterprise-level storage concepts to include all commonly used RAID-levels
• Solid understanding of remediating security vulnerabilities; Experience hardening Linux systems in accordance with RMF and STIGs
• Identity Management (Single Sign-On) experience
• VMware and ESXi (6.x or higher) configuration and management experience
• Experience with host-based firewall implementations and configuration (Redhat “iptables”)
• Windows 10 administration experience; Windows Server experience; Group Policies (GPOs) experience; Active Directory management experience
• Solid writing skills and use of Wiki pages and SharePoint sites for documentation
• DoD 8570 Certification in a primary OS (Windows, Linux, Cisco)
• Currently valid Security+ CE, CASP, CISSP, or similar security certification
• Experience in VMWare, NetApp and Splunk among other industry standard technologies. Comfortable with maintenance and OS upgrades
• Preferred candidate will be familiar with Tenable and Nessus scans for vulnerability and controls implementation.
#LI-VC2
#SPEnhancedERAP
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
Secondary 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 northropgrumman.com. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
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