2026 Associate Computer Systems Analyst - Pathways Program - San Diego CA

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

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.

The Northrop Grumman Classified Solutions team is seeking an Associate Computer Systems Analyst to support information system lifecycle activities across Windows and Linux environments, including patching, monitoring, virtualization, and compliance. The selected candidate will be required to work on site, full time at our San Diego, CA location.

The responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform as an Associate Computer Systems Analyst (Windows/Linux) in support of classified government contracts, providing front line support for internal customers via ticketing systems (e.g., ServiceNow, JIRA).
• Demonstrate ownership by proactively identifying issues, documenting recommended actions, and following through to resolution under supervision.
• Assist in defining and documenting system parameters and configurations that align with architecture standards and business/program requirements, including basic hardware/software compatibility checks and incremental improvements to procedures and runbooks.
• Support system patching and configuration management (e.g., WSUS, antivirus/endpoint sensors, vulnerability scanner plugins, STIG/secure baseline checklists, GPO updates) to help maintain secure and compliant environments.
• Perform routine accounts and identity management, assist with data permissions on storage platforms, and support basic COTS software administration in accordance with security and access requirements.
• Monitor backups, storage capacity, server health, logging/monitoring tools (e.g., Splunk), and basic network connectivity; escalate issues as needed and prepare and support internal and government customer security audits, contributing data and technical evidence for environment health reporting and Assessment and Authorization (A&A) activities.
• Assist with building, refreshing, and decommissioning workstations and servers/VMs in accordance with documented procedures and approved plans.
• Communicate technical issues and status clearly to both technical and nontechnical stakeholders; collaborate with engineers and project leaders; work under general supervision, including safely lifting and moving IT equipment (such as workstations and servers), typically up to 50 pounds.

Note: Due to the classified nature of the work being performed, this position does not offer virtual or telecommute options. Candidates must be willing and able to work on-site full time in a secure facility. This role supports CIDO’s focus on technology leadership and a culture of taking ownership, accountability, and speed.

Basic Qualifications

A candidate must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or a related technical field
• Fundamental understanding of Windows Server and Windows client operating systems (installation, basic configuration, and troubleshooting).
• Basic familiarity with Linux operating systems and command line usage.
• Basic knowledge of networking concepts (e.g., IP addressing, subnets, routing, VLANs).
• Ability to follow documented technical procedures, apply basic technical principles, and accurately document work and status in ticketing and tracking systems (e.g., ServiceNow, JIRA).
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical issues and recommended actions to nontechnical stakeholders.
• Active DoD Secret security clearance at time of hire.
• Candidates must meet the U.S. Government 8140 requirements for a System Administrator (Basic) – CompTIA A+, EC-Council Certified Network Defender, or CompTIA Network+.
• Willing and able to work on-site full time in a classified environment and support after-hours/weekend work as needed.
• Ability to safely lift and move IT equipment (such as workstations and servers), typically up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1+ year of hands-on experience supporting Windows Server and/or Linux systems in an enterprise or lab environment.
• Experience supporting system hardening efforts, such as applying STIGs and secure baseline configurations.
• Experience supporting security compliance and authorization activities, including assembling evidence for RMF and A&A packages.
• Familiarity with infrastructure platforms and tools such as WSUS, Nessus, Splunk, SolarWinds, or HBSS for patching, monitoring, or vulnerability management.
• CompTIA Security+ CE certification.
• Experience with basic scripting/automation (e.g., PowerShell, Bash, or Python) to streamline routine administration tasks.
• Exposure to virtualization and storage technologies (e.g., VMware ESXi, Hyper-V, NAS/SAN), including basic data permissions or share management.

Salary range: $69,400 - $104,000

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.