Northrop Grumman Defense Systems (NGDS) is seeking a Cyber Systems Administrator for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in Rome, NY.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) conducts basic and applied scientific research to develop new technologies that enhance the United States Air Force’s operational capabilities. It creates and prototypes advanced weapons, sensors, communications, and navigation systems that the Department of Defense can field in future platforms. AFRL partners with industry, academia, and other government labs to accelerate innovation and transition breakthroughs from the laboratory to the battlefield.
The selected candidate will serve as a key member of the traveling installation team, with responsibilities that include:
- Performing on‑site installation, configuration, and security of systems at various facilities
- Working hands‑on with hardware and software stacks to ensure proper setup
- Coordinating directly with remote Tier 3 administrators for seamless integration
- Maintaining compliance with all security protocols and standards
- Traveling regularly to customer sites to support deployments and service needs
This position is contingent on customer funding and approval and may be filled at a higher level based on the qualifications below.
Basic Qualifications:
- Cyber Systems Administrator (Level 2): Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 2 years of experience; a master’s degree with 1 year of experience; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
- Principal Cyber Systems Administrator (Level 3): Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 5 years of experience; a master’s degree with 3 years of experience; a PhD with 1 year of experience; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
- Active Top-Secret clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) eligibility
- Able to obtain IAT Level II certification per DoD 8570.01 such as CompTIA Security+ (formerly CASP+) or CompTIA Security+ within 60 days of start date.
- Experience with Windows/Linux server administration
- Experience in network configuration and troubleshooting (TCP/IP, DNS, routing, switching).
- Experience with Active Directory and user account management.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and system hardening best practices (STIGs)
- Ability to maintain meticulous documentation of all network connections, system configurations, and installation procedures for inclusion in system accreditation packages.
- Provide initial technical support and system familiarization for on-site personnel post-installation
- Experience acting autonomously at customer sites performing hands-on installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of server, network, and computer hardware
Preferred Qualifications:
- CompTIA SecurityX or CompTIA Security+ certification or IAT Level II / IAT III equivalent per DoD 8140
- Independent experience troubleshooting on production systems
- Excellent verbal and communication skills
- Familiarity with Risk Management Framework (RMF)
- In depth experience in complex system and network administration in Cloud environments
- Experience in a DoD or research and development (R&D) environments
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with relevant experience (alternatively specified years of experience may substitute for degree)
- Active Top-Secret clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) eligibility
- Obtain IAT Level II certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+ or CASP+) within 60 days of start
- Experience with Windows and Linux server administration
- Experience in network configuration and troubleshooting (TCP/IP, DNS, routing, switching)
- Experience with Active Directory and user account management
- Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and system hardening best practices (STIGs)
- Ability to maintain meticulous documentation of network connections, system configurations, and installation procedures
- Provide initial technical support and system familiarization for on-site personnel after installation
- Experience performing hands-on installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of server, network, and computer hardware at customer sites
- Willingness to travel regularly to customer sites (approximately 50% travel)
- CompTIA Security+, CompTIA CASP+, or IAT Level II/III equivalent per DoD 8140
- Independent experience troubleshooting production systems
- Excellent verbal and communication skills
- Familiarity with Risk Management Framework (RMF)
- In-depth experience in complex system and network administration in Cloud environments
- Experience in DoD or research and development (R&D) environments
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.