Principal / Sr. Principal System Administrator

Posted 5 Hours Ago
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Colorado Springs, CO, USA
In-Office
94K-176K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Administer Linux/RHEL systems across multiple classified networks and government contracts. Responsibilities include account and permission management, patching, monitoring, configuration management, system hardening, security logging, vulnerability remediation, troubleshooting, release testing, documentation, vendor coordination, and system enhancement. The role requires independent problem-solving, coordination with engineering and cybersecurity teams, occasional after-hours work, and maintenance of systems subject to strict government information-security requirements.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: 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 (NGSP) is looking for you to join our team as a Principal or Sr. Principal System Administrator based out of Colorado Springs, Colorado.


  • Perform as a Linux Systems Administrator on large, classified government contracts.
  • Communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, with internal and external customers, in written and verbal formats.
  • 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.
  • Support multiple networks.
  • Ensure necessary administration tasks are completed and direct others as necessary.
  • Analyze internal and external customer requirements and determine equipment and software requirements for solutions to problems by means of automated systems.
  • 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.
  • Create and maintain u
  • ser and computer accounts and modify file permissions and security access lists.
  • Test new releases of products to ensure compatibility and minimize user impact.
  • Develop and document technical processes and procedures as needed.
  • Make recommendations to purchase hardware, software, and system components.
  • Interact, meet, discuss, and troubleshoot issues with vendors; evaluate vendor products, services, and suggestions.
  • Adhere to strict Information Systems security guidelines in all cases.
  • Maintain security audit and logging information on all classified networked and standalone computers as directed by the Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM).
  • Prepare security documentation for Cyber Security team.
  • Report project status as required for all recurring and non-recurring efforts.
  • Work under minimal direction and independently determine and develop approach to solutions.

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


Basic Qualifications:

  • Level 3: 5 Years with Bachelors; 3 Years with Masters; 1 Year with PhD. 4 additional years of experience is required in lieu of a degree.
  • Level 4: 8 Years with Bachelors; 6 Years with Masters; 4 Years with PhD. 4 additional years of experience is required in lieu of a degree.
  • Must have at least 1 year of server administration experience with RHEL.
  • Must have a DoD 8570 IAT Level II baseline certification (example: Security+ CE), or have the ability to obtain one within 6 months of start date as a condition of continued employment.
  • Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
  • Ability to work after hours and weekends as needed.
  • United States citizenships is required in order to be considered.
  • Must have an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in a STEM related discipline, a RedHat Certified Engineer certification, a Security+ CE, and 5+ years of experience with 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.
  • Experience with Trusted Guard.
  • Tanzu/Kubernetes deployments.
  • RHEL System Administration certification(s).
  • Experience with NAS storage device (preferably NetApp) administration (ONTAP 8.x or higher; CDOT).
  • Solid understanding of Enterprise-level storage concepts to include all commonly-used RAID-levels.
  • Satellite configuration and usage experience.
  • Solid understanding of remediating security vulnerabilities and experience hardening Linux systems in accordance with RMF and STIGs.
  • Ansible, Puppet, RHEL 7, Satellite Experience.
  • Solid writing skills and experience using 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.
  • 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.

Primary Level Salary Range: $94,200.00 - $141,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $117,500.00 - $176,300.00

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.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of experience, master’s degree with 3 years, PhD with 1 year, or 4 additional years of experience in lieu of a degree for the Principal level
  • Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of experience, master’s degree with 6 years, PhD with 4 years, or 4 additional years of experience in lieu of a degree for the Senior Principal level
  • At least 1 year of server administration experience with RHEL
  • DoD 8570 IAT Level II baseline certification, such as Security+ CE, or ability to obtain it within 6 months of starting
  • Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
  • Ability to work after hours and weekends as needed
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at application, current and within scope
  • Master’s degree in a STEM discipline
  • Red Hat Certified Engineer certification
  • Security+ CE certification
  • At least 5 years of server administration experience in an SCI classified environment
  • Experience with NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3-ICD 503, RMF, STIG, JAFAN, or JSIG environments
  • Experience with Trusted Guard
  • Tanzu or Kubernetes deployment experience
  • RHEL system administration certification
  • NAS storage administration, preferably NetApp ONTAP 8.x or higher and CDOT
  • Understanding of enterprise storage and RAID levels
  • Satellite configuration and usage experience
  • Experience remediating vulnerabilities and hardening Linux systems according to RMF and STIGs
  • Experience with Ansible, Puppet, RHEL 7, and Satellite
  • Strong technical writing skills and experience using Wiki pages and SharePoint
  • DoD 8570 certification in a primary operating system such as Windows, Linux, or Cisco
  • Current Security+ CE, CASP, CISSP, or similar security certification
  • Active Top Secret clearance with ability to obtain and maintain SCI access

Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.

  • Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
  • Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.

Northrop Grumman Insights

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The Company
HQ: Charlotte, North Carolina
85,636 Employees

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.

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