Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Administrator

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be 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 Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS) program within Northrop Grumman Defense Systems was developed and built by Northrop Grumman for the U.S. Army but has since transitioned to the USSF.  JTAGS receives and processes data directly down-linked from the Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) constellation of satellites, including Defense Support Program (DSP) and Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) sensors, and other infrared satellite sensors.  JTAGS then disseminates near-real-time warning, alerting and cueing information on ballistic missile launches and other tactical events of interest throughout the theater using multiple communications networks.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems seeks a self-motivated, energetic individual to work at our Colorado Springs, CO location as a RHEL Principal/Senior Principal Systems Administrator supporting the JTAGS program. As a member of this team, you will be primarily focused on Red Hat Enterprise Linux Systems Administration by maintaining and enhancing systems and infrastructure on an important, classified government contract. The team manages the hardware, software, network, and security for systems located in Colorado Springs and internationally. Systems Administrators partner with teams such as Cyber, Systems Engineering, Sustainment, Software Development, and others to accomplish the mission. The role will include Sustainment duties associated with the current system and Development projects planned for future capabilities.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Administer, monitor, and maintain Linux-based systems in lab and development environments, including configuration, patching, and troubleshooting.

• Maintain smooth operation of multi-user computer systems, including coordination with network, software, system engineers, project managers, 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.
• Test new releases of products to ensure compatibility and minimize user impact.
• Develop and document technical processes and procedures as needed.
• Perform quarterly security patch updates supplied by factory on a multitude of virtual machines.
• Adhere to strict Information Systems security guidelines in all cases.
• Work under minimal direction and independently determine and develop approach to solutions.

This requisition is open as a dual level opportunity. We will consider candidates at level 3 and level 4:

Basic Qualifications:

• Level 3: Bachelor's degree with 5 years of experience OR Master's degree with 3 years of experience OR 9 years of experience in lieu of degree.
• Level 4: Bachelor's degree with 8 years of experience OR Master's degree with 6 years of experience OR 12 years of experience in lieu of degree.
• IAT Level II certification is required on day 1 of employment; maintaining the required certification will be a condition of continued employment.
• Active DoD Secret security clearance on day 1 of employment; the ability to maintain the required security clearance will be a condition of continued employment.

• Strong understanding of Linux system administration (Red Hat or similar enterprise distributions) in lab, development, or production environments.
• Experience installing, configuring, and troubleshooting Linux operating systems, software, servers, and associated lab hardware, including managing user accounts, groups, and file system permissions.
• Experience performing OS level package management, building and maintaining custom RPMs, handling kernel/driver interactions, and conducting performance tuning in Linux environments
• Ability to travel as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Red Hat System Administration certification(s).
• Experience integrating LDAP in complex environments.
• Support and troubleshoot Windows Server operating systems; manage Active Directory and create/maintain GPOs across multiple domains.
• Solid understanding of Enterprise-level storage concepts.

• Experience supporting build and deployment environments, including maintaining build scripts and installation media for development environments.

• Understanding of basic networking, including subnets, routing, and VLANs.

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.