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:
- 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 the Principal or Sr Principal level, based on the basic qualifications below.
Basic Qualifications:
- Principal: Bachelor’s degree in science with 5+ years of relevant experience; 3+ years with a Master’s; or 4 additional years of experience in lieu of a degree
- Sr Principal: Bachelor’s degree in science with 8+ years of relevant experience; 6+ years with a Master’s; or 4 years with a PhD; 4 additional years may be considered in lieu of a degree
- Must have a U.S. Government Top-Secret security clearance at the time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI access.
- The ability to obtain and maintain a CI polygraph.
- Experience administering production Kubernetes clusters, including deploying containerized applications, configuring basic networking/ingress, managing persistent storage, and troubleshooting core workload issues
- Working understanding of RHEL, Windows, VMWare, k8s, enterprise implementation, migration, and maintenance.
- Experience in Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) compliance and IA accreditation. Experience operating under and managing systems within NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3-ICD 503, RMF, (STIG), JAFAN, or JSIG information system environments
- Must have a DODD 8140 baseline certification. Security+ CE, CySA+, CCNA security, GSEC, SSCP, or higher-level security certification; certification must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.
- Network design and implementation experience with Cisco and HP switching and firewalls.
- NetApp and Network Attached Storage (NAS) design and implementation experience
- Experience with cryptological devices (KG-175, KIV-7, KGR-42) technologies.
- Ability to travel up to 30% to various overseas locations or as needed. TDYs typically occur 3-4 times a year for 2-3 weeks per deployment.
- Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Maintaining complex mission systems in an air gapped environment.
- Experience with NetApp storage
- Perform as consulting Systems Administrator and subject matter expert for classified government contracts.
- Obtain and analyze internal and external customer requirements, recommend equipment and software as needed, and oversee system implementation and accreditation.
- Navigate complex system configurations and implement enhancements that will improve the performance, reliability, and security of the system including installing, upgrading/patching, monitoring, problem resolution, and configuration management.
- Develop and document technical processes and procedures as needed.
- Ensure necessary administration tasks are completed, and direct others as necessary.
- Analyze internal or external customer requirements and determine equipment and software requirements for solutions to problems by means of automated systems.
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The 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 in science with 5+ years of relevant experience for Principal level
- Bachelor's degree in science with 8+ years of relevant experience for Sr. Principal level
- Master's degree or PhD may substitute for portions of the experience requirement
- Four additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
- Current, within-scope U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance at application
- Ability to obtain and maintain SCI access
- Ability to obtain and maintain a CI polygraph
- Experience administering production Kubernetes clusters
- Experience deploying containerized applications, configuring networking and ingress, managing persistent storage, and troubleshooting Kubernetes workloads
- Working knowledge of RHEL, Windows, VMware, Kubernetes, enterprise implementation, migration, and maintenance
- Experience with STIG compliance and information assurance accreditation
- Experience with NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3-ICD 503, RMF, STIG, JAFAN, or JSIG environments
- DODD 8140 baseline certification
- Security+ CE, CySA+, CCNA Security, GSEC, SSCP, or higher-level security certification
- Network design and implementation experience with Cisco and HP switching and firewalls
- NetApp and NAS design and implementation experience
- Experience with KG-175, KIV-7, and KGR-42 cryptological device technologies
- Ability to travel up to 30% to overseas locations or as needed
- Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
- Experience maintaining complex mission systems in air-gapped environments
- Experience working as a consulting systems administrator or subject matter expert on classified government contracts
- Experience obtaining and analyzing customer requirements and overseeing system implementation and accreditation
- Experience developing and documenting technical processes and procedures
- Experience directing other administrators and ensuring completion of administration tasks
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.






