Principal/Sr. Principal Virtualization 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.

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and secure technological solutions to enable strategic objectives. We’re looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we will support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you will have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

Northrop Grumman’s Chief Information & Digital Office (CIDO) organization is seeking a well-qualified Systems Administrator – with expertise in virtualization technologies (primarily VMware) – to join its dynamic Classified Solutions team of technical professionals in Linthicum, MD. The selected candidate will be required to work on-site, full-time, at our Linthicum, MD campus - this is not a remote work opportunity.

Primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following:

• Adhere to strict Information Systems security guidelines, always in accordance with 32 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Part 117, National Industrial Security Program Manual (NISPOM) and the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency Assessment and Authorization Process Manual (DAAPM Version 2.2 Effective 31 August 2020).   

• Analyze internal and external customer requirements to determine appropriate hardware and software requirements for solutions to problems, by means of automated systems.

• Communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, with internal and external customers, in written and verbal format.

• Create and maintain user and computer accounts and modify file permissions and security access lists in a Microsoft Active Directory environment.

• Develop and document technical processes and procedures as needed.

• Direct other team members as necessary.

• Interact, meet, discuss, and troubleshoot issues with vendors and evaluate vendor products, services, and suggestions.

• Maintain security audit and logging information on all classified networked and standalone computers as directed by the Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM).

• Maintain smooth operation of multi-user computer systems, including coordination with network, software, and system engineers, PC desktop technicians, project managers, end users, customer, and IT management.

• Make recommendations on how to purchase hardware, software, and system components.

• Perform as a System Administrator for a classified government contract.

• Prepare security documentation for input to Computer Security.

• Provide backup and recovery services, manage file systems and disk space, and manage virus protection on a routine basis.

• 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.

• Report project status as required for all recurring and non-recurring efforts.

• Support multiple networks while ensuring necessary administration tasks are completed in a timely manner.

• Test new releases of products to ensure compatibility and minimize user impact.

This position may be filled as a Level 3 or Level 4, based on the qualifications outlined below.

Basic Qualifications for Level 3:

• Associate's degree and 7 years of relevant experience, or Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of relevant experience, or Master's degree and 3 years of relevant experience; a High School diploma or equivalent with 9 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a completed degree.

Basic Qualifications for Level 4:

• Associate’s degree with 10 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 6 years of relevant experience, or a PhD with 4 years of relevant experience; a High School diploma or equivalent with 12 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a completed degree.

Basic Qualifications for Levels 3 and 4:

• Applicants must have an active U.S. Government Secret level security clearance (at a minimum), to include a closed investigation date completed within the last 6 years, or must be enrolled in the U.S. Government Continuous Evaluation Program (CEP) in order to be considered; the required security clearance must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

• The selected candidate will be required to obtain a Special Access Program (SAP/SAR) clearance before a start date can be established; maintaining a SAP/SAR clearance will be a condition of continued employment.

• Current Security+ CE, CISSP, CASP, or similar certification, or the ability to acquire certification within 6 months of hire date; maintaining the required certification will be a condition of continued employment.

• Experience managing Windows and/or Linux Server Operating Systems in a Microsoft Active Directory domain architecture.

• Proven ability to work under minimal direction and independently determine and develop approach to solutions.

• Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds, unassisted.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in IS related field.

• A current U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance.

• Currently valid Security+ CE, CASP, CISSP, or similar security certification.

• Experience operating under and managing systems within NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3-ICD 503, RMF, STIG, JAFAN, or JSIG information system environments.

• Experience installing, configuring, and maintaining computer hardware in a networked environment.

• Windows Server management experience.

• Microsoft Active Directory domain architecture experience.

• Understanding of basic networking, including subnets, routing, and VLANs; Cisco experience and/or certification a plus.

• Knowledge of SAN storage systems.

• Linux Operating System experience and/or certification for current versions.

• VMWare Virtualization technology experience with current version.

• Knowledge of environmental monitoring tools (HBSS/Solar Winds/Splunk).

• Rudimentary Scripting experience.

• Experience with the creation and deployment of system images in an enterprise environment.

• Experience with Systems Certification & Accreditation process (under DCSA's STIG and/or JSIG requirements).

• U.S. Government 8140 (8750 equivalent) certification in a primary OS (Windows, Linux, Cisco).

We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment.  At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation.  Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career.  We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare, a 9/80 work schedule, and a great 401k matching program.  Come join us!

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,900.00 - $148,300.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $123,400.00 - $185,000.00

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.