Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Multi-Domain Operations, and Missile Defense Integration Business Unit (BU), Advanced Programs group has an exciting career opportunity for a Software Engineer – Level 2 or 3 (Systems Admin/Lab Manager) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. We are a smaller team of ~15 people working on cutting edge distributed missile tracking capabilities - Join our high performing software team and come make history with us! The position is located on-site in Boulder, CO. Boulder is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and only 25 miles from downtown Denver.
Position Overview:
The selected Software Engineer – Level 2 or 3 (Systems Admin/Lab Manager) will be responsible for ensuring effective management of the IT infrastructure while maintaining compliance with security policies and regulations. Develop security plans for specific networks and managing the auditing of the equipment on those networks. Maintaining software & hardware compliance to the latest requirements including logging, ant-virus and patching activities.
Essential Functions:
- Managing a lab of hardware and software
- Drive the processes required to get software and hardware into different levels of secure environments through the boarding process to closure
- Operating System Account Management
- Virtual Lab Management (vLab vDC Management)
- Monitoring and Reviewing Systems
- Firmware Upgrades and Cybersecurity awareness
- Working in Linux/Red Hat 9 environments
- Liaison between supply chain, facilities, and security to bring in new hardware and software that is compliant to all policies
The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, collaborative/team settings across all levels.
This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on qualifications listed below.
This requisition may be filled at either a Software Engineer – Level 2 or a Principal Software Engineer – Level 3.
Basic Qualifications:
- Software Engineer – Level 2: Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 2 years of related experience, or a Master's Degree and 0-2 years of experience.
- Principal Software Engineer – Level 3: Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 5 years of related experience, or a Master's Degree and 3 years of related experience, or 1 year of experience with a PhD.
- Applicants must have an active in-scope U.S. Government issued Secret security clearance at the time of application and is required to start; with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- A current active CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent DoD 8570 IAT/IAM II certification is required.
- Ability and willingness to travel 10% to support business needs.
- Experience with being a systems administrator in a Linux/Red Hat environment
Preferred Qualifications:
- Working knowledge of Linux (RH9) and basic security concepts
- Working knowledge of Containerization/ Virtualization (Kubernetes, Docker)
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines (Gitlab, Jenkins)
- Embedded equipment familiarity is a plus!
- Basic understanding of TCP/IP networking fundamentals
- Familiarity with NIST SP 800-53 and associated family of documents
- Familiarity with DISA STIGS/Benchmarks and SCAP Compliance Checker
- Working Knowledge and ability to configure Tenable Security Center/Nessus
- Familiarity with Host-Based Security System (HBSS)/Endpoint Security Solutions (ESS)
- Exposure to Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS)
- Familiarity with Identity/Authentication management tools and concepts
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 2 years of related experience for Level 2
- Master's degree and 0–2 years of experience for Level 2
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of related experience for Level 3
- Master's degree and 3 years of related experience for Level 3
- One year of experience with a PhD for Level 3
- Active, in-scope U.S. Government-issued Secret security clearance at application and start
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance
- Current active CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent DoD 8570 IAT/IAM II certification
- Willingness to travel 10%
- Systems administration experience in a Linux or Red Hat environment
- Working knowledge of Linux RH9 and basic security concepts
- Working knowledge of Kubernetes and Docker
- Experience with GitLab or Jenkins CI/CD pipelines
- Embedded equipment familiarity
- Basic TCP/IP networking knowledge
- Familiarity with NIST SP 800-53
- Familiarity with DISA STIGs, benchmarks, and SCAP Compliance Checker
- Ability to configure Tenable Security Center or Nessus
- Familiarity with HBSS or ESS
- Exposure to ACAS
- Familiarity with identity and authentication management tools and concepts
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.






