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 by 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.
The Northrop Grumman Classified Solutions team is seeking a Sr Principal Computer Systems Analyst (Linux Systems Administrator) to support information system lifecycle activities.
The selected candidate will be required to work on-site, full-time at either our Linthicum, MD location. This is not a remote/virtual position.
The responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to, the following:
Perform as a Principal Computer Systems Analyst - Linux in support of classified government contracts.
Exhibits good communication skills, an energetic approach, and patience with customers.
Establishes and maintains high levels of customer satisfaction according to defined objectives while adhering to established policies.
Report task statuses as required for all recurring and non-recurring efforts in written and oral format.
Able to support multiple networks, ensuring necessary Linux administration tasks are completed; coordinating with others as necessary, working under minimal direction.
Maintain operations of multi-user computer systems working with system engineers, PC desktop technicians, networking engineers, project managers, end users, and IT/Cyber management.
Assist with review of internal customer requirements, making recommendations for hardware, software, system component purchases.
Maintain and provide reliability of systems through installation, upgrading/patching, monitoring, problem resolution, and configuration management.
Provide and maintain backup and recovery services; manage file systems and disk space; manage virus protection on a routine basis.
Test new releases of products to ensure compatibility and minimize user impact.
Develop and maintain technical documentation of system processes and procedures.
Adhere to strict Information Systems security guidelines in all cases, supporting Computer Security with inputs to documentation, as required.
Maintain security audit and logging information on all classified networked and standalone computers as directed by the Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM).
Work across disciplines to isolate issues between software, firmware, and hardware, between software and operating systems, between networks and applications, and between one-time events and recurrent systematic problems.
Support environments by means of ticketing requirements systems (ServiceNow, JIRA, etc.)
Raises issues that require senior level attention or involvement.
Lifts and moves equipment up to 50 pounds.
Work after hours, and weekends, as needed.
Note: Due to the classified nature of the work being performed, this position does not offer any virtual or telecommute working options. Applicants are encouraged to apply, only if they are willing to work on-site.
Basic Qualifications:
Master's Degree with 5 years of IT experience; OR a Bachelor's Degree with 7 years of IT experience; OR an Associate's Degree with 9 years of IT experience; OR a High School Diploma/GED with 11 years of IT experience is required
Must have a Security+ CE certification (or equivalent IAT level II cert) to be considered
Experience with Linux Server Administration in a classified environment is required
Experience installing, configuring, and maintaining resources in an AWS cloud environment needed
Must have experience implementing STIGs (Security Technical Implementation Guides) on Linux systems
Candidates must have a current Top Secret level security clearance with SCI access level eligibility to include a recent and current Polygraph [adjudicated within the last 5 years] in order to be considered
Candidates must have the ability to obtain, and maintain, access to Special Programs as a condition of continued employment
Preferred Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, a Security+ CE, a Linux+ or RHCSA, and 9 years of Linux Server Administration experience in a classified environment
Experience deploying Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Helm, Ansible)
Experience operating under and managing systems within NISPOM, ICD 503, or JSIG information system environments
Current Virtualization experience and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes, etc.)
Knowledge of networking, including subnets, routing, VLANs and VTCs
Knowledge of environmental monitoring tools (HBSS/Solar Winds/Splunk)
Scripting experience
Operating System Cross-platform awareness (i.e. two or more: Windows, Linux, Solaris, OSX, UNIX, etc.)
Experience with the creation and deployment of system images in an enterprise environment
Experience with Assessment & Authorization process
Experience with Python or C++
CIDO
We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. 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!
Skills Required
- Degree with commensurate IT experience (Master's +5 yrs OR Bachelor's +7 yrs OR Associate's +9 yrs OR HS/GED +11 yrs)
- Security+ CE certification or equivalent IAT Level II
- Current Top Secret clearance with SCI access eligibility and recent Polygraph adjudicated within last 5 years
- Experience with Linux server administration in a classified environment
- Experience installing, configuring, and maintaining resources in an AWS cloud environment
- Experience implementing STIGs on Linux systems
- Ability to obtain and maintain access to Special Programs
- Willingness to work on-site full-time at Linthicum, MD (no telecommute)
- Experience using ticketing systems (ServiceNow, JIRA, etc.) to support environments
- Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds and work after hours/weekends as needed
- Experience deploying Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Helm, Ansible)
- Experience operating/managing systems within NISPOM, ICD 503, or JSIG environments
- Virtualization and containerization experience (Docker, Kubernetes)
- Networking knowledge (subnets, routing, VLANs, VTCs)
- Familiarity with environmental monitoring/tools (HBSS, SolarWinds, Splunk)
- Scripting experience and cross-platform OS awareness (Windows, Linux, Solaris, OSX, UNIX)
- Experience creating and deploying enterprise system images
- Experience with Assessment & Authorization (A&A) processes
- Experience with Python or C++
- Linux certifications (Linux+, RHCSA)
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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Retirement Support — 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.
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.








