Sr Principal Linux Systems Administrator - Top Secret
About The Position
Northrop Grumman’s Classified Solutions CIDO team is seeking a Senior Linux Systems Administrator to support information system lifecycle activities for classified government contracts. The role is based full-time on-site in Azusa, California; virtual and telecommute work are not available. A current U.S. Government Top Secret clearance is required to be considered, and the role requires travel 10% of the time. The successful candidate will lead Linux systems administration and serve as a senior technical advisor for enterprise-wide, mission-critical systems. The role oversees multi-user systems and networks, coordinates with IT teams, project managers, end users, vendors, and customers, and contributes to strategic initiatives. Responsibilities include systems lifecycle maintenance, security compliance and documentation, backup and disaster recovery planning, change management, technical standards, and mentoring team members. The position requires lifting and moving equipment up to 50 pounds and working after hours and weekends as needed. Northrop Grumman offers a 9/80 work schedule, learning opportunities, a team environment, health care and other benefits, and a 401(k) matching program.
Requirements
- Master’s degree and 6 years of IT experience; or a bachelor’s degree and 8 years of IT experience; or an associate degree and 10 years of IT experience; or a high school diploma/GED and 12 years of IT experience.
- Linux operating system workstation and server management support experience in a classified environment.
- Cross-platform operating system awareness across at least two of Windows, Linux, Solaris, macOS, and UNIX.
- Meet U.S. Government 8140 requirements (8570 equivalent) for a Linux/Windows Systems Administrator IAT Level II certification at minimum; examples include Security+ CE, CND, CCNA Security, SSCP, GICSP, GSEC, or CCISO.
- Current U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance at minimum.
- Willingness to work full-time on-site in Azusa, California; virtual and telecommute options are not available.
- Ability to travel 10% of the time.
- Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds.
- Availability to work after hours and weekends as needed.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and 10 years of Linux Server Administration experience in a classified environment.
- Active SCI, SAP/SAR access, or polygraph.
- Security+ CE certification.
- Experience working in or managing systems under NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3-ICD 503, RMF, STIG, JAFAN, or JSIG information system environments.
- Experience administering modern Linux distributions such as RHEL 8/9 or Rocky Linux.
- Proficiency with virtualization platforms such as VMware vSphere/ESXi, Citrix XenServer, and KVM/QEMU.
- Advanced containerization skills with Docker, Docker Compose, and container security tools.
- Kubernetes orchestration experience, including CNCF Kubernetes, Rancher, or Kubernetes Dashboard.
- Cloud platform integration experience, such as Azure CycleCloud or VMware Cloud Foundation.
- Strong networking background, including subnets, routing, VLANs, VTCs, and cloud networking.
- Experience supporting monitoring and security tools such as Splunk and SolarWinds.
- Scripting and automation experience with Bash, Python, and Ansible.
- Cross-platform operations experience with Linux, Windows, and UNIX.
- Experience creating and deploying system images in an enterprise environment.
- Experience with the Assessment & Authorization process.
Responsibilities
- Lead Linux systems administration in support of classified government contracts.
- Communicate with internal and external customers, vendors, organizational teams, and senior leadership, both verbally and in writing.
- Oversee operations and administration of multi-user computer systems and multiple networks, coordinating with IT teams, project managers, and end users.
- Analyze requirements, recommend and implement hardware and software solutions, and work with vendors to evaluate and troubleshoot products and services.
- Define, implement, and maintain enterprise-wide system enhancements, including installations, upgrades and patches, monitoring, configuration management, and problem resolution.
- Design and develop backup strategies, including backup and disaster recovery frameworks for critical systems.
- Establish and enforce procedures for account management, file permissions, and security access.
- Lead testing, validation, and change management for major product releases across platforms.
- Develop, publish, and continuously improve technical standards and standard operating procedures.
- Ensure compliance with information systems security guidelines; prepare and maintain security documentation, audit logs, and Assessment & Authorization submissions; serve as senior liaison to the ISSM.
- Report strategic initiatives and project status to executive stakeholders and advise on enterprise-wide, mission-critical systems.
- Mentor junior and experienced team members and support their professional growth and team capabilities.
- Lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Work after hours and weekends as needed.
Benefits
- Flexible work arrangements are offered, although this position itself requires full-time on-site work and does not offer virtual or telecommute options.
- Learning opportunities.
- A friendly team environment.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Life insurance.
- Disability insurance.
- Savings plan.
- Company-paid holidays.
- Paid time off for vacation and/or personal business.
- 401(k) matching program.
- 9/80 work schedule.
- Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus, depending on the position.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
