Principal / Sr. Principal System Administrator

Northrop Grumman•Colorado Springs, CO

1d•$94,200 - $176,300•Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is hiring a Principal or Sr. Principal System Administrator based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The role performs Linux systems administration on large, classified government contracts and supports multiple networks. The administrator maintains smooth operation of multi-user computer systems while coordinating with network, software, and system engineers, desktop technicians, project managers, end users, customers, and IT management. The position includes analyzing customer requirements; determining equipment and software needs; implementing system enhancements; installing, upgrading, and patching systems; monitoring and resolving problems; managing configurations and accounts; testing product releases; documenting technical processes; and recommending system components. The administrator also works with vendors, follows strict information systems security guidelines, maintains security audit and logging information, prepares security documentation, and reports project status. Work is performed under minimal direction, with independent development of solutions. The role requires an active U.S. Government Secret clearance at application, U.S. citizenship, RHEL server administration experience, and the ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds and work after hours and weekends as needed. Relocation assistance may be available; travel is not required.

Requirements

Level 3: 5 years of experience with a bachelor's degree, 3 years with a master's degree, or 1 year with a Ph.D.; 4 additional years of experience may substitute for a degree.
Level 4: 8 years of experience with a bachelor's degree, 6 years with a master's degree, or 4 years with a Ph.D.; 4 additional years of experience may substitute for a degree.
At least 1 year of server administration experience with RHEL.
DoD 8570 IAT Level II baseline certification, such as Security+ CE, or ability to obtain one within 6 months of the start date as a condition of continued employment.
Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
Ability to work after hours and weekends as needed.
U.S. citizenship.
Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at the time of application, current and within scope.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in a STEM-related discipline.
Red Hat Certified Engineer certification.
Security+ CE certification.
Five or more years of server administration experience in an SCI-classified environment.
Experience operating under and managing systems within NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3-ICD 503, RMF, STIG, JAFAN, or JSIG information system environments.
Experience with Trusted Guard.
Tanzu or Kubernetes deployment experience.
RHEL System Administration certification(s).
NAS storage device administration experience, preferably NetApp, including ONTAP 8.x or higher and CDOT.
Understanding of enterprise-level storage concepts, including commonly used RAID levels.
Satellite configuration and usage experience.
Understanding of security vulnerability remediation and experience hardening Linux systems in accordance with RMF and STIGs.
Experience with Ansible, Puppet, RHEL 7, and Satellite.
Strong writing skills and experience using Wiki pages and SharePoint sites for documentation.
DoD 8570 certification in a primary operating system such as Windows, Linux, or Cisco.
Currently valid Security+ CE, CASP, CISSP, or similar security certification.
Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance at the time of application, current and within scope, with ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access.

Responsibilities

Perform Linux systems administration on large, classified government contracts.
Communicate effectively with internal and external customers at all organizational levels, in writing and verbally.
Maintain the operation of multi-user computer systems and coordinate with engineering, desktop support, project management, end users, customers, and IT management.
Support multiple networks and ensure required administration tasks are completed, directing others as necessary.
Analyze customer requirements and determine equipment and software requirements for automated-system solutions.
Recommend and implement system enhancements to improve performance and reliability, including installation, upgrades, patching, monitoring, problem resolution, and configuration management.
Create and maintain user and computer accounts and modify file permissions and security access lists.
Test new product releases for compatibility and to minimize user impact.
Develop and document technical processes and procedures.
Recommend purchases of hardware, software, and system components.
Work with vendors to discuss and troubleshoot issues and evaluate vendor products, services, and suggestions.
Adhere to information systems security guidelines.
Maintain security audit and logging information on classified networked and standalone computers as directed by the Information Systems Security Manager.
Prepare security documentation for the Cyber Security team.
Report project status for recurring and non-recurring efforts.
Work under minimal direction and independently determine and develop approaches to solutions.

Benefits

Health insurance coverage.
Life insurance.
Disability insurance.
Savings plan.
Company-paid holidays.
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus, depending on the position.
Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions and allow employees to share in company results.
Vice President or Director employees may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.
Relocation assistance may be available.