Principal / Sr. Principal System Administrator - Space/Satellite Systems

About the role

• RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
• CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
• CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
• TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

About the role

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.

We have an opening for a Level 3/4 System Administrator to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in the Software Controls Engineering - East organization. This position is on-site in Dulles, Virginia. As this will be performed within a SCIF no remote or hybrid work is possible nor to be expected.

In this role you will

• Aid fellow team members and end users in troubleshooting and problem resolution in support of real-time operations.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to include, but not limited to, creation of process documentation and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain Windows and Linux VMs via OpenStack.
• Provide accurate logs so that the development and sustainment teams can make improvements in product stability and functionality.
• Implement system enhancements that will improve the performance and reliability of the system including installing, upgrading/patching, monitoring, problem resolution, and configuration management.
• Maintain smooth operation of multi-user computer systems, including coordination with team members, system engineers, operators, project managers, end users, and customers.
• Install, configure, and perform maintenance of virtual environments to include virtualized servers and VDI Desktops utilizing PCoIP.
• Create and maintain user and computer accounts and modify file permissions and security access lists via Active Directory and Linux.
• Oversee daily maintenance and provide Tier 1 troubleshooting and support in OpenStack environment.
• Support integration of DevOps software such as Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, Ansible, and Terraform.

Job Requirements

• Must have U.S. Citizenship with a current or active Top Secret level clearance and the ability to obtain SCI level access at the time of application.
• Experience in Linux (RHEL 7/8) Server and Workstation Administration and OpenStack Administration and/or experience in Windows (10 and Server) Server and Workstation Administration
• Ability to follow a checklist or an established troubleshooting routine for connection or software issues
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively with others in a team setting through shared responsibility, empathy, and respect
• Current Security+ or IAT Level 2 certification

Principal Systems Administrator (level 3)

• Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of experience; OR Master’s degree with 3 years of experience. Experience may be considered in lieu of a degree

Sr. Principal Systems Administrator (level 4)

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of experience; OR Master’s degree with 6 years of experience. Experience may be considered in lieu of a degree

Preferred Qualifications

• Red Hat Certified Systems Administrator (RHCSA) certification
• Experience with DNS, Active Directory, GPOs, and LDAP configuration
• Experience with DevOps systems and methods
• Familiar with the concepts of server and desktop virtualization, PCOIP, or experience with low level administration of an environment

Additional information

The Northrop Grumman Tactical Space Division is a strategic partner specializing in commercial and classified partnerships with the design, delivery, operation and sustainment of satellites and human spacecraft. We support science and space exploration through our various partnerships, including NASA’s Artemis program with the goal to return humans to the Moon in 2024 and the TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) program that has discovered more than twenty confirmed plants. Recognized as an industry leader, we also develop highly specialized space and satellite components.

Northrop Grumman offers a competitive and robust benefits program.

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:

• Medical
• Dental & Vision coverage
• 401k
• Educational Assistance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
• Paid Time Off
• Health & Wellness Resources
• Employee Discounts

Flexible Schedules (For example the ability to work a 9/80 work schedule, which allows an employee to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off of work)

For more details please visit our total rewards site or chat with one of our recruiters to

Link: #SpaceEngJobs

Primary Level Salary Range

$103,600.00 - $155,400.00

Secondary Level Salary Range

$129,300.00 - $193,900.00

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.