Systems Administrator/Principal Systems Administrator (AHT)

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.

Shape the future of air and space intelligence.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is looking for a hands‑on Systems Administrator with solid Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) experience to support the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) at Wright‑Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH.

In this role, you’ll help design, operate, and improve VDI environments that directly enable NASIC’s mission: producing the all‑source intelligence that defines current and future air, air defense, cyber, space, and ballistic missile threats. If you enjoy solving complex technical problems, working closely with mission partners, and owning systems end‑to‑end, this role is for you.

What You’ll Do

• Administer and support enterprise VDI platforms (AWS WorkSpaces, Azure Virtual Desktop, Omnissa / VMware Horizon, and thin client management such as 10ZiG).
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize VDI performance and availability for mission users.
• Implement and maintain secure configurations, including STIGs, patches, and compliance with DoD cybersecurity requirements.
• Collaborate with engineers, cybersecurity, and mission stakeholders to design and document VDI solutions.
• Create and maintain technical artifacts such as SOPs, design diagrams, and system whitepapers.
• Contribute to networking and infrastructure tasks related to routing, subnets, and VLANs in support of the VDI environment.

Additional information

Candidates may be considered for Systems Administrator (Level 2) or Principal Systems Administrator (Level 3) based on education and years of related experience.

Basic Qualifications

• Systems Administrator (Level 2):
• High school diploma or GED with a minimum of 6 years relevant experience

Additional information

OR bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline with a minimum of 2 years related experience

OR master’s degree in a STEM discipline with a minimum of 0 years related experience

• Principal Systems Administrator (Level 3):
• High school diploma or GED with a minimum of 9 years relevant experience

OR bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with a minimum of 5 years related experience

OR master’s degree in a STEM discipline with a minimum of 3 years related experience

• Active Department of Defense (DoD) Top Secret / SCI security clearance
• IAT Level II certification, such as SecurityX (formerly CASP+) or Security+
• 2+ years of hands‑on administration experience with at least one of the following primary VDI platforms:
• AWS WorkSpaces
• Azure Virtual Desktop
• Omnissa / VMware Horizon
• 10ZiG Thin Client Management (or similar endpoint technologies)

Preferred Qualifications

• Scripting and automation experience with tools such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell.
• Experience executing STIG checklists and supporting CTO/ATO documentation packages in enterprise environments.
• Strong technical communication skills, including drafting SOPs, technical design blueprints, and system whitepapers.
• Understanding of basic networking concepts (subnets, routing, VLANs).
• One or more of the following certifications:
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect or SysOps Administrator
• VMware Certified Professional – Desktop and Mobility (VCP‑DTM) or Omnissa Horizon credentials

#CWI2026

Primary Level Salary Range

$75,800.00 - $113,800.00

Secondary Level Salary Range

$94,200.00 - $141,200.00

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.