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

Northrop Grumman; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental & Vision

401k

Educational Assistance

Life Insurance

Work/Life Programs

Paid Time Off

Wellness Resources

Employee Discounts

Flexible Schedules

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Level 3/4 System Administrator to join the Software Controls Engineering - East team on-site in Dulles, VA. The role requires a Top Secret clearance and experience with Linux/Windows, OpenStack, and DevOps tools.

You will support real-time operations, configure VMs, and help maintain system performance while collaborating with cross-functional teams in a structured environment.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship with an active Top Secret clearance or ability to obtain SCI access
• Experience in Linux (RHEL 7/8) Server & Workstation Admin and OpenStack Admin
• Experience in Windows Server Admin
• Ability to follow established troubleshooting checklists
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting with shared responsibility

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot real-time operations and assist end users
• Create process docs and SOPs with clear communication
• Install and maintain Linux/Windows VMs via OpenStack
• Provide logs to support development and sustainment teams
• Implement system enhancements for performance and reliability
• Maintain multi-user systems and coordinate with multiple stakeholders
• Maintain virtual environments and VDI Desktops using PCoIP
• Manage user accounts and permissions via AD and Linux
• Oversee daily maintenance and Tier 1 support in OpenStack
• Support integration of Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, Ansible, Terraform

Skills

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Communication

Teamwork

Security awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master's degree in a related field

Tools

OpenStack

Active Directory

PCoIP

Jira

Confluence

Bitbucket

Ansible

Terraform

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description

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.

Job Responsibilities

• 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

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.

Benefits

• 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