Principal System Administrator

Collins Aerospace; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Three weeks vacation

401(k) plan with employer match

Relocation assistance

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Applied Signal Technology (AST) seeks a Principal Systems Administrator for our onsite team in San Jose, CA. The role requires managing Windows and Red Hat environments, plus cybersecurity collaboration and 24x7 operations.

You will work in a fast-paced setting with a strong emphasis on system hardening, VMware/SCCM experience, and a path toward certifications (Security+ CE). U.S. citizenship and TS/SCI clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a STEM degree and 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with Windows and Linux OS.
• Experience with scripting and ticketing/helpdesk processes.
• Experience with audit logs collection and system hardening.
• Active TS/SCI clearance or the ability to obtain polygraph.

Responsibilities

• Provide IT systems administration in Windows and Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments.
• Understand Windows Server and Linux fundamentals including DNS, DHCP, AD, and replication.
• Collaborate in a fast-paced, team-driven environment and troubleshoot complex issues.
• Work with Cybersecurity to maintain security requirements and governance.
• Create documentation and train others on IT processes and procedures.
• Assume certification requirements (e.g., Security+ CE) within a reasonable timeframe.
• Operate 24x7 systems and support off-hours as needed.
• Travel up to 10% domestically for business requirements.

Skills

Windows

Linux

Scripting

Helpdesk

Audit logs

System hardening

Team collaboration

TS/SCI clearance

Citizenship required

Education

STEM degree

Tools

VMware ESXi

SCCM

Active Directory

PXE boot

OS imaging

ACAS / Splunk

GPO / Group Policy

RHEL

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-09-02

Country: United States of America

Location: US-CA-SAN JOSE-826 ~ 200 Holger Way ~ BLDG 826

Position Role Type: Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type: TS/SCI - Current

Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

Raytheon Company managed by Collins Aerospace

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

At Applied Signal Technology (AST), the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world. AST is seeking a Principal Systems Administrator to join our team.

This is an ONSITE role at our San Jose, CA location. To find out more about AST, please click the following link - Applied Signal Technology: WHO WE ARE

What You Will Do

• Provide IT systems administration in a heterogeneous Microsoft Windows and Redhat Enterprise Linux environment.
• Understanding and knowledge of Windows Server internals or Linux fundamentals to include DNS, DHCP, AD, and server replication methods.
• Working as a team member in a fast-paced technological environment. Use troubleshooting techniques to resolve technical problems of a moderate to high scope and complexity to include the integration of hardware and operating systems (OS).
• Work with Cybersecurity professionals to maintain security requirements.
• Provide documentation and training on advanced IT processes and procedures and other tasks as assigned.
• Must be able to obtain certification requirements (CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent certification) within a reasonable amount of time
• Systems are operational 24x7 and occasionally require work effort beyond standard work hours.
• Travel required as business needs dictate to other US Domestic locations, up to 10% per year.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience
• Experience with Windows and Linux Operating systems.
• Experience with scripting.
• Experience with helpdesk operations, ticket troubleshooting and resolution.
• Experience with audit logs collection.
• Experience with system hardening.
• Experience with working in a team environment and collaborating with others.
• Experience working face to face with others and being comfortable in a demanding environment.
• Active and transferable U.S. government issued Top Secret SCI (TS/SCI) security clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain a polygraph after start.
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience serving as a technical SME or primary point of contact for patching, vulnerability remediation, or compliance initiatives.
• Experience with VMware virtualization technologies, including ESXi, vCenter, VM lifecycle management, and host upgrades.
• Experience with securing system configurations, system hardening, STIG/EVAL STIG implementation, vulnerability remediation, and compliance. Familiarity with cybersecurity and compliance tooling, such as ACAS, SCAP, Splunk, STIG Viewer, and audit support processes.
• Experience with MECM/SCCM, PXE boot services, OS imaging, and automated software deployment frameworks.
• Experience with enterprise Windows services, including Active Directory, Group Policy, and identity integration.
• Experience working in a classified environment.
• Existing TS/SCI with polygraph

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employerretirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional lifeand accident insurance,critical illnessinsurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
• Adoption Assistance
• Autism Benefit
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• Eligible for relocation
• And More!

Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as:

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 118,300 USD - 224,900 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.

Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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