Principal Systems Administrator (Onsite)

Prattwhitney; White Sands (NM); On-site; USD 87,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

RTX is seeking a Principal Systems Administrator for 100% onsite work at White Sands NM. You will manage Windows and Linux infrastructure across classified programs and collaborate with multiple teams to define computing requirements and deliver end-to-end solutions.

The role requires active Secret clearance, U.S. citizenship, and DoD RMF familiarity. Candidates should be prepared for 20% travel within the United States and to obtain DoDD 8140/8570 certifications.

Qualifications

• Active and transferable U.S. government Secret clearance required before start.
• U.S. citizenship required for security clearance eligibility.
• Experience administering Windows environments.
• Experience administering Linux environments.
• Familiarity with DoD/RMF guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize Windows and Red Hat Enterprise Linux infrastructure, ensuring secure IT operations.
• Act as a senior technical resource to maintain confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems.
• Collaborate across Digital Technology, Engineering, Cybersecurity, Networking, Storage, and Tools teams to resolve complex challenges.
• Partner with Cybersecurity teams to maintain compliance and provide guidance on advanced IT processes.
• Lead and contribute to technical meetings with internal teams and program stakeholders.
• Develop, document, and enforce system administration processes and standards.
• Participate in Change Request reviews and DoD directive compliance.

Skills

Windows administration

Linux administration

OS concepts

Security compliance

Communication skills

Education

University Degree or equivalent experience

Advanced Degree

Tools

Active Directory

VMware

Network administration

NetApp

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-10-01 Country: United States of America Location: US-NM-WHITE SANDS-LC38 ~ Bldg. 23626, LC-38 Nike Ave ~ BLDG LC38 (External Site) 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: Secret - Current Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required on day 1 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. Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Principal Systems Administrators

Principal Systems Administrators collaborate with a diverse team to support fast-paced, critical programs with classified information system capabilities. Success in this role means you can develop, implement and maintain secure, cost-efficient environments across various classified programs. Program teams rely on your collaboration and guidance to define computing requirements and create end-to-end solutions to solve complex IT infrastructure problems.

Principal Systems Administrators

Principal Systems Administrators collaborate with a diverse team to support fast-paced, critical programs with classified information system capabilities. Success in this role means you can develop, implement and maintain secure, cost-efficient environments across various classified programs. Program teams rely on your collaboration and guidance to define computing requirements and create end-to-end solutions to solve complex IT infrastructure problems.

Principal Systems Administrators

Principal Systems Administrators collaborate with a diverse team to support fast-paced, critical programs with classified information system capabilities. Success in this role means you can develop, implement and maintain secure, cost-efficient environments across various classified programs. Program teams rely on your collaboration and guidance to define computing requirements and create end-to-end solutions to solve complex IT infrastructure problems.

What You Will Do

• Manage and optimize Microsoft Windows and Red Hat Enterprise Linux infrastructure, ensuring reliable and secure IT operations.
• Act as a senior technical resource for the team to maintain confidentiality, integrity, and availability of assigned IT systems and applications.
• Collaborate across Digital Technology, Engineering, Cybersecurity, Networking, Storage, and Tools teams to resolve complex infrastructure, integration, and compliance challenges, while operating independently with minimal oversight.
• Partner with Cybersecurity teams to maintain compliance with security requirements and provide documentation, training, and guidance on advanced IT processes and procedures.
• Lead and contribute to technical meetings with internal teams and program stakeholders, providing technical guidance and best practice to ensure successful outcomes.
• Develop, document, and enforce system administration processes, standards, and best practices.
• Participate in Change Request reviews and serve on Change Management Boards at various program levels.
• Obtain Department of Defense Directive (DoDD) 8140 / 8570 Certification requirements (CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent) within reasonable amount of time
• Systems are operational 24x7 and occasionally require work effort beyond standard work hours.
• Travel to other US Domestic locations may be required as business needs dictate. Up to 20% per year.
• 100% Onsite presence in White Sands Missile Range, NM.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a University Degree or equivalent experience and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years’ experience.
• Active and transferable U.S. government issued Secret security clearance is required prior to start.
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.
• Experience administering Microsoft Windows environments.
• Experience administering Linux environments.
• Experience with operating system concepts and implementations.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience with any of the following technologies: Active Directory, VMware, Network administration, NetApp administration.
• Scripting/coding proficiency (Python/PowerShell/Bash)
• Experience supporting engineers in software, simulations, and hardware development.
• Experience working with NISPOM, JAFAN, JSIG, and/or DoD/RMF guidelines.
• Strong communication skills, with ability to influence and drive change with peers and leaders across the organization.

What We Offer

Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

Relocation assistance is available, provided final candidate meets eligibility requirements. 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 86,800 USD - 165,200 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.

RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.