RHEL Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Integration Engineer (AHT)

Northrop Grumman; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 91,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in defense systems is seeking a RHEL Principal/Senior Principal Systems Administrator for its JTAGS program. This role involves advanced Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems administration including maintaining systems, analyzing customer requirements, and implementing enhancements, contributing to a critical government contract while ensuring security compliance.

Benefits

Health insurance coverage

Life and disability insurance

Savings plan

Company paid holidays

Paid time off (PTO)

Qualifications

• Experience with Red Hat installations, upgrades, and support.
• IAT Level II certification is required.
• Secret security clearance on day 1 is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Perform as a Senior Linux Systems Administrator.
• Maintain operation of multi-user computer systems.
• Analyze customer requirements for automated solutions.

Skills

Scripting using Python

Scripting using Perl

Scripting using Bash

Scripting using PowerShell

Advanced RHEL server administration

Security vulnerability remediation

Troubleshooting skills

Network administration

Documentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Ansible

LDAP

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE TYPE: 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.

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.

The **Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS)** program within **Northrop Grumman Defense Systems** was developed and built by Northrop Grumman for the U.S. Army but has since transitioned to the USSF. JTAGS receives and processes data directly down-linked from the Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) constellation of satellites, including Defense Support Program (DSP) and Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) sensors, and other infrared satellite sensors. JTAGS then disseminates near-real-time warning, alerting and cueing information on ballistic missile launches and other tactical events of interest throughout the theater using multiple communications networks.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a self-motivated, energetic individual to work at our Colorado Springs, CO location as a **RHEL Principal/Senior Principal Systems Administrator** supporting the JTAGS program. As a member of this team, you will be primarily focused on Red Hat Enterprise Linux Systems Administration by maintaining and enhancing systems and infrastructure on an important, classified government contract. The team manages the hardware, software, network, and security for systems located in Colorado Springs and internationally. Systems Administrators partner with teams such as Cyber, Systems Engineering, Sustainment, Software Development, and others to accomplish the mission. The role will include Sustainment duties associated with the current system and Development projects planned for future capabilities.

**Roles and Responsibilities:**

+ Perform as a Senior Linux Systems Administrator.

+ Maintain smooth operation of multi-user computer systems, including coordination with network, software, system engineers, project managers, and IT management.

+ Support multiple networks.

+ Analyze internal and external customer requirements and determine equipment and software requirements for solutions to problems by means of automated systems.

+ Recommend and implement system enhancements that will improve the performance and reliability of the system including installing, upgrading/patching, monitoring, problem resolution, and configuration management.

+ Create and maintain user and computer accounts and modify file permissions and security access lists.

+ Test new releases of products to ensure compatibility and minimize user impact.

+ Develop and document technical processes and procedures as needed.

+ Make recommendations to purchase hardware, software, and system components.

+ Interact, meet, discuss, and troubleshoot issues with vendors; evaluate vendor products, services, and suggestions.

+ Adhere to strict Information Systems security guidelines in all cases.

+ Maintain security audit and logging information on all classified networked and standalone computers as directed by the Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM).

+ Prepare security documentation for Cyber Security team.

+ Report project status as required for all recurring and non-recurring efforts.

+ Work under minimal direction and independently determine and develop approach to solutions.

**This requisition is open as a dual level opportunity. We will consider candidates at a level 3 and level 4:**

**Basic Qualifications:**

+ **Level 3:** Bachelor's degree with 5 years of experience OR Master's degree with 3 years of experience OR 9 years of experience in lieu of degree.

+ **Level 4:** Bachelor's degree with 8 years of experience OR Master's degree with 6 years of experience OR 12 years of experience in lieu of degree.

+ Experience with scripting using tools such as Python, Perl, Bash, PowerShell, etc.

+ IAT Level II certification is required on day 1 of employment; maintaining the required certification will be a condition of continued employment.

+ Active DoD Secret security clearance on day 1 of employment; the ability to maintain the required security clearance will be a condition of continued employment.

+ Advanced level RHEL server administration experience.

+ Ansible, RHEL 6/7/8/9, Satellite configuration and usage experience.

+ Solid understanding of remediating security vulnerabilities and experience hardening Linux systems in accordance with RMF and STIGs.

+ Experience building custom “rpm” software packages for Red Hat platforms.

+ Experience with host-based firewall implementations and configuration.

+ Ability to travel as needed.

**Preferred Qualifications:**

+ Red Hat System Administration certification(s).

+ Experience integrating LDAP in complex environments.

+ Solid understanding of Enterprise-level storage concepts.

+ Experience with network administration and related infrastructure.

+ Experience with hardware installation and maintenance to include firmware upgrades.

+ Candidate must demonstrate strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

+ Solid writing skills and experience with SharePoint for documentation.

\#JTAGS #JTAGSJune2025

Salary Range: $91,200.00 - $136,800.00Salary Range 2: $113,500.00 - $170,300.00

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.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.