Sr Principal DevOps Engineer (Cloud) (26-297)

Northrop Grumman Corp.; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 129,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

Savings plan

Paid time off

Education assistance

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Senior Principal DevOps Engineer (Cloud) based at Schriever Space Force Base, CO. You will deploy, manage, and scale on-premises cloud infrastructure supporting C2BMC Global operations, focusing on containerized workloads and automation.

Responsibilities include deploying Kubernetes clusters (Nutanix NKP/OpenShift), building Helm-based workflows, and driving secure CI/CD with GitLab.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in a related field with 6+ years of experience; or 12+ years of relevant work experience may be considered as a substitute to a degree.
• Active DoD 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher is required at start.

Responsibilities

• Deploy, maintain, and manage on-premises cloud clusters using Nutanix and/or Red Hat OpenShift for mission-critical environments.
• Manage and scale enterprise Kubernetes clusters with NKP/OpenShift to ensure high availability and performance.
• Deploy applications and middleware using Helm charts and Kubernetes Operators; support CI/CD.
• Utilize Ansible for extensive infrastructure automation and configuration management.
• Design, implement, and maintain CI/CD pipelines; manage GitLab infrastructure and runners.
• Track and analyze infrastructure changes; proactively monitor and patch VMs, containers, and services.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new capabilities and ensure secure, reliable infrastructure.
• Document designs, baselines, automation playbooks, and operating procedures for repeatable deployments.
• Troubleshoot issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions for stability.

Skills

Kubernetes NKP

OpenShift

Helm charts

Kubernetes Operators

Ansible

CI/CD pipelines

GitLab Runners

Automation

Linux administration

Windows Server

Security clearance

IAT II Certification

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field

Master's Degree in related field

12+ years of experience substituting degree

Tools

Nutanix Kubernetes Platform

Red Hat OpenShift

GitLab

VMware

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.Northrop Grumman Space Systems—Missile Defense Integration offers an excellent opportunity for a Sr. Principal DevOps Engineer (Cloud) (26-297) to join our team of skilled and diverse professionals. Based at Schriever Space Force Base, CO, this role is essential to supporting the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at the strategic, regional, and operational levels.This position does not provide relocation assistance and requires on-site work with no remote options.Position Overview:The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program is a key component of the Missile Defense System. It is a vital operational system that enables the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at strategic, regional, and operational levels to plan ballistic missile defense operations systematically, collectively monitor the battle, and dynamically control networked sensors and weapon systems to achieve global and regional mission goals.C2BMC supports layered missile defense capabilities that enable an optimized response to threats across all ranges and flight phases. It serves as a force multiplier by networking, integrating, and synchronizing autonomous sensor and weapon systems and operations, both globally and regionally, to improve performance. C2BMC is essential for all ground and flight tests that verify and demonstrate the current and future capabilities of missile defense systems.We are seeking a Cloud DevOps Engineer to deploy, manage, and maintain large-scale on-premises cloud and hyperconverged infrastructure solutions that underpin C2BMC Global capabilities. The core focus of this role is lifecycle management of containerized environments and infrastructure automation.Essential Functions:In this role, you will:Deploy, maintain, and manage the lifecycle of on-premises cloud clusters using Nutanix and/or Red Hat OpenShift for mission-critical C2BMC Global environmentsManage and scale enterprise Kubernetes clusters utilizing Nutanix Kubernetes Platform (NKP) and OpenShift, ensuring high availability, performance, and resilienceDeploy applications, services, and middleware using Helm charts and Kubernetes Operators, supporting continuous delivery of new capabilitiesUtilize Ansible for extensive infrastructure automation and configuration management across virtualized and containerized environmentsDesign, implement, and maintain CI/CD pipelines and support infrastructure using GitLab, including the configuration and management of GitLab RunnersTrack and analyze the impact of events and changes on the underlying infrastructure, including proactive monitoring, patching, and maintenance of virtual machines, containers, and platform servicesCollaborate with system engineering, software development, cyber, and operations teams to integrate new capabilities and ensure secure, reliable, and efficient infrastructureDocument designs, configuration baselines, automation playbooks, and operating procedures to support repeatable, scalable deploymentsSupport troubleshooting of infrastructure and platform issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to maintain system stabilityContribute to continuous improvement of DevOps practices, tools, and processes to increase automation, reduce manual effort, and improve delivery velocityBasic Qualifications:Please list your current security clearance and IAT or relevant certifications on your resume, if applicable.A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field from an accredited university, along with 8 years of experience; or a Master’s degree in a related field with 6 years of relevant work experience; or 12 years of relevant work experience may be considered as an alternative to a degreeApplicants must have a current, active DoD 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher (such as Security+ CE, CCNA-Security, CySA+, CND, etc.) at the time of application, which is required to start. The candidate is responsible for maintaining their DoD 8140 certification throughout the entire contract periodApplicants must have a current, active in-scope DoD-issued Top Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to startCloud & Virtualization:Proven experience managing the lifecycle of Nutanix or Red Hat OpenShift clusters in an on-premises environmentContainer Orchestration:Hands-on experience managing Kubernetes clusters, specifically with Nutanix Kubernetes Platform (NKP) and OpenShiftKubernetes Deployments:Proficiency in deploying applications and services utilizing Helm charts and Kubernetes OperatorsAutomation:Strong background in automation and configuration management using AnsibleCI/CD:Practical experience building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines and supporting infrastructure using GitLab, including managing GitLab RunnersOS Administration:Experience with Linux and/or Windows Server system administration in an enterprise environmentStrong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to review performance or operational issues, identify root cause, and recommend and implement effective solutionsEffective oral and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a rapid-paced, team-oriented environmentAbility to work within a structured, process-driven environment while contributing to improvements in tooling and workflowPreferred Qualifications:Candidates with these additional qualifications will be especially competitive:Prior experience with scripting languages such as Bash, Python, or PowerShell for automation, tooling, and integrationExperience administering virtualization technologies such as VMwareExperience with Windows Server and Active Directory integration in a cloud or hybrid environmentExperience operating in Agile/Scrum teams; Scrum Master certification or equivalent experience is a plusFamiliarity with secure DevOps practices and integrating security controls into infrastructure and CI/CD pipelinesExperience supporting mission-critical, highly available systems in defense or other regulated environmentsWhat We Can Offer You:Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment that encourages your growth, benefiting both employees and the company. The benefits are flexible and customizable, enabling you to choose options that suit your individual and family needs. Your benefits will include the following:Health PlanSavings PlanPaid Time OffEducation AssistanceTraining and DevelopmentFlexible Work Arrangementshttps://benefits.northropgrumman.com/us/en2/BenefitsOverview/Pages/default.aspx#NGSpace#COSpace#NGFeaturedJobs#C2BMC#DevOpsPrimary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00The 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.