Sr Principal Linux Systems Administrator - Top Secret

Northrop Grumman; United States; On-site; USD 129,000 - 194,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Sr. Principal Computer Systems Analyst - Senior Linux Systems Administrator to manage and secure classified Linux environments at our Azusa, CA location.

The role requires Top Secret clearance, extensive Linux experience, and the ability to lead cross‑functional teams on mission‑critical systems. The position emphasizes enterprise‑level system administration, security, and disaster recovery planning, with onsite work and no telecommute option.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree with 6 years IT experience or equivalent
• Linux workstation/server management in a classified environment
• Cross‑platform OS knowledge (Windows, Linux, UNIX, etc.)
• 8570‑equivalent IAT level II certification
• Current U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance

Responsibilities

• Lead Sr. Principal Linux systems analyst for classified gov contracts.
• Oversee multi-user systems and networks with IT teams, PMs, and end users.
• Analyze requirements and implement hardware/software solutions; liaise with vendors.
• Develop backup strategies and disaster recovery frameworks for critical systems.
• Establish and enforce account management, file permissions, and security controls.
• Lead testing, validation, and change management for major releases.
• Develop, publish, and improve technical standards and SOPs.
• Report on strategic initiatives and project status to executives and stakeholders.

Skills

Linux administration

Security clearance

Bash/Python/Ansible

Virtualization

Docker/Kubernetes

Cloud platforms

Networking basics

RMF/STIG/JAFAN

Education

Master’s Degree in IT

Bachelor’s Degree in IT

Associate’s Degree in IT

High School Diploma with IT experience

Tools

VMware vSphere/ESXi

Citrix XenServer

KVM/QEMU

Docker

Kubernetes

Azure CycleCloud

SolarWinds

Splunk

Job description

Description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance 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.

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and secure technological solutions to enable strategic objectives. We’re looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we will support yours by expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you will have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

The Northrop Grumman Classified Solutions CIDO team is seeking a Sr. Principal Computer Systems Analyst - Senior Linux Systems Administrator to support information system lifecycle activities. The selected candidate will be required to work on-site, full-time at our Azusa, CA location.

Responsibilities

• Perform as a lead Sr. Principal Computer Systems Analyst - Linux in support of classified government contracts.
• Communicate effectively with all organizational levels, internal/external customers, vendors, and senior leadership, both verbally and in writing.
• Oversee operations and administration of multi-user computer systems and multiple networks, coordinating with IT teams, project managers, and end users.
• Analyze requirements, recommend, and implement hardware/software solutions; interact with vendors to evaluate and troubleshoot products and services.
• Define, implement, and maintain enterprise-wide system enhancements, including installation, upgrades/patches, monitoring, configuration management, and problem resolution.
• Design and develop backup strategies to include backup and disaster recovery frameworks for critical systems.
• Establish and enforce procedures for account management, file permissions, and security access.
• Lead testing, validation, and change management for major product releases across platforms.
• Develop, publish, and continuously improve technical standards and SOPs.
• Ensure compliance with Information Systems security guidelines; prepare and maintain security documentation, audit logs, and Assessment & Authorization (A&A) submissions; serve as senior liaison to the ISSM.
• Report on strategic initiatives and project status to executive stakeholders; act as a key technical advisor impacting enterprise-wide, mission-critical systems.
• Acts as a key technical advisor to senior leadership; impacts multiple programs and mission‑critical systems across the enterprise.
• Provide senior-level technical expertise by mentoring junior and experienced team members, fostering their professional growth and enhancing team capabilities.
• Lifts and moves equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Work after hours, and weekends, as needed.
• Note: Due to the classified nature of the work being performed, this position does not offer any virtual or telecommute working options.

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s Degree with 6 years of IT experience; OR a Bachelor's Degree with 8 years of IT experience; OR an Associate’s Degree with 10 years of IT experience; OR a High School Diploma/GED with 12 years of IT experience is required
• Linux Operating Systems workstation and server management support experience in a classified environment
• Operating System Cross-platform awareness (i.e. two or more: Windows, Linux, Solaris, OSX, UNIX, etc.)
• Candidates must meet the U.S.Government 8140 requirements (8570 equivalent) for a Linux/Windows Systems Administrator – IAT level II certification at a minimum (examples: Security+ CE, CND, CCNA Security, SSCP, GICSP, GSEC, CCISO)
• Candidates must have a current U.S. Government Top Secret level security clearance (at a minimum) in order to be considered

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, and 10 years of Linux Server Administration experience in a classified environment
• Active SCI, SAP/SAR access, or Polygraph
• Security+ CE certification
• Experience operating under and managing systems within NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3-ICD 503, RMF, STIG, JAFAN, or JSIG information system environments
• Experience administering modern Linux distributions (RHEL 8/9, Rocky Linux, etc.)
• Proficient in virtualization platforms (VMware vSphere/ESXi, Citrix XenServer, KVM/QEMU, etc.)
• Advanced containerization skills (Docker, Docker Compose, etc.) and container security tools Kubernetes orchestration (CNCF Kubernetes, Rancher, Kubernetes Dashboard, etc.)
• Cloud platform integration (Azure CycleCloud, VMware Cloud Foundation, etc.)
• Strong networking background (subnets, routing, VLANs, VTCs, cloud networking)
• Monitoring and security tools support, such as Splunk and SolarWinds
• Scripting and automation (Bash, Python, Ansible)
• Cross-platform operations (Linux, Windows, UNIX, etc.)
• Experience with the creation and deployment of system images in an enterprise environment
• Experience with Assessment & Authorization process

Salary

Primary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00

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.

We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare, a 9/80 work schedule, and a great 401k matching program.

We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career.

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.

Company Culture

We are a pioneering company. With careers across all areas: air, cyber, land, sea and space – our 90,000 employees work as one to defend and define the future. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will give you every opportunity to do your best work. Working together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines, we share a drive to push the boundaries of science, technology and engineering to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide.

Eligibility

U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Equal Opportunity

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.