Staff Linux Systems Administrator - TS/SCI

Northrop Grumman; United States; On-site; USD 161,000 - 241,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Comprehensive benefits

9/80 work schedule

401k matching

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Staff Computer Systems Analyst – Linux Systems Administrator to support information system lifecycle activities at our Redondo Beach, CA location. You will lead Linux architecture, ensure high‑availability, and mentor junior staff within a classified environment.

The role requires Top Secret/SCI eligibility, strong scripting, and cross‑platform expertise across Windows, Linux, and UNIX. On-site work and occasional after-hours support are expected.

Qualifications

• : Master’s or higher in IT with 10+ years of IT experience, or Bachelor’s with 12+ years, or Associate’s with 14+ years.
• : Linux operating systems and server/workstation management in a classified environment.
• : Cross‑platform OS awareness (Windows, Linux, Solaris, OSX, UNIX).
• : Must meet U.S. Government 8140 certification requirements for Staff Computer Systems Analyst – IAT Level II.
• : Ability to obtain and maintain CI‑Polygraph; SCI access eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead as a Staff Computer Systems Analyst - Linux in support of classified government contracts.
• Architect enterprise Linux architecture, standards, and roadmaps; administer modern Linux distributions.
• Design and maintain backup, disaster recovery, and high‑availability solutions.
• Oversee networks and provide guidance to technical teams across programs.
• Direct large‑scale system enhancement projects from requirements to deployment; automate for reliability.
• Develop and enforce enterprise identity and access controls across platforms.
• Maintain SOPs, standards, and security tool integration for Linux environments.
• Provide regular project status updates and strategic mentorship to staff.
• Lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds; after-hours work as needed.

Skills

Security clearance eligibility

Top Secret clearance

Linux server administration

Scripting (Bash/Python/Ansible)

Cross-platform knowledge

Education

Master's Degree in IT

Bachelor's Degree in IT

Associate's Degree in IT

Tools

VMware vSphere/ESXi

Docker

Kubernetes (CNCF)

Docker Compose

KVM/QEMU

Citrix XenServer

Rancher

nerdctl

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

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 CIDO Classified Solutions team is seeking a Staff Computer Systems Analyst – Linux Systems Administrator to support information system lifecycle activities. The selected candidate will be required to work on-site, full-time at our Redondo Beach, CA location.

Responsibilities

• Perform as a lead Staff Computer Systems Analyst - Linux in support of classified government contracts.
• Lead the development and governance of enterprise-wide Linux architecture for classified contracts, establishing technical direction, standards, and roadmaps across multiple programs, with expert administration of modern Linux distributions
• Architect the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of backup, disaster recovery, and high-availability solutions for mission-critical Linux systems, leveraging advanced virtualization and containerization technologies.
• Oversee administration and support of multiple networks, ensuring completion of essential tasks, providing guidance to technical teams, and applying strong networking expertise.
• Direct large-scale system enhancement projects, from requirements analysis through design, procurement, deployment, and post-implementation validation, utilizing scripting and automation to optimize performance and reliability.
• Develop and enforce policies for user and computer account management, file permissions, and enterprise-wide identity and access controls, ensuring cross-platform operations.
• Author, maintain, and enhance technical SOPs, standards, and best-practice guides for Linux environments, integrating monitoring and security tools.
• Provide regular project status updates for recurring and non-recurring efforts.
• Operate independently, resolving complex and ambiguous technical challenges.
• Provide strategic mentorship and technical leadership to junior, mid-level, and senior team members, cultivating a high-performance culture and advancing organizational expertise across the enterprise.
• Lifts and moves equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Work after hours, and weekends, as needed.

Basic Qualifications

• Master's Degree with 10 years of IT experience; OR a Bachelor's Degree with 12 years of IT experience; OR an Associate's Degree with 14 years of IT experience is required
• Linux Operating Systems, server and workstation management 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 certification requirements for a Staff Computer Systems Analyst – IAT Level II (examples: Security+ CE, CND, CCNA Security)
• Candidates must have a current U.S. Government Top Secret level security clearance to include SCI access level eligibility (at a minimum) in order to be considered
• Candidates must have the ability to obtain, and maintain, a CI-Polygraph as a condition of continued employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Information Technology, and 12 years of Linux Server Administration experience in a classified environment
• Expert administration of modern Linux distributions, including RHEL 8/9, Rocky Linux, etc. across enterprise and classified environments
• Architect and manage advanced virtualization solutions using platforms such as VMware vSphere/ESXi, Citrix XenServer, and KVM/QEMU, ensuring optimal resource utilization and scalability
• Lead containerization initiatives, leveraging Docker, Docker Compose, and container security tools to enhance application deployment and security posture
• Designed and orchestrated Kubernetes environments (CNCF Kubernetes, Rancher, Kubernetes Dashboard), driving automation and resilience for mission-critical workloads
• Integrate and optimize cloud platforms, including Azure CycleCloud, VMware Cloud Foundation, and nerdctl, to support hybrid and multi-cloud strategies
• Networking expertise in subnets, routing, VLANs, VTCs, and cloud networking to ensure robust and secure connectivity across complex infrastructures
• Supported enterprise monitoring and security tools, such as Splunk, and SolarWinds, to maintain system integrity and compliance
• Developed and implemented advanced scripting and automation solutions using Bash, Python, and Ansible to streamline operations and accelerate system enhancements
• Direct cross-platform operations, ensuring seamless interoperability between Linux, Windows, and UNIX systems in diverse environments
• Experience with the creation and deployment of system images in an enterprise environment
• Experience with Assessment & Authorization process
• Active Top Secret/SCI to include a current CI-Polygraph highly desirable

Benefits

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

Salary

Primary Level Salary Range: $161,000.00 - $241,400.00

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.

Equal Opportunity & Citizenship

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.

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.