Sr Principal Linux Systems Administrator - Top Secret

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.

The responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 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. Applicants are encouraged to apply, only if they are willing to work on-site.

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

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. Come join us!

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