COMPUTER SYSTEMS ARCHITECT 3

COMPUTER SYSTEMS ARCHITECT 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation Position Overview

• Job Title: Computer Systems Architect 3

• Internal Job Title: Senior Principal Computer Systems Architect

• Number of Positions: 1

• Location: 9326 Spectrum Center Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92123

• Job Type: Contract

• Start Date: November 16, 2026

• End Date: November 15, 2027

• Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite

• Security Clearance: Interim Secret required at start; full Secret clearance upon completion of the clearance process

• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required

• Travel: Up to 10%

Job Description

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking an experienced Computer Systems Architect to support mission-critical development programs and enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives. This position supports complex, heterogeneous classified and unclassified computing networks, with an emphasis on Linux, Windows, VMware virtualization, software development environments, and test automation.

The successful candidate will work closely with software engineers, technicians, subject matter experts, and government engineering teams to design, implement, secure, troubleshoot, and sustain complex system architectures. The role emphasizes Red Hat Linux administration, security hardening, automation, network configuration, and infrastructure sustainment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and define system architectures for new and existing complex development networks.

• Support heterogeneous classified and unclassified environments using Linux, Windows, and virtualization technologies.

• Install, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot, repair, monitor, tune, and maintain hardware and software infrastructure.

• Apply advanced Red Hat Linux administration and troubleshooting techniques.

• Implement system hardening and security requirements in accordance with applicable STIGs.

• Review, analyze, and incorporate technical requirements into end-to-end system architectures.

• Configure networks and coordinate implementation activities with peers, subject matter experts, and government engineers.

• Develop and maintain automation scripts using Bash/Shell, Ansible, Python, or similar technologies.

• Utilize Splunk for system monitoring, analysis, and troubleshooting.

• Support LDAP/RHDS directory services and Linux DNS/BIND configurations.

• Maintain system documentation and develop infrastructure support procedures.

• Provide security support and implement engineering changes as required.

• Evaluate and recommend emerging technologies for integration into program systems.

• Collaborate with engineering and technician teams in a laboratory environment.

• Work independently, communicate progress, and support scheduled milestones.

• Travel occasionally and support flexible schedules, including second shift or weekends, when required.

Required Qualifications

• A STEM Ph.D. with at least 4 years of relevant experience, as specified in the requisition. The posting also states that an additional 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree; confirm the applicable education and experience equivalency with the hiring team.

• Advanced, in-depth knowledge of Red Hat Linux operating systems .

• Strong Linux troubleshooting skills and familiarity with built-in utilities such as awk and grep.

• Experience with LDAP/RHDS.

• Advanced system hardening experience.

• Experience utilizing and working with Splunk.

• Basic working knowledge of Windows operating systems.

• Knowledge of Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and their implementation.

• Knowledge of DNS, specifically Linux BIND.

• Scripting or programming experience with one or more of the following:

  • Bash/Shell

  • Ansible

  • Python

  • Other scripting or programming languages

• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively.

• Ability to work fully onsite at the San Diego Spectrum Center campus.

• Ability to travel up to 10%.

• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain an Interim Secret/Secret clearance before starting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with system imaging, backup, and restore tools such as Clonezilla and Linux dump.

• Experience leading internal programs and coordinating or delegating technical tasks.

• Containerization experience with Docker, Red Hat OpenShift, or Kubernetes.

• Strong virtualization experience with VMware, KVM, Hyper-V, or Red Hat Virtualization.

• Experience designing, implementing, and sustaining Linux/Unix systems.

• Experience designing, implementing, and maintaining containerization technologies.

• Basic to advanced networking knowledge, including iSCSI connectivity.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and provide milestone updates.

• Experience mentoring junior engineers and improving technical procedures and processes.

• Flexibility to support second shift, designated Fridays off, and occasional weekends as needed.

Primary Skills

• Red Hat Linux / RHEL Administration

• Linux Troubleshooting

• System Hardening

• STIG Implementation

• Splunk

• Bash/Shell Scripting

• Ansible

• Python

• LDAP/RHDS

• DNS/BIND

• Windows Operating Systems

• Network Configuration

• VMware Virtualization

• System Architecture

• Infrastructure Sustainment

• Security Compliance

• Technical Documentation

Work Environment

• Fully onsite at the San Diego Spectrum Center campus.

• Supports classified and unclassified development networks.

• May require occasional travel, flexible working hours, second shift, or weekend support.

Security Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must have or be able to obtain an Interim Secret/Secret clearance before starting. The position requires an Interim Secret clearance at the start, with the full Secret clearance process completed afterward.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an experienced Linux systems architect with deep Red Hat expertise, advanced troubleshooting and system-hardening capabilities, hands-on STIG implementation, and scripting/automation skills. Experience with Splunk, LDAP/RHDS, DNS/BIND, virtualization, and secure development environments will be valuable.

Candidates must be comfortable working onsite in San Diego and supporting classified defense programs.