Cyber Systems Engineer

Senior Principal Cyber Systems EngineerAt 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 Defense Systems delivers mission-critical solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences organization advances engineering and scientific capabilities to design, produce, and sustain optimized product lines that give the warfighter a decisive edge.We seek bold, innovative engineers who embrace change, value cognitive diversity, and bring their full selves to work. Our employees don't just witness history—they make it.Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is hiring a Senior Principal Cyber Systems Engineer in Huntsville, AL to support the Advanced Technology Center's critical Windows domain infrastructure and virtualized enterprise environments in a fast-paced, classified environment.What You'll Get to Do:Design, implement, and secure enterprise Windows domain infrastructure, virtualization platforms, and cyber defense systems that support classified national defense programs.Lead the administration and strategic enhancement of Windows Server environments including Active Directory, DNS, Group Policy, and domain services across multiple security classification levels.Architect, deploy, and maintain VMware vSphere and Horizon VDI environments to support mission-critical operations and secure remote access solutions.Apply cybersecurity frameworks and compliance standards (DISA STIG, CIS Benchmarks) to harden systems and maintain security posture across classified networks.Provide technical leadership and mentorship to systems administration teams, driving best practices in virtualization, automation, and infrastructure lifecycle management.Collaborate with cross-functional teams including network engineers, software developers, and cybersecurity professionals to deliver integrated infrastructure solutions.Support high-visibility demonstrations and mission-critical operations through infrastructure readiness, troubleshooting, and rapid problem resolution.Ensure operational excellence through proactive monitoring, patch management, and continuous improvement of enterprise systems.Responsibilities:Lead Windows domain infrastructure design, implementation, and administration for classified environmentsManage VMware vSphere clusters, ESXi hosts, and Horizon VDI pools including upgrades, patching, and lifecycle managementDesign and implement Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to enforce security controls and standardize configurationsAdminister Active Directory services including DNS, DHCP, user/group management, and domain controller operationsCreate, optimize, and maintain Windows and Linux virtual machine gold images for enterprise deploymentDevelop and execute automation scripts (PowerShell, Bash, Python) to streamline administrative tasks and reduce human errorApply DISA STIGs and CIS hardening guidelines to Windows Server, Linux, and virtualized infrastructureManage enterprise storage solutions (NetApp, SAN) integrated with virtualization platformsCoordinate patch management cycles across Windows and Linux systems following established security protocolsProvide 24/7 on-call support for critical infrastructure and participate in incident response activitiesDocument system architectures, procedures, and configuration standards for enterprise environmentsInterface with program leadership, architects, and stakeholders to align infrastructure with mission requirementsBasic Qualifications for a Senior Principal Cyber Systems Engineer:Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or related STEM field plus 8 years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience; OR Associate's degree plus 12 years of relevant experience; OR 15+ years of equivalent hands-on technical experience in lieu of degree5+ years of hands-on Windows Server and Active Directory administration including DNS, GPO, domain controller management, and troubleshooting in enterprise environments3+ years of VMware vSphere and/or Horizon administration including ESXi host management, vCenter operations, VM lifecycle, and VDI pool managementExperience with Linux/UNIX system administration (RHEL, CentOS, or similar) including user management, permissions, services, and bash scriptingDoD 8570 IAT Level II or IAM Level II certification (Security+, CySA+, CASP+/SecurityX, CISSP, or equivalent)Demonstrated experience applying DISA STIGs and security hardening to Windows Server, Linux systems, and virtualized infrastructureProficiency in scripting and automation using PowerShell, Bash, and/or Python for administrative tasksExperience with enterprise storage and backup solutions (NetApp, SAN, or equivalent)Experience with network fundamentals including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, and basic switching/routing for troubleshootingProven ability to work effectively in team environments and provide technical mentorship to junior staffUS Citizenship is requiredA current/active U.S. Government Secret clearance with ability to get a TSPreferred Qualifications for Senior Principal Cyber Systems Engineer:DoD 8570 IAM Level II or IAT Level III certification (CASP+/SecurityX, CISSP, CISM, or equivalent)CompTIA Linux+ or RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer) certification5+ years of team lead or technical leadership experience managing systems administration teams or leading complex infrastructure projectsExtensive experience with VMware Horizon VDI environments including deployment, optimization, certificate management, and troubleshootingAdvanced Windows Server administration including multi-site AD replication, federation services, and PKI/certificate managementExperience with Citrix XenApp/XenDesktop or NetScaler environmentsProficiency with DevOps tools and practices including GitLab, CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure-as-code, and configuration managementExperience with monitoring and logging solutions (Grafana, Splunk, ELK stack, or equivalent)Hands-on experience with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) and modern application deploymentExperience designing and implementing secure network architectures including VPNs, firewalls (Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto), and network segmentationDemonstrated experience in classified/high-side environments supporting SAP or SCI programsExperience with Agile methodologies and working in cross-functional DevSecOps teamsFamiliarity with Atlassian suite (JIRA, Confluence) for documentation and project trackingSecret clearance already adjudicated and activeStrong written and verbal communication skills with ability to brief technical content to leadershipPrimary Level Salary Range: $149,300.00 - $223,900.00The 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.