Principal / Senior Principal Systems Administrator

Northrop Grumman

Confirmed live 2 days ago High trust

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Aurora, CO
Salary: $114,000–$171,000 / yr
Posted: 7 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live 2 days ago
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $172k

This role $142k

$101k most similar roles pay here $237k

This role pays less than 69% of similar roles. Most pay $135,300–$208,800 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $142k versus about $172k for comparable roles.

Based on 239 similar postings.

Employer

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company providing systems in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics. Industry: Aerospace & Defense

Northrop Grumman currently has 367 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $114,900–$176,300 across 353 roles with salary data.

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View all roles at Northrop Grumman

At a glance

TL;DR · Principal / Senior Principal Systems Administrator

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The Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Administrator (AHT) joins the Central Region Software Engineering organization to support mission-critical environments for space and defense missions. This role involves administering and securing Windows and Linux systems, executing operating system patching across multiple enclaves, and driving automation through BASH and Python scripting. The individual will manage VMware-based virtualization and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions to ensure high availability and performance for classified workloads. Key responsibilities include monitoring, troubleshooting, and collaborating with cybersecurity and engineering teams to maintain a resilient infrastructure. Required technical skills include experience with Windows and Linux administration, BASH and Python scripting, and VMware technologies. The role operates at the intersection of systems engineering and cyber defense, ensuring system stability and compliance within highly regulated environments while managing complex configurations for critical programs.

What does a Systems Administrator earn?

Median $114700 from 35 postings across 6 companies.

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Skills

Windows Linux Python BASH VMware VDI Kubernetes Active Directory Jira Confluence Bitbucket

What you'll do

Perform day-to-day Windows and Linux system administration including installation, configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
Execute operating system patching and updates across multiple enclaves to ensure security compliance.
Develop and maintain BASH and Python scripts to automate system management, reporting, and monitoring tasks.
Manage and optimize VMware-based virtualization environments, including the maintenance of virtual machines and resource pools.
Support and administer Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions for high availability and performance.
Maintain a resilient and compliant infrastructure in accordance with cybersecurity requirements for classified workloads.
Document system changes, procedures, and technical solutions for cross-functional engineering and program teams.

What we're looking for

Must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance with CI Polygraph.
Must possess a current Security+ or equivalent DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification.
Bachelor’s degree in science with 5 years of experience, or 3 years with a Master's, for Principal level.
Bachelor’s degree in science with 8 years of experience, or 6 years with a Master's, for Sr. Principal level.
Experience performing Windows and Linux system administration in an operational or enterprise environment.
Hands-on experience performing operating system patching and updates for Windows and/or Linux systems.
Proficiency in scripting using BASH and Python to automate system administration tasks.
Experience with VMware virtualization technologies and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions.

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