The Principal Windows Systems Administrator role at Northrop Grumman’s CIDO team involves managing classified government contract infrastructure, requiring expertise in Windows Server OS and Active Directory design. This senior position demands independent problem-solving skills across software, firmware, hardware, and network issues, with responsibilities including vendor management, system recommendations, and after-hours support as needed. Ideal candidates possess a DOD 8570 IAT Level II certification, extensive experience in VMWare and Group Policy administration, and current Top Secret clearance. Familiarity with NISPOM Chapter 8 and RMF environments is preferred, along with scripting proficiency and Linux certifications. This role supports Northrop Grumman’s Space Systems sector, emphasizing security and compliance within a classified setting.
Skills
Windows Server
Active Directory
GPOs
VMware
NISPOM Chapter 8
DCID 6/3-ICD 503
RMF
STIG
JAFAN
JSIG
Linux
Red Hat
Scripting
CISSP
Security+ CE
MCSE
What you'll do
Manage Windows Server OS and design Windows domain architectures including Active Directory.
Recommend hardware and software purchases based on system requirements analysis.
Troubleshoot issues across software, firmware, hardware, networks, and applications independently.
Evaluate vendor products, services, and suggestions for IT solutions.
Maintain current DOD Top Secret level security clearance and access to Special Programs.
What we're looking for
Master's Degree with 3 years IT experience or Bachelor's with 5 years; DOD 8570 IAT Level II certification required
Experience managing Windows Server OS and designing Windows domain architectures including Active Directory, GPOs, policies, permissions
Current Top Secret level security clearance with closed investigation within last 6 years or enrolled in DOD Continuous Evaluation Program
Ability to obtain and maintain access to Special Programs as a condition of employment
Preferred: Security+ CE, MCSE, and 6 years Windows Server Administration including VMWare, Active Directory, Group Policy in classified environment
Market check
Salary context
This
$89,400–$134,200
range sits above
13%
of similar postings on FindRole.
Peer median band
$120,000–$207,200
Median floor and ceiling across peers.
Typical midpoint (25–75%)
$137,809–$197,550
Middle half of comparable postings.
Based on 239 comparable postings.*
* 240 is the maximum number of comparable postings sampled.
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
173 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$113,900–$170,950
across 168 roles with salary data.
Linux
NISPOM Chapter 8
DCID 6/3-ICD 503
RMF
STIG
JAFAN
JSIG
Rudimentary Scripting
VMWare
Security+ CE
Linux Workstation and Server management
Top Secret Clearance
Linux Operating Systems support
Linux
Windows
VMware
NAS Storage
NetApp ONTAP
RedHat Enterprise Linux
RHEL
STIG
RMF
Active Directory
VMware ESXi
iPtables
Wiki
SharePoint
Security+ CE
CASP
CISSP
Tenable
Nessus
9603 San Antonio Tx Non-Specific Customer Site, US10 days ago
$73,450–$132,775
Linux
Windows
VMware
TCP/IP
Active Directory
Python
Scripting
Disaster Recovery
Security+ CE
CCNASecurity
GSEC
SSCP
CI/CD
HTTP
NMS
CentOS
RHEL
Ubuntu
Mac OS X
Network Appliances
Databases
Virtualization
LAN
WAN
Firewalls
Switches
Routers
Active Directory Administration
User Accounts Management
Disaster Recovery Protocols
Security Architecture
Server Patch Management
Support Ticket Management Systems
9638 Reston Va Non-Specific Customer Site, US29 days ago
$73,450–$132,775
Windows Server
Active Directory
Group Policy Objects
PKI
DNS
DHCP
Elasticsearch
GitLab
CI/CD
Kubernetes
Rancher
Cloudera
Ansible
Salt
Python
Bash
PowerShell
Terraform
AWS
Azure
Google Cloud Platform
VMware
Cisco
Juniper
Nmap
Wireshark
PostgreSQL
MongoDB