Principal Windows Systems Administrator

Northrop Grumman

Confirmed live today High trust

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Rolling Meadows, IL
Salary: $98,900–$148,300 / yr
Employment: Full-time
Posted: 2 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live today
Closes: Nov 18, 2026
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $137k

This role $124k

$91k $169k

below market most similar roles pay here above market

This role pays less than 62% of similar roles. Most pay $112,937–$161,600 — the blue band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $124k versus about $137k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 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 735 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $117,500–$176,300 across 322 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Principal Windows Systems Administrator

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JOB TITLE: Principal Windows Systems Administrator - TS/SCI The CIDO Classified Solutions team is seeking a Principal Windows Systems Administrator to support information system lifecycle activities for classified government contracts. You will maintain multi-user computer systems, ensuring reliability through installation, patching, monitoring, and configuration management. Daily responsibilities include managing Windows domains, Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and LDAP services. You will provide backup and recovery services, manage file systems, and oversee virus protection while ensuring compliance with strict security guidelines. The role requires troubleshooting issues across software, firmware, hardware, and networks using tools like ServiceNow and JIRA. Key technical requirements include experience with virtualization, SAN storage, and environmental monitoring tools like HBSS, SolarWinds, or Splunk. You will operate within complex information system environments governed by RMF, STIG, and NISPOM standards.

Skills

Windows Server Active Directory Group Policy DNS DHCP LDAP RMF STIG JSIG Virtualization Cohesity Veritas Splunk Solar Winds HBSS SAN Storage Linux Unix ServiceNow JIRA

What you'll do

Perform Windows administration tasks for multiple networks under minimal direction.
Maintain multi-user computer systems through installation, upgrading, patching, and configuration management.
Ensure system compliance using Group Policy and other relevant technologies.
Provide and maintain backup and recovery services while managing file systems and disk space.
Manage virus protection and monitor systems for security threats on a routine basis.
Develop and maintain technical documentation for all system processes and procedures.
Maintain security audit and logging information for all classified networked and standalone computers.
Test new product releases to ensure compatibility and minimize impact on end users.

What we're looking for

Must have a Master's degree with 3 years of IT experience, a Bachelor's with 5 years, an Associate's with 7 years, or a High School Diploma with 9 years.
Must have experience with Windows domains, including Active Directory, GPOs, Policies, and permissions.
Must meet U.S. Government 8140 requirements for a Windows Systems Administrator – IAT level II certification or higher.
Must have a current U.S. Government Top Secret/SCI level security clearance with a closed investigation date within the last 6 years or be enrolled in Continuous Evaluation.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain access to Special Access Programs and a Counter Intelligence Polygraph.
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Windows Server Administration including Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and LDAP (preferred).
Experience managing systems within NISPOM, RMF, STIG, JAFAN, or JSIG environments (preferred).