The Senior Principal Windows Systems Administrator role at Northrop Grumman’s Defense Systems sector involves managing classified government contract infrastructure under minimal supervision. This includes designing Windows domain architectures, troubleshooting complex issues across hardware, software, and networks, and recommending system upgrades. The position requires expertise in Active Directory, Group Policy Objects (GPOs), permissions management, and virtualization technologies like Hyper-V. Candidates must possess a DOD 8140 IAT Level II certification or higher and have extensive experience with Windows Server OS and security compliance frameworks such as RMF and STIG. The ideal candidate will also have knowledge of Linux systems and SIPRNET operations in classified environments, along with advanced scripting skills for automation tasks.
Skills
Windows Server
Active Directory
GPOs
Troubleshooting
DAAPM
DoDI 8510.0
NIST SP 800-37
NISPOM Chapter 8
DCID 6/3-ICD 503
RMF
STIG
JAFAN
JSIG
Hyper-V
Linux
Red Hat Certification
SIPRNET
Scripting
What you'll do
Manage Windows Server OS and design Windows domain architectures including Active Directory.
Troubleshoot complex issues across software, firmware, hardware, networks, and applications.
Recommend and evaluate vendor products and services for system solutions.
Independently develop approaches to solve technical problems under minimal direction.
Maintain and update security certifications as required by the organization.
What we're looking for
Master's Degree with 6 years IT experience or Bachelor's with 8 years; DOD 8140 IAT Level II certification required
Experience managing Windows Server OS and designing Windows domain architectures including Active Directory, GPOs, policies
Strong troubleshooting skills for complex issues across software, firmware, hardware, networks, and applications
Current DOD Secret level security clearance or enrolled in DOD Continuous Evaluation Program
Ability to obtain and maintain access to Classified Programs as a condition of employment
Market check
Salary context
This
$129,300–$193,900
range sits above
47%
of similar postings on FindRole.
Peer median band
$128,950–$199,050
Median floor and ceiling across peers.
Typical midpoint (25–75%)
$130,160–$203,500
Middle half of comparable postings.
Based on 240 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.
Locations Charlottesville, Virginia, US14 days ago
$86,800–$198,000
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