Our Central Region Software Engineering organization within Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a skilled Principal Systems Administrator or Sr. Principal Systems Administrator to support complex, mission-critical environments in Aurora, CO.
In this role, you will be responsible for administering and securing Windows and Linux systems, executing OS patching across multiple enclaves, and driving automation using BASH and Python. You will manage VMware-based virtualization and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions, ensuring high availability and performance for classified workloads. Leveraging your TS/SCI with CI poly and Security+ certification, you will work closely with cybersecurity and engineering teams to maintain a resilient, compliant infrastructure that directly supports space and defense missions. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys solving tough technical problems, improving system reliability through scripting and automation, and operating at the intersection of systems engineering and cyber defense.
Other Roles and Responsibilities
Perform day-to-day Windows and Linux system administration, including installation, configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting in a secure, mission-critical environment.
Plan and execute operating system patching and updates across multiple enclaves and platforms, ensuring system stability and compliance with cybersecurity requirements.
Develop and maintain automation scripts (BASH and Python) to streamline system management tasks, configuration, monitoring, and reporting.
Configure, manage, and optimize VMware-based virtualization environments, including creation and maintenance of virtual machines and resource pools.
Support and administer Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environments, including performance tuning, user support, and integration with backend services.
Collaborate with cross-functional engineering, cybersecurity, and program teams to diagnose complex issues, implement solutions, and document system changes and procedures.
This position can be staffed at a Principal or Sr Principal level based on the basic qualifications below.
Basic Qualifications
Principal: Bachelor’s degree in science with 5+ years of relevant experience; 3+ years with a Master’s; or 4 additional years of experience in lieu of a degree.
Sr Principal: Bachelor’s degree in science with 8+ years of relevant experience; 6+ years with a Master’s; or 4 years with a PhD; 4 additional years may be considered in lieu of a degree
Must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access.
Must have an active U.S. Government CI Polygraph at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access.
Current Security+ (or equivalent DoD 8570 IAT Level II) certification.
Experience with 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.
Scripting experience using BASH and Python to automate system administration tasks.
Experience with VMware virtualization technologies and managing virtualized server environments.
Experience supporting Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions in a production environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Atlassian tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket) for workflow management, documentation, and collaboration.
Experience with containerization technologies and Kubernetes setup/configuration, including deployment, scaling, and lifecycle management of containerized applications.
Experience with Identity, Policy, and Audit (IPA) or Active Directory for user/group management, authentication, and access control.
Experience operating in highly regulated, classified, or DoD environments with strong understanding of security best practices and compliance frameworks.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document procedures and explain complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.