DevOps Engineer - Level 4

This position is located on-site at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, CO. Applicants must have a current, active in-scope U.S. Government issued Secret security clearance at the time of application. U.S. Citizenship is required. Travel is required, up to 10% of the time.

About the Role

Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Multi-Domain Operations, and Missile Defense Integration Business Unit has an exciting career opportunity for a Sr. Principal DevOps Engineer. Our domain provides rewarding work that contributes to the latest advancements in the industry. As a DevOps Engineer, you will administer, monitor, and maintain Linux-based systems in lab and development environments, collaborate with software developers and engineering teams, and implement DevOps solutions using tools like Kubernetes, SonarQube, and Podman.

Responsibilities

• Administer, monitor, and maintain Linux-based systems in lab and development environments, including configuration, patching, and troubleshooting.
• Load, customize, and harden Linux development workstations and servers to meet program security and performance requirements.
• Collaborate with software developers and engineering teams to support build environments, development workflows, and OS-related issues.
• Implement DevOps solutions using tools like Kubernetes, SonarQube, Podman, and others to enable efficient software development and delivery.
• Troubleshoot and repair hardware problems, including diagnosing faulty components and coordinating repair or replacement.
• Respond rapidly to high-priority incidents, diagnose root causes across OS, network, and hardware layers, and restore service for critical lab environments.
• Document system configurations, procedures, and changes, and contribute to maintaining accurate lab infrastructure inventories.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university and 8 years of related experience, or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of experience, or a PhD and 4 years of experience. A high school diploma and 12 years of related work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Strong understanding of Linux system administration (Red Hat or similar enterprise distributions) in lab, development, or production environments.
• Experience installing, configuring, and troubleshooting Linux operating systems, software, servers, and associated lab hardware, including managing user accounts, groups, and file system permissions.
• Experience troubleshooting operating systems, networks, and hardware issues across servers and workstations.
• Experience performing OS-level package management, handling kernel/driver interactions, and conducting performance tuning in Linux environments.
• Familiarity with scripting for system configuration, automation (Ansible), and maintenance tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with engineers and technical leads on schedule-driven programs, including strict adherence to lockdown windows that prohibit system access.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware) and applying security patches and updates to virtualized environments.
• Experience with vulnerability scanning and security compliance, applying OS/security patches, managing patch repositories, and maintaining antivirus tools.
• Experience supporting build and deployment environments, including maintaining build scripts and installation media for development environments.
• Experience or desire to learn the application, deployment, and sustainment of containerized environments.
• Experience with OpenShift, Podman, Docker.
• Experience with IDM/IPA and RSA.

Pay

Primary salary range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00. The above salary range represents a general guideline; Northrop Grumman considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's experience, education, skills, and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions and allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company-paid holidays.
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.