Senior Principal Computer Operations Analyst - Linux/Windows

About the Role

Northrop Grumman's CIDO Space Operations organization is seeking a Senior Principal Computer Operations Analyst - Linux/Windows Systems Administrator with automation experience to provide cross-platform server and systems administration support. This role includes supporting a high-demand, off-net/enclave production environment running primarily Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) at our Dulles, VA facility. The position serves as a senior, cross‑platform systems administration role and acts as an escalation point and technical lead for Windows and Linux/RHEL environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior cross‑platform systems administrator and escalation point for T1–T3 staff across Windows and Linux/RHEL server and client systems in both corporate and offnet/enclave environments.
• Lead troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis for complex hardware, OS, application, and networking issues; document resolutions and mentor junior team members on best practices.
• Oversee routine system administration activities (accounts, permissions, storage, backups, performance monitoring), stepping in directly for high‑impact or complex work.
• Ensure accurate incident, change, and asset records in ServiceNow and help the team meet SLAs and manage customer communications during significant events.
• Support security compliance and vulnerability management efforts using enterprise tooling (e.g., Tenable, Armis, ArcherGRC) and drive remediation activities to closure.
• Coordinate with network/firewall teams to identify and request required firewall changes using a solid understanding of TCP/UDP, ports, and IP addressing.
• Design and implement compliant technical solutions where corporate or centrally provided services are unavailable (particularly in offnet/enclave environments).
• Provide on‑call/after-hours support for production‑impacting incidents and planned maintenance, and collaborate with engineering, security, and program teams on IT initiatives.
• Administer and support Windows Server and RHEL environments, including core services (e.g., DNS, DHCP, directory services, storage, and patching), acting as the escalation point for complex platform issues.
• Guide and support imaging, deployment, and configuration of Windows and RHEL systems in both connected and disconnected environments, ensuring consistent and secure baselines.
• Ensure proper licensing and compliance for operating systems and core applications, including offline/manual activation and audit readiness where required.
• Support workstations and servers in office, engineering, shop floor, and manufacturing environments, including segmented or isolated VLANs, with emphasis on stability, security, and correct name‑resolution/authentication behavior.
• Identify and automate recurring systems administration tasks using scripting and automation tools (e.g., PowerShell, Bash, Python, Ansible).
• Design or support automation and reporting solutions using platforms such as Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate), Power BI, RPA tools (e.g., UiPath, Automation Anywhere), or cloud automation (AWS, Azure) to improve operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree with 6 years of IT experience; OR a Bachelor's Degree with 8 years of IT experience; OR an Associate's Degree with 10 years of IT experience; OR a High School Diploma (or equivalent) with 12 years of IT experience is required.
• Candidates must meet the U.S. Government 8140 requirements for a Senior Principal Computer Operations Analyst – IAT level II certification (example: Security+ CE).
• Linux Operating Systems workstation and/or server management support experience in a classified environment is required.
• Operating System Cross-platform awareness (i.e., two or more of the following: Windows, Linux, Solaris, OSX, UNIX, CentOS, etc.).
• Ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance as a condition of continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Information Technology.
• RHEL certification.
• Microsoft certification (e.g., MCSA, MD‑102, or equivalent).
• Security+ CE.
• 7 years of Linux and Windows Server administration experience in a classified, enclave, or secured environment.
• Experience with Windows Server environments end‑to‑end (DNS/DHCP, file/print, Local Group Policy, and WSUS — including standing up local WSUS infrastructure for offnet environments when needed), with strong working knowledge of Active Directory and domain‑level Group Policy structure; scripting/automation experience (PowerShell) preferred; familiarity with security/compliance tooling (ArcherGRC, Tenable, Armis) and ServiceNow.
• Relevant certification reflecting the team’s mix of desktop, server, and automation work.
• Experience packaging and deploying custom software installers (e.g., MSI/MSIX) for Windows environments.
• Experience with NAS storage administration and enterprise storage concepts, including commonly used RAID levels.
• Solid understanding of vulnerability remediation and system hardening in accordance with RMF and STIGs.
• Experience operating within a classified or controlled information system environment governed by frameworks such as RMF and JSIG.
• Cross‑platform experience (Windows and Linux/RHEL), including familiarity with Red Hat Satellite Server and RHEL administration in mixed environments.
• Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause‑analysis skills; good written and verbal communication.
• Experience with scripting and automation (e.g., PowerShell, Bash, Python, Ansible) applied to production systems administration tasks.
• Experience with Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate) or Power BI for building automation and reporting solutions.
• Experience with RPA tools (e.g., UiPath, Automation Anywhere) or cloud automation platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).
• Active Secret level clearance highly desirable.

Additional Information

Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time
Clearance Type: Secret
Work Location: On-site at Dulles, VA facility
Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00