Sr Principal Linux Systems Administrator - Polygraph

This is an on-site, full-time position located in Linthicum, MD. Relocation assistance is not available. A current Top Secret security clearance with SCI access and a recent Polygraph (adjudicated within the last 5 years) are required to start. Travel is expected up to 10% of the time.

About the Role

At Northrop Grumman, our employees work on revolutionary systems that impact lives globally. We foster intellectual curiosity and a pioneering spirit, offering resources and support to tackle challenging projects. As a Sr Principal Computer Systems Analyst (Linux Systems Administrator), you will support information system lifecycle activities for classified government contracts.

Responsibilities

• Perform as a Principal Computer Systems Analyst - Linux in support of classified government contracts.
• Exhibit strong communication skills, an energetic approach, and patience with customers.
• Establish and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction while adhering to policies.
• Report task statuses for recurring and non-recurring efforts in written and oral formats.
• Support multiple networks, ensuring Linux administration tasks are completed with minimal direction.
• Maintain operations of multi-user computer systems, collaborating with engineers, technicians, and IT management.
• Assist with reviewing internal customer requirements and recommend hardware/software purchases.
• Maintain system reliability through installation, upgrading, patching, monitoring, and configuration management.
• Provide backup, recovery, and virus protection services; manage file systems and disk space.
• Test new product releases to ensure compatibility and minimize user impact.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation of system processes and procedures.
• Adhere to strict Information Systems security guidelines and support Computer Security documentation.
• Maintain security audit and logging information on classified systems as directed by the ISSM.
• Isolate issues across software, firmware, hardware, networks, and applications.
• Support environments using ticketing systems (ServiceNow, JIRA, etc.).
• Escalate issues requiring senior-level attention.
• Lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Work after hours and weekends as needed.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree with 5 years of IT experience; OR Bachelor’s Degree with 7 years; OR Associate’s Degree with 9 years; OR High School Diploma/GED with 11 years.
• Security+ CE certification (or equivalent IAT level II cert).
• Linux Server Administration experience in a classified environment.
• Experience installing, configuring, and maintaining resources in an AWS cloud environment.
• Experience implementing STIGs (Security Technical Implementation Guides) on Linux systems.
• Current Top Secret security clearance with SCI access and a recent Polygraph (adjudicated within the last 5 years).
• Ability to obtain and maintain access to Special Programs as a condition of continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Security+ CE, Linux+ or RHCSA, and 9 years of Linux Server Administration in a classified environment.
• Experience deploying Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Helm, Ansible).
• Experience operating under NISPOM, ICD 503, or JSIG information system environments.
• Virtualization and containerization experience (Docker, Kubernetes, etc.).
• Knowledge of networking (subnets, routing, VLANs, VTCs).
• Experience with environmental monitoring tools (HBSS/SolarWinds/Splunk).
• Scripting experience (e.g., Python, C++).
• Cross-platform awareness (Windows, Linux, Solaris, OSX, UNIX).
• Experience with system image creation/deployment in an enterprise environment.
• Experience with Assessment & Authorization processes.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements and a 9/80 work schedule.
• Exceptional healthcare benefits and a 401k matching program.
• Phenomenal learning opportunities and exposure to diverse projects.
• Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation/personal business.
• Discretionary bonuses and eligibility for overtime/shift differential.

Pay

Primary salary range: $123,400.00 – $185,000.00. Base salary offers consider experience, education, skills, and market conditions. Employees may be eligible for annual bonuses, overtime, and shift differentials.