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Principal/Sr. Principal Linux Systems Administrator

Northrop Grumman

Today
Secret
$95,800 - $143,600
Unspecified
IT - Hardware
Baltimore, MD (On-Site/Office)

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and secure technological solutions to enable strategic objectives. We're looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we will support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you will have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a Linux Systems Administrator to join its Classified Solutions team in Linthicum, MD. Please note that the selected candidate will be required to work on-site, full-time, at our Linthicum, MD campus, and that this is not a remote work opportunity. Responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following:

  • Perform as a Linux/Redhat Systems Administrator for a classified government contract.
  • Maintain smooth operation of all computer infrastructure in a multi-user computer system environment, including coordination of efforts with systems, software, and electrical design engineers, Information Systems Security Officers, PC desktop technicians, end users, network engineers, program/project managers, and IT management.
  • Analyze internal and external customer requirements and determine equipment and software requirements for solutions to problems by means of automated systems.
  • Recommend and implement system enhancements that will improve the performance and reliability of the system including installing, upgrading/patching, monitoring, problem resolution, and configuration management.
  • Provide backup and recovery services, manage data storage devices, and implement/upgrade/update virus and malware protection on a routine basis.
  • Create and maintain user and computer accounts and modify file permissions and security access lists.
  • Test new releases of products to ensure compatibility and minimize user impact.
  • Develop and document technical processes and procedures as needed.
  • Make recommendations to purchase hardware, software, and system components.
  • Interact, meet, discuss, and troubleshoot issues with vendors and evaluate vendor products, services, and suggestions.
  • Adhere to strict Information Systems security guidelines in all cases.
  • Deploy new STIGs & work with IT/IA to develop POA&Ms for vulnerabilities that cannot be mitigated or STIG settings that cannot be applied.
  • Understand vulnerability and risk mitigation in accordance with RMF & DoD JSIG standards.
  • Maintain security audit and logging information on all classified networked and standalone computers as directed by Information Systems Security Officers (ISSOs) and Information Systems Security Managers (ISSMs).
  • Prepare security documentation for input to Computer Security.
  • Report project status as required for all recurring and non-recurring efforts.
  • Work under minimal direction and independently determine and develop approach to solutions.


*This position may be filled at either Level 3 or Level 4, based on the qualifications outlined below.

Basic Qualifications for Level 3:

  • Master's degree with 3 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with 5 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree with 7 years of relevant experience; a High School diploma or equivalent with 9 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a completed degree.


Basic Qualifications for Level 4:

  • Master's degree with 6 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with 8 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree with 10 years of relevant experience; a High School diploma or equivalent with 12 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a completed degree.


Basic Qualifications for Levels 3 and 4:

  • Applicants must have an active DoD Secret level security clearance (at a minimum), to include a closed investigation date completed within the last 6 years, or must be enrolled in the DoD Continuous Evaluation Program (CEP), in order to be considered; the required security clearance must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.
  • Candidates must have the ability to obtain and maintain access to Special Programs as a condition of continued employment.
  • Must have aDoD 8570 IAT Level II (or higher) certification (example: Security+ CE); maintaining the required certification will be a condition of continued employment.
  • Must have Linux Operating Systems support experience.
  • Linux Workstation and Server management experience.
  • Experience operating under, and managing systems within, NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3-ICD 503, RMF, STIG, JAFAN, or JSIG information system environments.
  • The ability to lift 40 pounds.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Information Technology.
  • Active DoD Top Secret security clearance.
  • Experience with deploying STIGs.
  • Experience with configuring and troubleshooting network components and traffic issues.
  • Experience with RedHat Enterprise Linux 8/9 OS.
  • Experience with Ansible scripts.
  • Experience with RedHat Identity Manager (IDM).
  • Experience with RedHat Satellite Server configuration and usage.
  • Familiarity with HPC cluster management solutions.
  • Effective written and oral communication across all levels of the organization, with internal and external customers.
  • A Linux+ or RHCSA certification.
  • Server Administration experience in a classified environment.
  • Understanding of basic networking, including subnets, routing, and VLANs; Cisco experience and/or certification.
  • Knowledge of SAN storage systems.
  • VMWare experience with current version.
  • Knowledge of environmental monitoring tools (HBSS/Solar Winds/Splunk).
  • Rudimentary Scripting experience.
  • Experience with the creation and deployment of system images in an enterprise environment.
  • Experience with Certification & Accreditation process.
  • Effective written and oral communication across all levels of the organization, with internal and external customers.


We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) offer opportunities to be a friend, be active, be a volunteer, be a leader, be recognized, and to be yourself. At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare, a 9/80 work schedule, and a great 401k matching program. Come join us!

Primary Level Salary Range: $95,800.00 - $143,600.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $119,200.00 - $178,800.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the 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 as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
group id: 10122071

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About Us
Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees are Defining Possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will allow you to work together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines. © 2025 Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
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Northrop Grumman Jobs


Job Category
IT - Hardware
Clearance Level
Secret