Senior Principal Computer Operations Analyst - Linux/Windows

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

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 by 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'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, to include a high-demand, off-net/enclave production environment running primarily Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) at our Dulles, VA facility.

This is a senior, cross‑platform systems administration role that serves as an escalation point and technical lead for Windows and Linux/RHEL environments.

Job responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Core 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.

- Cross‑Platform (Windows / Linux / RHEL) Responsibilities

- 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.

Automation

- 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.

Other considerations

- Serve as an escalation point for T1–T3 staff
- Ability to work independently on routine tasks
- Ability to lift equipment up to 50 lbs
- Support occasional on‑call/after‑hours work, as needed

Note: Due to the nature of the work being performed, this position does not offer any virtual or telecommute working options. Applicants are encouraged to apply, only if they are willing to work on-site.

Basic 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.)
- Candidates must have the ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance as a condition of continued employment

Preferred Qualifications:

- The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree in Information Technology, a RHEL certification, a Microsoft certification, Security+ CE, and 7 years of Linux and Windows Server administration experience in a classified, enclave, or secured environment
- Microsoft certification (e.g., MCSA, MD‑102, or equivalent)
- 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 — for example, Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate (e.g., MD‑102/AZ‑800), CompTIA Server+, an AWS or other cloud certification, a database administration certification, or a certification in automation or AI‑assisted tooling
- 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, including Windows Defender Firewall configuration and Group Policy‑based security baselines
- Experience operating within a classified or controlled information system environment governed by frameworks such as RMF and JSIG (or their legacy predecessors — NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3/ICD 503, JAFAN); familiarity with DFARS and NIST information security controls (e.g., NIST SP 800‑53/800‑171)
- 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 identifying and automating recurring manual processes within a systems administration role

- 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

We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. 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: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00

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.