Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Administrator (AHT)

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Top 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. Our Central Region Software Engineering organization within Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a skilled  Principal Systems Administrator  or Sr. Principal Systems Administrator to support complex, mission-critical environments in  Aurora, CO . In this role, you will be responsible for administering and securing Windows and Linux systems, executing OS patching across multiple enclaves, and driving automation using BASH and Python. You will manage VMware-based virtualization and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions, ensuring high availability and performance for classified workloads. Leveraging your TS/SCI with CI poly and Security+ certification, you will work closely with cybersecurity and engineering teams to maintain a resilient, compliant infrastructure that directly supports space and defense missions. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys solving tough technical problems, improving system reliability through scripting and automation, and operating at the intersection of systems engineering and cyber defense. Other Roles and Responsibilities Perform day-to-day Windows and Linux system administration, including installation, configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting in a secure, mission-critical environment. Plan and execute operating system patching and updates across multiple enclaves and platforms, ensuring system stability and compliance with cybersecurity requirements. Develop and maintain automation scripts (BASH and Python) to streamline system management tasks, configuration, monitoring, and reporting. Configure, manage, and optimize VMware-based virtualization environments, including creation and maintenance of virtual machines and resource pools. Support and administer Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environments, including performance tuning, user support, and integration with backend services. Collaborate with cross-functional engineering, cybersecurity, and program teams to diagnose complex issues, implement solutions, and document system changes and procedures. This position can be staffed at a Principal or Sr Principal level based on the basic qualifications below.

Principal: Bachelor’s degree in science with 5+ years of relevant experience; 3+ years with a Master’s; or 4 additional years of experience in lieu of a degree. Sr Principal: Bachelor’s degree in science with 8+ years of relevant experience; 6+ years with a Master’s; or 4 years with a PhD; 4 additional years may be considered in lieu of a degree Must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access. Must have an active U.S. Government CI Polygraph at time of application , current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access. Current Security+ (or equivalent DoD 8570 IAT Level II) certification. Experience with Windows and Linux system administration in an