Systems Administrator/ Principal Systems Administrator (AHT)

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 50% of the TimeDescription

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.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems (NGDS) is seeking a System administrator for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).  The incumbent will serve as a key member of the traveling installation team. This role is responsible for the on-site installation, configuration, and security of systems at various facilities as well as the Special Security Office (SSO) at AFRL The candidate will work hands-on with hardware/software stacks, and coordinate directly with remote Tier 3 administrators to ensure seamless integration and compliance with all security protocols. This position requires regular travel to customer sites.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) conducts basic and applied scientific research to develop new technologies that enhance the United States Air Force’s operational capabilities.  It creates and prototypes advanced weapons, sensors, communications, and navigation systems that the Department of Defense can field in future platforms.  AFRL partners with industry, academia, and other government labs to accelerate innovation and transition breakthroughs from the laboratory to the battlefield.

This position is contingent on customer approval and funding and may be filled at a Level 2 or Level 3 based on the qualifications below

Basic Qualifications for a System administrator

• A high school diploma with 6 years of relevant experience OR a bachelor’s degree with 2 years of relevant experience OR a master’s degree with 0 years of relevant experience
• Active Top Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) eligibility at time of hire
• Meets DoD 8570.01 IAT Level II certification requirements (e.g., CompTIA Security+ or equivalent) or able to obtain within 60 days of start date
• Professional experience administering Windows and Linux servers (installation, configuration, patching, and monitoring)
• Professional experience configuring and troubleshooting IP networks, including TCP/IP, DNS, routing, and switching
• Professional experience administering Active Directory, including user and group account management
• Experience applying cybersecurity principles and system hardening guidance (e.g., DISA STIGs) to servers and networks
• Experience creating and maintaining documentation of network connections, system configurations, and installation procedures for inclusion in system accreditation packages
• Experience providing post installation technical support and system familiarization to on site personnel
• Experience performing hands on installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of server, network, and end user computing hardware at customer sites
• Must be willing and able to travel up to 50% of the time

Basic Qualifications for a Principal System administrator

• A high school diploma with 9 years of relevant experience OR a bachelor’s degree with 5 years of relevant experience OR a master’s degree with 3 years of relevant experience OR a PhD with 1 year of relevant experience
• Active Top Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) eligibility at time of hire
• Meets DoD 8570.01 IAT Level II certification requirements (e.g., CompTIA Security+ or equivalent) or able to obtain within 60 days of start date
• Professional experience administering Windows and Linux servers (installation, configuration, patching, and monitoring)
• Professional experience configuring and troubleshooting IP networks, including TCP/IP, DNS, routing, and switching
• Professional experience administering Active Directory, including user and group account management
• Experience applying cybersecurity principles and system hardening guidance (e.g., DISA STIGs) to servers and networks
• Experience creating and maintaining documentation of network connections, system configurations, and installation procedures for inclusion in system accreditation packages
• Must be willing and able to travel up to 50% of the time

Preferred Qualifications: 

• CompTIA SecurityX or CompTIA Security+ certification or IAT Level II / IAT III equivalent per DoD 8140 
• Independent experience troubleshooting on production systems
• Excellent verbal and communication skills
• Familiarity with Risk Management Framework (RMF)
• In depth experience in complex system and network administration in Cloud environments
• Experience in a DoD or research and development (R&D) environments

Primary Level Salary Range: $75,800.00 - $113,800.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $94,200.00 - $141,200.00

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.