Principal Linux Systems Administrator - Top Secret

$95,800 - $143,600/Yr

Northrop Grumman - Linthicum Heights, MD

Full-time - Principal

Linthicum Heights, MD

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing

About the position

The Principal Linux Systems Administrator will be responsible for managing and maintaining Linux systems for a classified government contract at Northrop Grumman. This role requires effective communication with various stakeholders and the ability to work independently in a dynamic environment. The position emphasizes the importance of security and compliance with strict guidelines, while also focusing on system performance and reliability enhancements.

Responsibilities

• Perform as primary Linux Systems Administrator for a classified government contract.
• Communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, with internal and external customers, in written and verbal format.
• Maintain smooth operation of multi-user computer systems, coordinating with network, software, and system engineers, PC desktop technicians, project managers, end users, and customer and IT management.
• Support multiple networks while ensuring necessary administration tasks are completed and directing others as necessary.
• 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 file systems and disk space, and manage virus 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.
• Maintain security audit and logging information on all classified networked and standalone computers as directed by the Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM).
• 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.

Requirements

• Master's Degree with 3 years of experience; OR a Bachelor's Degree with 5 years of experience; OR an Associate's Degree with 7 years of experience; OR a High School Diploma (or equivalent) with 9 years of experience is required.
• Must have a DOD 8570 IAT Level II, or higher, certification (example: Security+ CE); maintaining the required certification will be a condition of continued employment.
• Candidates must have a current DOD Top Secret level security clearance (at a minimum) in order to be considered.
• Candidates must have the ability to obtain, and maintain, access to Special Programs as a condition of employment.
• Experience with RedHat Enterprise Linux/Ansible implementation, migration and maintenance.
• Experience with RedHat Enterprise Linux/Ansible (7,8 or 9) deploying, upgrading, patching, backups.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology
• Active Top Secret/SCI, SAP/SAR access, or Polygraph is preferred
• 5 years of Linux Server Administration experience in a classified environment
• A Linux+ or RHCSA certification
• Experience operating under and managing systems within NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3-ICD 503, RMF, STIG, JAFAN, or JSIG.
• Linux Operating System certification for the current version.
• VMWare experience with current version
• Experience with PowerShell/Python scripting and automation tools.
• Preferred consideration given to candidates with experience leading a team, project management, mentoring and presentation skills.
• Experience with VMWare implementation, migration, and maintenance.
• Experience with Implementing and maintaining Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) services and platform
• Experience with NetApp and/or Nutanix implementation, migration, and maintenance.
• Experience with system design and architecture
• Knowledge of environmental monitoring tools (e.g., HBSS, Solar Winds, Splunk)

Benefits

• Relocation assistance may be available
• Flexible work arrangements
• Phenomenal learning opportunities
• Exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers
• Friendly team environment
• Exceptional benefits/healthcare
• 9/80 work schedule
• Great 401k matching program