Principal Linux Systems Administrator

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Woodland Hills
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

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. 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 Classified Solutions is seeking a well-qualified Linux Systems Administrator to join its dynamic team of technical professionals in Woodland Hills, CA. Please note that the selected candidate will be required to work on-site, full-time, at our Woodland Hills, CA campus - this is not a remote work opportunity. Primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following: Adhere to strict Information Systems security guidelines in all cases. Analyze internal and external customer requirements to determine appropriate hardware and software requirements for solutions to problems, by means of automated systems. Communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, with internal and external customers, in written and verbal format. Create and maintain user and computer accounts and modify file permissions and security access lists in a Microsoft Active Directory environment. Develop and document technical processes and procedures as needed. Direct other team members as necessary. Interact, meet, discuss, and troubleshoot issues with vendors and evaluate vendor products, services, and suggestions. Maintain security audit and logging information on all classified networked and standalone computers as directed by the Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM). Maintain smooth operation of multi-user computer systems, including coordination with network, software, and system engineers, PC desktop technicians, project managers, end users, customer, and IT management. Make recommendations to purchase hardware, software, and system components. Perform as a Linux systems administrator for a classified government network and manage all aspects of the growing Linux footprint. Prepare security documentation for input to the Information Assurance (IA) team. Provide backup and recovery services, manage file systems and disk space, and manage virus protection on a routine basis. 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. Report project status as required for all recurring and non-recurring efforts. Support multiple networks while ensuring necessary administration tasks are completed in a timely manner. Test new releases of products to ensure compatibility and minimize user impact. Basic Qualifications: Associate's degree and 7 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree and 3 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. Applicants must have an active DoD Top 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. The selected candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Special Access Program (SAP/SAR) clearance as a condition of continued employment. Current Security CE, CISSP, CASP, or similar DoD 8570 or 8140 compliant security certification, or the ability to acquire certification within 6 months of hire date; maintaining the required certification will be a condition of continued employment. Experience managing Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) systems in an Active Directory domain environment. Proven ability to work under minimal direction and independently determine and develop approach to solutions. Must demonstrate strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree in IS related field. An active or current DoD Top Secret security clearance. Current Security CE, CISSP, CASP, or similar DoD 8570 or 8140 compliant security certification. Experience operating under and managing systems within NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3-ICD 503, RMF, STIG, JAFAN, or JSIG information system environments. Experience installing, configuring, and maintaining computer hardware in a networked environment. Experience deploying and managing Windows Server operating systems. Experience administering a Microsoft Active Directory domain environment. Understanding of basic networking, including subnets, routing, and VLANs; Cisco experience and/or certification a plus. Working knowledge of enterprise backup and restore solutions, storage area network (SAN), and network attached storage (NAS) systems. Strong Linux Operating System experience and/or certification for current versions (specifically Red Hat Enterprise Linux). Experience deploying and administering a Red Hat Satellite server. Experience deploying and administering VMWare Virtualization infrastructures. Knowledge of environmental monitoring tools (ie., HBSS/Solar Winds/Splunk). Scripting experience, using tools such as Python, Perl, Bash, PowerShell, etc. Experience with DevOps architecture such as Kubernetes, Nexus, Harbor, Docker, GitLab, etc. Experience with the creation and deployment of system images in an enterprise environment. Experience with Systems Certification & Accreditation process (under DCSA's STIG and/or JSIG requirements). Experience with high-powered computing (HPC) systems. 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: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00 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.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Pasadena , Principal Linux Systems Administrator, IT / Software / Systems , Woodland Hills, California