[Skip to main content](#main-content) [ OpenNash ](https://opennash.com/) / [Jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/) [ 01 Search jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/search/)[ 02 Companies](https://jobs.opennash.com/explore/)[ 03 Hiring report](https://jobs.opennash.com/reports/hiring/)[ 04 AI assistants](https://jobs.opennash.com/connect/)[ 05 How it works](https://jobs.opennash.com/methodology/) Northrop Grumman · United States-Colorado-Aurora # Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Administrator United States-Colorado-Aurora Full-time Senior individual contributor $114,000.00 - $171,000.00 IT & Infrastructure Listed on Northrop Grumman’s official careers site. Posted October 26, 2026. Check that it is still open and apply there. [Apply on Northrop Grumman’s careers site →](https://ngc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Northrop_Grumman_External_Site/job/United-States-Colorado-Aurora/Principal---Sr-Principal-Systems-Administrator_R10257606) [OpenNash Jobs](https://jobs.opennash.com/) / [Northrop Grumman](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/northrop-grumman/) / Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Administrator ## Job description ### RELOCATION ASSISTANCE Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret TRAVEL: No 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. Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Principal or Sr. Principal Systems Administrator to join our team at our facility in Aurora, Colorado. ### Job Responsibilities Perform as a Linux and Windows System Administrator on large government contracts. Perform administration on VMware technologies (or related) Experience with all aspects of NAS Storage Maintain smooth operation of multi-user computer systems, including coordination with network, software, and system engineers, PC desktop technicians, project managers, end users, and customer and IT management. 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; manage virus protection on a routine basis. Create and maintain user and computer accounts and modify file permissions and security access lists. Maintain security audit and logging information on all classified networked and standalone computers as directed by the Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM). Support the Cyber Security team. Report on project status as required for all recurring and non-recurring efforts. This position can be staffed at the Principal or Sr Principal level, based on the basic qualifications below. ### Basic Qualifications 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 a U.S. Government Top-Secret security clearance at the time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI access. The ability to obtain and maintain a CI polygraph. Experience administering production Kubernetes clusters, including deploying containerized applications, configuring basic networking/ingress, managing persistent storage, and troubleshooting core workload issues Working understanding of RHEL, Windows, VMWare, k8s, enterprise implementation, migration, and maintenance. Experience in Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) compliance and IA accreditation. Experience operating under and managing systems within NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3-ICD 503, RMF, (STIG), JAFAN, or JSIG information system environments Must have a DODD 8140 baseline certification. Security+ CE, CySA+, CCNA security, GSEC, SSCP, or higher-level security certification; certification must be maintained as a condition of continued employment. Network design and implementation experience with Cisco and HP switching and firewalls. NetApp and Network Attached Storage (NAS) design and implementation experience Experience with cryptological devices (KG-175, KIV-7, KGR-42) technologies. Ability to travel up to 30% to various overseas locations or as needed. TDYs typically occur 3-4 times a year for 2-3 weeks per deployment. Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds. ### Preferred Qualifications Maintaining complex mission systems in an air gapped environment. Experience with NetApp storage Perform as consulting Systems Administrator and subject matter expert for classified government contracts. Obtain and analyze internal and external customer requirements, recommend equipment and software as needed, and oversee system implementation and accreditation. Navigate complex system configurations and implement enhancements that will improve the performance, reliability, and security of the system including installing, upgrading/patching, monitoring, problem resolution, and configuration management. Develop and document technical processes and procedures as needed. Ensure necessary administration tasks are completed, and direct others as necessary. Analyze internal or external customer requirements and determine equipment and software requirements for solutions to problems by means of automated systems. ### Primary Level Salary Range $114,000.00 - $171,000.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00 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](http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO). U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions. ## At a glance - Posted by the employer: Oct 26, 2026 - First seen by OpenNash: Nov 1, 2026 - Last checked: Nov 1, 2026 - Listed for: 6 days - Location: United States-Colorado-Aurora - Employment type: Full-time - Pay: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00[Apply on Northrop Grumman’s careers site →](https://ngc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Northrop_Grumman_External_Site/job/United-States-Colorado-Aurora/Principal---Sr-Principal-Systems-Administrator_R10257606) ## More jobs at Northrop Grumman ### [Network Engineer - Level 2 or Level 3](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/northrop-grumman/jobs/0f8074a6551ba9e94dae/) United States-Colorado-Aurora ### [Network Engineer / Principal Network Engineer (AHT)](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/northrop-grumman/jobs/42243f518e2251bd6e1c/) United States-Colorado-Aurora ### [Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Administrator (AHT)](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/northrop-grumman/jobs/51572add2cacf8ee4323/) United States-Colorado-Aurora ### [Principal or Sr Principal Systems Administrator - Workflow Engineer](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/northrop-grumman/jobs/394e5e615cae3b8a0640/) United States-Colorado-Aurora ### [Sr Principal Network Engineer (AHT)](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/northrop-grumman/jobs/7325859cbd2ce4f943a5/) United States-Colorado-Aurora ## Similar jobs at other companies ### [Principal Systems Administrator - Hybrid](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/bae-systems/jobs/433e6d7096720cbc86d7/) BAE Systems · San Diego, California, United States ### [Principal Contracts Administrator](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/bae-systems/jobs/10d5c26c17e6298adfb0/) BAE Systems · Hudson, New Hampshire, United States ### [Principal Applications Administrator](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/thermo-fisher-scientific/jobs/3a9cc2bc9c53af9c608a/) Thermo Fisher Scientific · Richmond, Virginia, United States of America ### [Principal Radar Systems Architect](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/lockheed-martin/jobs/3110ad621e0460909baf/) Lockheed Martin · Moorestown, NJ ### [Systems Engineer VI (Principal)](https://jobs.opennash.com/companies/lockheed-martin/jobs/d7b8f5b27d0e7414c2fd/) Lockheed Martin · Littleton, CO OpenNash lists jobs from employers’ own careers sites and does not handle applications. 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