> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1821847-principal-linux-systems-administrator-sr-principal-linux-syst](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1821847-principal-linux-systems-administrator-sr-principal-linux-syst). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Principal Linux Systems Administrator / Sr. Principal Linux Syst

- **Company:** Northrop Grumman
- **Location:** Redondo Beach, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $103,600.0 - $155,400.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** System Configuration, Linux, Document Management Systems, File System Permissions, Linux System Administration, Object-Oriented Software Development, Package Management Systems, Performance Tuning, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Service Pack, Shell Script, Virtualization Technology, Backup and Restore, Scripting, Build Management, Linux Development, Information Technology, Network Server, Vulnerability Analysis, User Accounts, Vmware
- **Published:** July 1, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9007474/principal-linux-systems-administrator-sr-principal-linux-syst

## About the Role

* Principal Systems Administrator - Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related discipline (and 5 years of relevant experience in Object Oriented Languages (OOL); or 3 Years with Masters; 0 Years with PhD) or 9 years of experience in lieu of degree may be considered
 * Senior Principal Systems Administrator - Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related discipline (and 8 years of relevant experience in Object Oriented Languages (OOL); or 6 Years with Masters; 3 Years with PhD) or 12 years of experience in lieu of degree may be considered, * Strong understanding of Linux system administration (Red Hat or similar enterprise distributions) in lab, development, or production environments
 * Experience installing, configuring, and troubleshooting Linux operating systems, software, servers, and associated lab hardware, including managing user accounts, groups, and file system permissions
 * Experience troubleshooting operating systems, networks, and hardware issues across servers and workstations
 * Experience performing OS level package management, building and maintaining custom RPMs, handling kernel/driver interactions, and conducting performance tuning in Linux environments
 * Familiarity with scripting (e.g., shell scripting) for system configuration, automation, and maintenance tasks
 * Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with engineers and technical leads on schedule driven programs
 * Hold or able to obtain DoD Secret clearance

Following are good to have, but are not required:

 * Familiarity with virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware) and applying security patches and updates to virtualized environments
 * Experience supporting backup and restore solutions
 * Experience with vulnerability scanning and security compliance, applying OS/security patches, managing patch repositories, and maintaining antivirus tools
 * Experience supporting build and deployment environments, including maintaining build scripts and installation media for development environments
 * Current DoD Secret clearance

## Description

* Administer, monitor, and maintain Linux-based systems in lab and development environments, including configuration, patching, and troubleshooting
 * Load, customize, and harden Linux development workstations and servers to meet program security and performance requirements
 * Troubleshoot and repair hardware problems, including diagnosing faulty components and coordinating repair or replacement
 * Respond rapidly to high priority incidents, diagnose root causes across OS, network, and hardware layers, and restore service for critical lab environments
 * Collaborate closely with software developers and other engineering teams to support build environments, development workflows, and OS-related issues
 * Document system configurations, procedures, and changes, and contribute to maintaining accurate lab infrastructure inventories


## Related Videos

- [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers)
- [JavaScript? No. Java Scripts! - Scripting with Java](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2094-javascript-no-java-scripts-scripting-with-java)
- [WebAssembly: The Next Frontier of Cloud Computing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/972-webassembly-the-next-frontier-of-cloud-computing)
- [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker)
- [Develop on Windows, Deploy on Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1600-develop-on-windows-deploy-on-red-hat-enterprise-linux)
- [Generating code with Angular schematics](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/129-generating-code-with-angular-schematics)

## Related Articles

- [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer)
- [Why Upskilling And Reskilling is Important For Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/428-why-upskilling-and-reskilling-is-important-for-developers)
- [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)
- [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)
- [The Most Popular IT Jobs on the Market](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/376-the-most-popular-it-jobs-on-the-market)
- [DevOps Engineer Salary [2023]](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/203-devops-engineer-salary-2023)