> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1955195-sr-principal-systems-administrator-top-secret-whidbey-island](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1955195-sr-principal-systems-administrator-top-secret-whidbey-island). 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). --- # Sr. Principal Systems Administrator - Top Secret (Whidbey Island - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Oak Harbor, WA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $117,500.0 - $176,300.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Windows, Antivirus Softwares, Configuration Management, CompTIA Security+, Cyber Security, Information Systems, System Configuration, Linux, File Systems, File System Permissions, IT Management, Subnetting, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols (LDAP), Windows Servers, Networking Basics, Routing, Windows Domain, SAP (Applications), Information Technology Security Auditing, Server Administration, Software Requirements Analysis, Virtual Local Area Networks, Data Logging, Computer Equipment, Information Technology, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Cisco, Vmware - **Published:** August 6, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9080708/sr-principal-systems-administrator-top-secret-whidbey-island ## About the Role The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is no remote work available for this role. Shifts will become 12-hour shifts that could include nights, weekends, and/or holidays. Outside of traveling for initial training, this position requires the ability to travel up to 25% of the time., * Must have a Bachelor's degree AND 8 years of related professional or military Systems Administration experience; OR Master's degree AND 6 years of related professional or military Systems Administration experience; OR Associate's degree in a relevant field (e.g., security, cybersecurity) AND 10 years of related professional or military Systems Administration experience; OR High school diploma or GED and 12 years of related professional or military Systems Administration experience * Must have relevant certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or other relevant Certifications AND 10 years of related professional or military Systems Administration experience in lieu of degree. * Must have current CompTIA Security + CE, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire date. * Must have experience managing Windows Server OS and domain architecture. * Must have ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds. * Must have ability to work after hours and weekends as needed. * Must have ability to learn and assist in functional/operational troubleshooting as well as the ability to learn the system operations and troubleshooting fault codes. * Must have an Active US Government Top Secret Clearance with SCI (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). * Must have the ability to obtain and maintain CI. * Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) Clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs. Preferred Qualifications: * 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. * Server management experience. * Currently valid Security+ CE, CASP, CISSP or similar security certification. * Windows domain architecture experience. * Understand basic networking, including subnets, routing, and VLANs; Cisco experience and/or certification. * Windows AD, LDAP, VMWare, and knowledge of SAN storage systems. * Linux Operating System experience and/or certification for current versions. * VMWare experience with current version. * Rudimentary Scripting experience. * Experience with the creation and deployment of system images in an enterprise environment. - Experience with Certification & Accreditation process. * DoD 8570 Certification in a primary OS (Windows, Linux, Cisco). * Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, with internal and external customers, in written and oral format. ## Description * 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. * Analyze internal and external customer requirements and determine equipment and software requirements for solutions to problems by means of automated systems. * Review recommendations and 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. * Test new releases of products to ensure compatibility and minimize user impact. * Develop and document technical processes and procedures as needed. * Interact, meet, discuss, and troubleshoot issues with vendors; 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 on project status as required for all recurring and non-recurring efforts. * Work under minimal direction and independently determine and develop approach to solutions. ## Related Videos - [How Cisco embraced a DevOps culture within its network engineering team](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/99-how-cisco-embraced-a-devops-culture-within-its-network-engineering-team) - [What makes Cybersecurity different for critical infrastructure?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/571-what-makes-cybersecurity-different-for-critical-infrastructure) - [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) - [Generating code with Angular schematics](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/129-generating-code-with-angular-schematics) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) ## Related Articles - [Dev Digest 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing) - [What Are The Top Skills Required For Azure Developers?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/77-what-are-the-top-skills-required-for-azure-developers) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [9 Ways to Make Money Hacking](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/333-9-ways-to-make-money-hacking) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Best Paying Jobs in Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/256-best-paying-jobs-in-technology)