> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3186128-sr-principal-cyber-systems-engineer-aht](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3186128-sr-principal-cyber-systems-engineer-aht). 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 Cyber Systems Engineer-AHT - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Huntsville, AL, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $149,300.0 - $223,900.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Windows, Active Directory, Domain Controllers, Agile Methodology, Systems Engineering, Confluence, JIRA, Automation of Tests, Backup Devices, Bash Shell, BASIC (Programming Language), CentOS, Configuration Management, Cyber Security, Information Systems, Continuous Integration, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, Linux, DevOps, Document Management Systems, Domain Name System (DNS), VMware ESX Servers, Identity and Access Management, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Python (Programming Language), Network Security, Citrix XenApp, Windows Servers, NetApp Applications, Networking Basics, Network Segmentation, Windows Domain, Public Key Infrastructure, Windows PowerShell, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SAP (Applications), Software Deployment, TCP/IP, Virtual Local Area Networks, Virtual Machines, Virtualization Technology, VMware Horizon View, VMware VSphere, SSL Certificate Management, Grafana, Firewalls (Computer Science), Juniper, Gitlab, SC Clearance, Containerization, Kubernetes, Information Technology, Atlassian Tools, Palo Alto Networks, Vcenter, Performance Monitor, Patch Management, Data Management, Routing & Switching, CIS Benchmarks, Comptia Linux+, Splunk, Xendesktop, Devsecops, Cisco, Docker, Elk Stack, User Administration, Citrix Netscaler - **Published:** September 3, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9140570/sr-principal-cyber-systems-engineer-aht ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or related STEM field plus 8 years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience; OR Associate's degree plus 12 years of relevant experience; OR 15+ years of equivalent hands-on technical experience in lieu of degree * 5+ years of hands-on Windows Server and Active Directory administration including DNS, GPO, domain controller management, and troubleshooting in enterprise environments * 3+ years of VMware vSphere and/or Horizon administration including ESXi host management, vCenter operations, VM lifecycle, and VDI pool management * Experience with Linux/UNIX system administration (RHEL, CentOS, or similar) including user management, permissions, services, and bash scripting * DoD 8570 IAT Level II or IAM Level II certification (Security+, CySA+, CASP+/SecurityX, CISSP, or equivalent) * Demonstrated experience applying DISA STIGs and security hardening to Windows Server, Linux systems, and virtualized infrastructure * Proficiency in scripting and automation using PowerShell, Bash, and/or Python for administrative tasks * Experience with enterprise storage and backup solutions (NetApp, SAN, or equivalent) * Experience with network fundamentals including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, and basic switching/routing for troubleshooting * Proven ability to work effectively in team environments and provide technical mentorship to junior staff * US Citizenship is required * A current/active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance with eligibility for SCI access Preferred Qualifications for Senior Principal Cyber Systems Engineer: * DoD 8570 IAM Level II or IAT Level III certification (CASP+/SecurityX, CISSP, CISM, or equivalent) * CompTIA Linux+ or RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer) certification * 5+ years of team lead or technical leadership experience managing systems administration teams or leading complex infrastructure projects * Extensive experience with VMware Horizon VDI environments including deployment, optimization, certificate management, and troubleshooting * Advanced Windows Server administration including multi-site AD replication, federation services, and PKI/certificate management * Experience with Citrix XenApp/XenDesktop or NetScaler environments * Proficiency with DevOps tools and practices including GitLab, CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure-as-code, and configuration management * Experience with monitoring and logging solutions (Grafana, Splunk, ELK stack, or equivalent) * Hands-on experience with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) and modern application deployment * Experience designing and implementing secure network architectures including VPNs, firewalls (Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto), and network segmentation * Demonstrated experience in classified/high-side environments supporting SAP or SCI programs * Experience with Agile methodologies and working in cross-functional DevSecOps teams * Familiarity with Atlassian suite (JIRA, Confluence) for documentation and project tracking * Secret clearance already adjudicated and active * Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to brief technical content to leadership ## Description * Lead the administration and strategic enhancement of Windows Server environments including Active Directory, DNS, Group Policy, and domain services across multiple security classification levels. * Architect, deploy, and maintain VMware vSphere and Horizon VDI environments to support mission-critical operations and secure remote access solutions. * Apply cybersecurity frameworks and compliance standards (DISA STIG, CIS Benchmarks) to harden systems and maintain security posture across classified networks. * Provide technical leadership and mentorship to systems administration teams, driving best practices in virtualization, automation, and infrastructure lifecycle management. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams including network engineers, software developers, and cybersecurity professionals to deliver integrated infrastructure solutions. * Support high-visibility demonstrations and mission-critical operations through infrastructure readiness, troubleshooting, and rapid problem resolution. * Ensure operational excellence through proactive monitoring, patch management, and continuous improvement of enterprise systems., * Lead Windows domain infrastructure design, implementation, and administration for classified environments * Manage VMware vSphere clusters, ESXi hosts, and Horizon VDI pools including upgrades, patching, and lifecycle management * Design and implement Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to enforce security controls and standardize configurations * Administer Active Directory services including DNS, DHCP, user/group management, and domain controller operations * Create, optimize, and maintain Windows and Linux virtual machine gold images for enterprise deployment * Develop and execute automation scripts (PowerShell, Bash, Python) to streamline administrative tasks and reduce human error * Apply DISA STIGs and CIS hardening guidelines to Windows Server, Linux, and virtualized infrastructure * Manage enterprise storage solutions (NetApp, SAN) integrated with virtualization platforms * Coordinate patch management cycles across Windows and Linux systems following established security protocols * Provide 24/7 on-call support for critical infrastructure and participate in incident response activities * Document system architectures, procedures, and configuration standards for enterprise environments * Interface with program leadership, architects, and stakeholders to align infrastructure with mission requirements * ## 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