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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Administrator - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Colorado Springs, CO, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $94,200.0 - $141,200.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Active Directory, Systems Engineering, Configuration Management, Cyber Security, System Configuration, Linux, File System Permissions, IT Management, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols (LDAP), Linux System Administration, Windows Servers, Networking Basics, Package Management Systems, Performance Tuning, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Software Engineering, Systems Integration, Virtual Local Area Networks, Virtual Machines, Build Management, Information Technology, Network Server, User Accounts - **Published:** September 30, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.careerjet.com/job/us4cb8aec9790d24283b395eb5b79c0d10/eaa ## About the Role * Level 3: Bachelor's degree with 5 years of experience OR Master's degree with 3 years of experience OR 9 years of experience in lieu of degree. * Level 4: Bachelor's degree with 8 years of experience OR Master's degree with 6 years of experience OR 12 years of experience in lieu of degree. * IAT Level II certification is required on day 1 of employment; maintaining the required certification will be a condition of continued employment. * Active DoD Secret security clearance on day 1 of employment; the ability to maintain the required security clearance will be a condition of continued employment. * 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 performing OS level package management, building and maintaining custom RPMs, handling kernel/driver interactions, and conducting performance tuning in Linux environments * Ability to travel as needed., * Red Hat System Administration certification(s). * Experience integrating LDAP in complex environments. * Support and troubleshoot Windows Server operating systems; manage Active Directory and create/maintain GPOs across multiple domains. * Solid understanding of Enterprise-level storage concepts. * Experience supporting build and deployment environments, including maintaining build scripts and installation media for development environments. * Understanding of basic networking, including subnets, routing, and VLANs. ## Description The Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS) program within Northrop Grumman Defense Systems was developed and built by Northrop Grumman for the U.S. Army but has since transitioned to the USSF. JTAGS receives and processes data directly down-linked from the Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) constellation of satellites, including Defense Support Program (DSP) and Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) sensors, and other infrared satellite sensors. JTAGS then disseminates near-real-time warning, alerting and cueing information on ballistic missile launches and other tactical events of interest throughout the theater using multiple communications networks. Northrop Grumman Defense Systems seeks a self-motivated, energetic individual to work at our Colorado Springs, CO location as a RHEL Principal/Senior Principal Systems Administrator supporting the JTAGS program. As a member of this team, you will be primarily focused on Red Hat Enterprise Linux Systems Administration by maintaining and enhancing systems and infrastructure on an important, classified government contract. The team manages the hardware, software, network, and security for systems located in Colorado Springs and internationally. Systems Administrators partner with teams such as Cyber, Systems Engineering, Sustainment, Software Development, and others to accomplish the mission. The role will include Sustainment duties associated with the current system and Development projects planned for future capabilities. Roles and Responsibilities: * Administer, monitor, and maintain Linux-based systems in lab and development environments, including configuration, patching, and troubleshooting. * Maintain smooth operation of multi-user computer systems, including coordination with network, software, system engineers, project managers, 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. * Test new releases of products to ensure compatibility and minimize user impact. * Develop and document technical processes and procedures as needed. * Perform quarterly security patch updates supplied by factory on a multitude of virtual machines. * Adhere to strict Information Systems security guidelines in all cases. * Work under minimal direction and independently determine and develop approach to solutions. ## Related Videos - [Full-stack role-based authorization in 45 minutes](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/312-full-stack-role-based-authorization-in-45-minutes) - [Your Manager Doesn’t Come with a User Manual (But You Can Totally Write One)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1495-your-manager-doesn-t-come-with-a-user-manual-but-you-can-totally-write-one) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [What makes Cybersecurity different for critical infrastructure?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/571-what-makes-cybersecurity-different-for-critical-infrastructure) - [Swapping Low Latency Data Storage Under High Load](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/746-swapping-low-latency-data-storage-under-high-load) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) ## 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) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [The Most Popular IT Jobs on the Market](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/376-the-most-popular-it-jobs-on-the-market) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Best Paying Jobs in Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/256-best-paying-jobs-in-technology) - [Why Upskilling And Reskilling is Important For Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/428-why-upskilling-and-reskilling-is-important-for-developers)