Northrop Grumman

Principal/Sr Principal Infrastructure Engineer

Northrop Grumman • $125K — $187K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in a related field with a Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree; 8-10 years for Senior Principal.
  • Must possess U.S. Citizenship and an active Top Secret security clearance with active SCI indoctrination.
  • Proven experience in administering Windows and/or Linux server environments.
  • Hands-on experience with TCP/IP networking and network configuration.
  • Experience with virtualization platforms, specifically VMware ESXi/vSphere.
  • Ability to script or automate processes using tools like Ansible or PowerShell.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee the deployment and maintenance of production infrastructures across various operating systems and environments.
  • Collaborate with engineers to meet operational and security demands while effectively addressing vulnerabilities.
  • Manage core services such as Microsoft Active Directory and DNS involved in system authentication and resource access.
  • Deploy and maintain server configurations in line with security and performance standards.
  • Administer virtual infrastructures and manage capacity and upgrades.
  • Establish and troubleshoot network infrastructures to ensure robust connectivity and security.
  • Develop automation scripts to enhance provisioning and system management practices.

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance may be available.
  • Health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance.
  • Savings plan options available.
  • Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).
  • Bonuses based on individual and company performance.
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

We have an opening for a Principal/Senior Principal Infrastructure Engineer to join our Product Security Engineering team supporting the secure development and operation of production infrastructure and software products for space systems. In this role, you will help design, build, automate, secure, and sustain the infrastructure and shared services that enable mission-critical software development and operations. You will work alongside infrastructure, software, DevOps, and cybersecurity engineers to operate reliable platforms, modernize engineering workflows, and ensure our systems remain secure, resilient, and maintainable throughout their lifecycle. This position is 100% on-site in Dulles, Virginia.

Job Responsibilities

  • Own the deployment, operation, maintenance, and lifecycle management of production infrastructure and shared platform services across Windows, Linux, network, and virtualized environments.
  • Work as part of an integrated infrastructure team, collaborating with fellow engineers, ISSOs, and ISSEs to translate operational and security requirements into maintainable solutions and resolve vulnerabilities, configuration findings, and production issues.
  • Administer Microsoft Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, RADIUS, and other core identity and network services supporting production systems.
  • Deploy, configure, patch, harden, monitor, and troubleshoot Windows and Linux servers in accordance with organizational security, availability, and performance requirements.
  • Administer VMware ESXi/vSphere environments, including virtual machines, storage, networking, capacity planning, availability, upgrades, and lifecycle management.
  • Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Cisco network infrastructure, including switching, routing, VLANs, segmentation, access controls, and connectivity between systems and services.
  • Develop and maintain Ansible playbooks, scripts, and reusable automation to standardize provisioning, configuration management, system administration, and other recurring tasks.
  • Apply Infrastructure-as-Code and GitOps practices using version control, peer review, automated validation, configuration baselines, and controlled deployment of infrastructure changes.
  • Implement and maintain monitoring, logging, alerting, backup, recovery, and operational health capabilities for production infrastructure services.
  • Troubleshoot complex infrastructure issues across compute, virtualization, networking, storage, authentication, and application dependencies, including root-cause analysis and corrective action.
  • Maintain infrastructure architecture, configuration standards, runbooks, and as-built documentation while driving automation, modernization, reliability, security, and reduction of technical debt.


Basic Qualifications:

  • Principal: 5 Years with Bachelors in Science; 3 Years with Masters; 1 Year with PhD. 4 year additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Sr Principal: 8 Years with Bachelors in Science; 6 Years with Masters; 4 Years with PhD. 4 year additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Must have U.S. Citizenship with an active Top Secret security clearance with an active SCI indoctrination at the time of application.
  • Hands-on experience administering Windows Server environments and Microsoft Active Directory, including users and groups, Group Policy, domain services, permissions, authentication, and DNS.
  • Experience deploying, configuring, patching, maintaining, and troubleshooting Windows and/or Linux servers in production or operational environments.
  • Hands-on experience with TCP/IP networking, including DNS, VLANs, routing, switching, firewalls, and troubleshooting network connectivity issues.
  • Experience administering virtualized infrastructure using VMware vSphere/ESXi or a comparable enterprise virtualization platform.
  • Experience using automation, scripting, or configuration-management technologies such as Ansible, PowerShell, Python, Bash, or similar tools.
  • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex infrastructure issues spanning operating systems, applications, identity services, networking, and virtualization; perform root-cause analysis; and drive technical problems through resolution.
  • Ability to create and maintain clear technical documentation, including system configurations, operational procedures, architecture diagrams, and technical decisions.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across functional engineering teams.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated technical curiosity and continuous learning through personal projects, home labs, open-source contributions, or similar hands-on efforts that reflect a strong interest in building, understanding, and improving complex systems.
  • Experience configurating and troubleshooting Cisco network infrastructure, including switches, VLANs, trunks, Layer 2/Layer 3 networking, access controls, and network segmentation.
  • Experience administering VMware vSphere environments, including vCenter, ESXi hosts, virtual networking, templates, storage integration, high availability, and platform lifecycle management.
  • Experience developing infrastructure automation or internal tooling using Ansible, PowerShell, Python, Bash, Go, or similar technologies.
  • Experience building or maintaining CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins or GitLab CI.
  • Experience applying Infrastructure-as-Code, Policy-as-Code, Configuration-as-Code, GitOps, or related automated infrastructure-management practices.
  • Experience with security hardening, vulnerability remediation, patch management, access control, and secure system administration.
  • Experience implementing infrastructure monitoring, centralized logging, configuration-drift detection, automated validation, and remediation capabilities.
  • Familiarity with DISA STIGs, SCAP, RMF, NIST security controls, or comparable cybersecurity requirements applicable to regulated environments.
  • Experience supporting air-gapped, isolated, laboratory, manufacturing, or other highly controlled environments.
  • Relevant infrastructure, operating system, virtualization, networking, or cybersecurity certifications from organizations such as Microsoft, Red Hat, VMware, Cisco, or CompTIA.


#SpaceEngJobs

Primary Level Salary Range: $125,300.00 - $187,900.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $156,400.00 - $234,600.00

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.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a security company that provides systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding, and technical services to government and commercial customers. They design, develop, and build everything from aircraft and spacecraft to cyber security systems. The company is involved in a wide range of defense and technology projects, including the development of aircraft, space systems, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced electronics.

Northrop Grumman Careers

Join the elite team at Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. There has never been a more exciting time to advance your career with Northrop Grumman.

Work You’ll Do

At Northrop Grumman, your work will redefine the edges of technology and create a safer future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Our team is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating to make the impossible, possible.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Whether you’re looking for an internship, an entry-level position, or a spot for seasoned professionals, Northrop Grumman offers a variety of career paths that encourage growth and development. Explore job opportunities that elevate your skills, and push your career to the next level.

Join Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are the foundations of our culture. Northrop Grumman is committed to building a diverse team that fosters an inclusive environment, where every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. We believe that diversity fuels innovation.

Professional Development and Benefits

Northrop Grumman is dedicated to your professional and personal growth. We offer unparalleled benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and family care resources. Additionally, we provide extensive leadership and diversity training to help you craft your career path.

Networking and Leadership

Enhance your career through our robust networking opportunities. Connect with leaders and peers within Northrop Grumman through various events, mentorship programs, and professional groups. Our leadership is deeply invested in nurturing talent and guiding team members through their career journey.

Innovation in Technology

Drive technological breakthroughs with a company at the cutting edge of innovation. Northrop Grumman is a place where you can work on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? Check out the open positions on our Careers page. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview with us by researching our projects and understanding our company’s mission and values.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest news, job openings, and insider tips by subscribing to our careers blog. Personalize your experience by joining our community and setting up job alert emails tailored to your career preferences.

Northrop Grumman Jobs

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Northrop Grumman. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Northrop Grumman jobs today and find where your expertise is needed most. Join Northrop Grumman, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference, not only within the company but in the world at large. Your journey to building a rewarding career starts here.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman
Size
88,000 employees
Market Cap
$82.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Northrop Grumman

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Principal/Sr Principal Infrastructure Engineer jobs: