RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
DescriptionNorthrop Grumman Mission Systems delivers mission-critical solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences organization advances engineering and scientific capabilities to design, produce, and sustain optimized product lines that give the warfighter a decisive edge.
We seek bold, innovative engineers who embrace change, value cognitive diversity, and bring their full selves to work. Our employees don't just witness history-they make it.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is hiring a Senior Principal Cyber Systems Engineer in Huntsville, AL to support the Advanced Technology Center's critical Windows domain infrastructure and virtualized enterprise environments in a fast-paced, classified environment.
What You'll Get to Do:The new team member will design, implement, and secure enterprise Windows domain infrastructure, virtualization platforms, and cyber defense systems that support classified national defense programs.
- 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.
Responsibilities:- 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
Basic Qualifications for a Senior Principal Cyber Systems Engineer:- 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
Primary Level Salary Range: $149,300.00 - $223,900.00
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.
