Principal Windows Systems Administrator

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Baltimore
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and secure technological solutions to enable strategic objectives. We’re looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we will support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you will have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career. Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a well-qualified Windows Systems Administrator to join its dynamic team of technical professionals in Linthicum, MD. Please note that the selected candidate will be required to work on-site, full-time, at our Linthicum campus – this is not a remote work opportunity. Roles and responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following: Perform as primary Windows Systems Administrator for a small to medium sized classified government contract. Communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, with internal and external customers, in written and verbal format. 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. Support multiple networks and ensure necessary administration tasks are completed. Analyze internal and external customer requirements, and provide potential solutions based on standard hardware and software. Recommend and implement system enhancements to improve performance and reliability of system, including installing, upgrading/patching, monitoring, problem resolution, and configuration management. Provide backup and recovery services, manage file systems and disk space, and 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. Make recommendations to purchase hardware, software, and system components. 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 networked and standalone computers in a classified environment, as directed by the Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM). Prepare security documentation for input to Computer Security. Report project status as required for all recurring and non-recurring efforts. Work under minimal direction and independently determine and develop approach to solutions. Basic Qualifications: Associate's degree and 7 years of relevant experience, or Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of relevant experience, or Master's degree and 3 years of relevant experience; a High School diploma or equivalent with 9 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a completed degree. Candidates must have a current DoD Secret level security clearance (or higher), to include a closed investigation date completed within the last 6 years, or must be enrolled in the DoD Continuous Evaluation (CE) Program, in order to be considered Must have a current DoD 8570 IAT Level II, or higher, certification (example: Security CE); maintaining the required certification will be a condition of continued employment Experience operating under and managing systems within RMF, STIG, or JSIG information system environments. Experience installing, configuring, and maintaining computer hardware in a networked environment. Windows Operating Systems support experience. Server management experience. Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds. Ability to work after hours and weekends as needed. Preferred Qualifications: DoD 8570 Certification in a primary OS (Windows, Linux, Cisco). Understanding of basic networking, including subnets, routing, and VLANs; Cisco experience and/or certification. Experience with configuring and utilizing ACAS software. Windows AD, LDAP, VMWare, and knowledge of SAN storage systems. VMWare experience with current version. Knowledge of environmental monitoring tools (HBSS/Solar Winds). Rudimentary Scripting experience. Experience with the creation and deployment of system images in an enterprise environment. Experience with Certification & Accreditation process. Patch management experience. Experience with AV updates. We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) offer opportunities to be a friend, be active, be a volunteer, be a leader, be recognized, and to be yourself. At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare, a 9/80 work schedule, and a great 401k matching program. Come join us! Primary Level Salary Range: $98,900.00 - $148,300.00 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. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Ellicott City , Principal Windows Systems Administrator, IT / Software / Systems , Baltimore, Maryland