📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal System Administrator - Network Operations Center
Company: RTX
Location: VA141: 8350 Alban Road, Springfield 8350 Alban Road Suite 700, Springfield, VA, 22150 USA
Job Type: On-site
Category: System Administration, Network Operations
Date Posted: 2025-06-11
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Monitor and manage a classified network operations center, ensuring full mission capability by troubleshooting incidents, coordinating with service providers, and driving process improvements.
Key Technologies: Windows, Linux, virtual/cloud computing, storage products, Science Logic, and classified network infrastructure.
Clearance Requirement: Active TS/SCI with poly security clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves working in a classified environment, requiring a high level of security clearance and experience in handling sensitive information.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

📈 Incident Management & Troubleshooting

Incident Response: Monitor system dashboards, manage incidents, and provide prompt, professional responses to inquiries and issues.
Troubleshooting: Diagnose and rectify procedural discrepancies, and assist in troubleshooting services to restore full mission capability.
Coordination: Collaborate with other service providers to resolve incidents that span system boundaries.

🔒 Security & Compliance

Clearance: Maintain an active TS/SCI with poly security clearance and adhere to all security protocols.
Certification: Obtain and maintain an active DoD 8570 IAT Level 2 certification (or higher) on the start date.

🔧 Process Improvement

Investigation: Investigate and identify areas of process improvement to enhance operational efficiency.
Documentation: Document processes, procedures, and best practices to ensure knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

🎯 Education & Experience

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
Experience: A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a technical operations environment.

🛠 Technical Skills

Operating Systems: Proficient in Windows and Linux.
Cloud & Virtualization: Experience with virtual/cloud computing technologies such as Citrix, VMware, and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Storage: Familiarity with storage products from Oracle, EMC, Dell, Isilon, NetApp, and other relevant storage solutions.
Monitoring Tools: Experience with Science Logic or similar network monitoring tools.
Certifications: Relevant certifications such as Security+, CE, CCNA Security, GICSP, GSEC, SSCP, CySA+, CND, or other relevant certifications.

📞 Soft Skills

Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a focus on clarity and professionalism.
Teamwork: Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with various stakeholders.
Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and make informed decisions under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, strong communication skills are crucial for this role to effectively manage incidents, coordinate with service providers, and drive process improvements.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role focuses on system administration and network operations, a traditional web portfolio is not applicable. However, candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience, projects, and achievements in a technical interview setting.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

💰 Salary Range

Salary: The salary range for this role is $82,000 - $164,000 USD per year. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels.

🎁 Benefits

Medical, Dental, & Vision: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Life & Disability Insurance: Life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
Retirement: 401(k) match and flexible spending accounts.
Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, employee scholar program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays.
Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certification, and career growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plans, work-life balance initiatives, and professional development opportunities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: RTX is a leading technology and innovation company, specializing in defense, cybersecurity, and commercial markets.
Company Size: RTX is a large organization with a global presence, offering opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: RTX was founded in 1922 and has a rich history of innovation and technological advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX's culture emphasizes safety, trust, respect, accountability, collaboration, and innovation, providing a supportive environment for technical professionals to grow and thrive.

🌐 Team Structure & Work Environment

Team Size: The team consists of multiple shifts, working on a "Panama Schedule" for 24/7 shift coverage.
Shift Schedule: Teams work 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, 3 days off, alternating between day and night shifts every 28 days.
Collaboration: The team works closely together to monitor and manage the network operations center, ensuring full mission capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team-oriented work environment and collaborative culture at RTX foster strong working relationships and effective communication among team members.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

🌱 Role & Career Progression

Role Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring a high degree of technical expertise and experience in network operations and system administration.
Reporting Structure: The Principal System Administrator reports directly to the Network Operations Center manager and collaborates with various teams, including service providers and other technical specialists.
Technical Impact: The Principal System Administrator plays a critical role in ensuring the availability and performance of the network infrastructure, directly impacting the organization's mission and objectives.

🌱 Growth Opportunities

Technical Growth: Opportunities for professional development, certification, and specializing in specific technologies and tools.
Leadership Development: Potential for mentoring junior team members, driving process improvements, and taking on leadership roles within the team.
Architecture & Design: Opportunities to contribute to the design and architecture of the network infrastructure, driving innovation and enhancing operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX offers numerous growth opportunities for technical professionals, including professional development, leadership roles, and architecture and design contributions.

🌐 Work Environment

🏢 Office Type

Office Location: The role is based at RTX's Springfield, VA office, with an on-site work arrangement.
Office Layout: The office is designed to facilitate collaboration and communication among team members, with dedicated spaces for meetings, training, and team-building activities.

📅 Work Schedule

Shift Schedule: The "Panama Schedule" allows for a balanced work-life schedule, with 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, 3 days off, alternating between day and night shifts every 28 days.
Working Hours: The work schedule is designed to ensure the availability and performance of the network infrastructure, with a focus on maintaining full mission capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment at RTX is designed to support collaboration, communication, and work-life balance, with a focus on maintaining a high level of technical expertise and operational efficiency.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

📝 Interview Process

Technical Assessment: Candidates can expect a technical assessment focused on system administration, network operations, and incident management skills.
Behavioral & Situational Questions: Behavioral and situational questions will assess problem-solving skills, communication, and teamwork abilities.
Final Evaluation: The final evaluation may include a presentation or case study, allowing candidates to demonstrate their technical expertise and thought leadership.

📝 Portfolio Review Tips

💡 Technical Challenge Preparation

System Administration: Brush up on system administration skills, focusing on Windows and Linux operating systems, storage, and virtualization technologies.
Network Operations: Familiarize yourself with network monitoring tools, incident management processes, and troubleshooting techniques.
Problem-Solving: Develop your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss real-world scenarios and challenges in a technical interview setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for the technical interview involves brushing up on system administration and network operations skills, as well as honing problem-solving abilities and being ready to discuss relevant experience and projects.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

🛠️ System Administration & Network Operations Tools

Windows & Linux: Proficiency in Windows and Linux operating systems is essential for managing the network infrastructure.
Cloud & Virtualization: Experience with virtualization and cloud computing technologies, such as Citrix, VMware, and Amazon Web Services (AWS), is required.
Storage: Familiarity with storage products from Oracle, EMC, Dell, Isilon, NetApp, and other relevant storage solutions is crucial.
Monitoring Tools: Experience with Science Logic or similar network monitoring tools is essential for incident management and troubleshooting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role focuses on system administration and network operations, with a strong emphasis on Windows and Linux operating systems, cloud and virtualization technologies, storage solutions, and network monitoring tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

🌟 RTX Values

Safety: RTX prioritizes safety in all aspects of its operations, ensuring the well-being of its employees and the security of its facilities and information.
Trust: RTX fosters a culture of trust, encouraging open communication, collaboration, and accountability among team members.
Respect: RTX values diversity, inclusion, and respect for all employees, promoting a positive and supportive work environment.
Accountability: RTX holds its employees accountable for their actions and decisions, empowering them to take ownership of their roles and contribute to the organization's success.
Collaboration: RTX encourages teamwork and collaboration, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and collective problem-solving.
Innovation: RTX promotes a culture of innovation, encouraging employees to think creatively, challenge the status quo, and drive technological advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX's values drive its culture and operations, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritizes safety, trust, respect, accountability, collaboration, and innovation.

🌱 Challenges & Growth Opportunities

🌱 Technical Challenges

Incident Management: Managing incidents in a 24/7 environment requires strong problem-solving skills, quick decision-making, and effective communication with stakeholders.
Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting complex network infrastructure issues demands a deep understanding of various technologies, tools, and systems.
Process Improvement: Identifying and driving process improvements requires a strategic mindset, analytical skills, and a strong understanding of the organization's goals and objectives.

🌱 Learning & Development Opportunities

Technical Skills: Opportunities for professional development, certification, and specializing in specific technologies and tools.
Leadership Development: Potential for mentoring junior team members, driving process improvements, and taking on leadership roles within the team.
Architecture & Design: Opportunities to contribute to the design and architecture of the network infrastructure, driving innovation and enhancing operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX offers numerous growth opportunities for technical professionals, including professional development, leadership roles, and architecture and design contributions, as well as the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies and projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

💡 Technical Questions

System Administration: Brush up on system administration skills, focusing on Windows and Linux operating systems, storage, and virtualization technologies.
Network Operations: Familiarize yourself with network monitoring tools, incident management processes, and troubleshooting techniques.
Problem-Solving: Develop your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss real-world scenarios and challenges in a technical interview setting.

💡 Company & Culture Questions

Company Culture: Research RTX's culture, values, and mission to demonstrate your alignment with the organization's goals and objectives.
Team Dynamics: Familiarize yourself with the team's structure, work environment, and collaborative culture to showcase your fit within the organization.
Growth Opportunities: Prepare questions about career growth, professional development, and leadership opportunities to demonstrate your long-term commitment to the role and organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for the technical interview involves brushing up on system administration and network operations skills, as well as honing problem-solving abilities and being ready to discuss relevant experience and projects. Additionally, researching the company culture, team dynamics, and growth opportunities will help you make a strong impression and demonstrate your fit within the organization.

📌 Application Steps

Submit your application through the application link provided.
Prepare your resume, highlighting relevant experience, projects, and achievements in system administration, network operations, and incident management.
Brush up on your technical skills, focusing on Windows and Linux operating systems, cloud and virtualization technologies, storage solutions, and network monitoring tools.
Research RTX's culture, values, and mission to demonstrate your alignment with the organization's goals and objectives.
Prepare questions about career growth, professional development, and leadership opportunities to showcase your long-term commitment to the role and organization.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.