📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Principal Systems Administrator
• Company: BAE Systems
• Location: Merrimack, New Hampshire, United States
• Job Type: On-site
• Category: System Administrator
• Date Posted: June 18, 2025
• Experience Level: 10+ years
• Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This role is pivotal in ensuring the integrity, security, and availability of systems operating within Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) or other closed environments, supporting national security missions.

• Lead and manage classified IT infrastructure operations in support of high-impact, mission-critical programs.

• Serve as the technical lead for IT services, security compliance, and infrastructure readiness.

• Collaborate with ISSOs, security staff, and other IT stakeholders to ensure secure, compliant, and high-performing system operations.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• 📝 Enhancement Note: The following responsibilities require a strong technical background in Linux, VMware, and enterprise-level system administration.

• Administer patch management for RHEL-based Linux systems, including vulnerability scanning, patch deployment, and compliance validation.

• Install and configure Trellix (McAfee) Linux Agents for endpoint protection and ePO integration.

• Deploy and configure Splunk Universal Forwarders on Linux systems; manage log ingestion and index routing.

• Reset LDAP BIND credentials within Splunk, ensuring connectivity and access control integration.

• Perform VCSA (vCenter Server Appliance) patching and lifecycle operations.

• Apply updates to VMware ESXi hosts, ensuring host profile compliance and uptime.

• Access and navigate the ESXi Direct Console User Interface (DCUI) for low-level host management.

• Perform Exchange operations in a classified environment including user mailbox creation, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance.

• Manage and maintain NetApp storage systems, including volumes, snapshots, and secure protocols.

• Operate in VMware vSphere environments, including provisioning, performance monitoring, and resource management.

• Install, configure, and maintain WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) for enterprise Windows patching.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation and contribute to RMF packages and audit readiness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A 4-year college degree in a technical field is highly preferred.

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience as a system administrator (7+ years with a degree).
• Experience supporting system accreditation efforts (SSP, POA&M, RMF) is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance and CompTIA Security+ or equivalent DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification.
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret Clearance with ability to obtain SCI.
• Strong command of Linux RHEL patching workflows and package management tools (e.g., YUM/DNF).
• Experience with Trellix/McAfee agent installation on Linux systems and ePO integration.
• Hands-on expertise with Splunk Universal Forwarders, indexers, and LDAP integration.
• Experience with VMware infrastructure, including vCenter, VCSA, ESXi, and DCUI access.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Exchange administration.
• Familiarity with NetApp management tools and SAN/NAS storage concepts.
• Solid experience operating within vSphere environments in mission-critical settings.
• Proven ability to configure and manage WSUS for Windows update distribution.

Preferred Skills:

• Active U.S. TS/SCI Security Clearance.
• Scripting skills (e.g., Bash, PowerShell) for automation and task efficiency.
• Familiarity with DISA STIGs, Nessus vulnerability scanning, and cyber compliance frameworks.
• Prior experience in secure lab or test bed environments (Lab-in-a-Box, SAP/SAR support).

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate experience in Linux system administration, VMware infrastructure management, and enterprise-level patch management.
• Showcase your ability to manage and secure classified IT environments.
• Highlight your experience with Splunk, Trellix, and NetApp storage systems.

Technical Documentation:

• Provide comprehensive documentation of your system administration processes, including patch management workflows, security compliance procedures, and infrastructure readiness plans.
• Include examples of your scripting work and automation efforts to improve system administration tasks.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Full-Time: $115,779 - $196,825 per year
  • 📝 Enhancement Note: This range is based on market pay structures and individual salaries are determined by various factors including business considerations, local market conditions, internal equity, and candidate qualifications.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health savings accounts
• 401(k) savings plan
• Disability coverage
• Life and accident insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Legal plan
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and other types of leave (e.g., paid parental, military, bereavement, and federal/state sick leave)
• Employee recognition program
• Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• BAE Systems operates in the defense, aerospace, and security sectors, providing a wide range of products and services for air, land, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions, and customer support services.

Company Size:

• BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international company with over 88,000 employees worldwide.

Founded:

• BAE Systems plc was founded in 1999 through the demerger of British Aerospace and Marconi Electronic Systems.

Team Structure:

• The Principal Systems Administrator will work within the Electronic Systems division, collaborating with ISSOs, security staff, and other IT stakeholders to ensure secure, compliant, and high-performing system operations.
• The role will involve leading and managing classified IT infrastructure operations in support of national security missions.

Development Methodology:

• BAE Systems follows industry-standard development methodologies, focusing on secure, compliant, and high-performing system operations.
• The Principal Systems Administrator will contribute to RMF packages and audit readiness, ensuring that system operations comply with relevant security standards and regulations.

Company Website: BAE Systems

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level:

• The Principal Systems Administrator role is a senior-level position, requiring a high level of technical expertise and experience in Linux, VMware, and enterprise-level system administration.

Reporting Structure:

• The Principal Systems Administrator will report directly to the IT Manager or a similar role within the organization.

Technical Impact:

• The Principal Systems Administrator will have a significant technical influence on the security, compliance, and performance of the company's IT infrastructure, supporting national security missions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Growth opportunity 1: As a senior-level role, the Principal Systems Administrator has the potential to advance to a management or architecture position within the IT department or the broader organization.
• Growth opportunity 2: The role offers opportunities to develop technical expertise in emerging technologies and security trends, contributing to the company's innovation and growth.
• Growth opportunity 3: The Principal Systems Administrator may have the opportunity to mentor junior team members, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning within the IT department.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The Principal Systems Administrator role is 100% onsite within a closed, classified area, requiring the ability to lift equipment (up to 40lbs) and work within controlled environments.

Office Location(s):

• Merrimack, New Hampshire, United States

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be within a classified environment, requiring adherence to strict security protocols and procedures.
• The Principal Systems Administrator will have access to the necessary tools and resources to perform their job effectively, including multiple monitors and testing devices.

Work Schedule:

• The work schedule will be Monday through Friday, with some after-hours or weekend support required for maintenance windows or incident response.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

• Process step 1: Technical assessment of Linux, VMware, and enterprise-level system administration skills, including hands-on exercises and problem-solving scenarios.
• Process step 2: Assessment of security clearance and compliance knowledge, as well as experience with classified IT environments.
• Process step 3: Review of the candidate's portfolio and technical documentation, focusing on system administration processes, security compliance procedures, and infrastructure readiness plans.
• Process step 4: Final evaluation of the candidate's cultural fit, communication skills, and ability to work effectively within a classified environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Portfolio tip 1: Highlight your experience in Linux system administration, VMware infrastructure management, and enterprise-level patch management.
• Portfolio tip 2: Demonstrate your ability to manage and secure classified IT environments, including your experience with Splunk, Trellix, and NetApp storage systems.
• Portfolio tip 3: Showcase your technical documentation, including comprehensive system administration processes, security compliance procedures, and infrastructure readiness plans.
• Portfolio tip 4: Emphasize your scripting work and automation efforts to improve system administration tasks, demonstrating your ability to streamline processes and increase efficiency.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Challenge preparation 1: Brush up on your Linux, VMware, and enterprise-level system administration skills, focusing on hands-on exercises and problem-solving scenarios.
• Challenge preparation 2: Familiarize yourself with security clearance and compliance requirements, as well as the unique challenges of working within a classified environment.
• Challenge preparation 3: Prepare a comprehensive portfolio of your system administration processes, security compliance procedures, and infrastructure readiness plans, highlighting your ability to manage and secure classified IT environments.

ATS Keywords:

• Programming Languages: Bash, PowerShell, Python, Perl
• Web Frameworks: N/A
• Server Technologies: Linux (RHEL), VMware (vCenter, ESXi, DCUI), Microsoft Exchange, NetApp
• Databases: N/A
• Tools: Splunk, Trellix (McAfee), WSUS, Nessus, DISA STIGs
• Methodologies: RMF, POA&M, SSP, Agile, DevOps
• Soft Skills: Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving, Adaptability, Attention to Detail
• Industry Terms: SCIF, ISSO, RMF, POA&M, SSP, Top Secret, Secret, SCI, Compliance, Security, Infrastructure, IT Operations, System Administration

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: N/A

Backend & Server Technologies:

• Linux (RHEL)
• VMware (vCenter, ESXi, DCUI)
• Microsoft Exchange
• NetApp

Development & DevOps Tools:

• Splunk
• Trellix (McAfee)
• WSUS
• Nessus
• DISA STIGs

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

• Web development value 1: BAE Systems prioritizes secure, compliant, and high-performing system operations, ensuring the integrity of classified IT environments.
• Web development value 2: The company values technical expertise and continuous learning, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration within the IT department.
• Web development value 3: BAE Systems emphasizes attention to detail, adaptability, and strong communication skills, enabling effective teamwork and collaboration within classified environments.
• Web development value 4: The company values innovation and growth, offering opportunities for senior-level roles and technical leadership positions within the IT department.

Collaboration Style:

• Collaboration approach 1: The Principal Systems Administrator will work closely with ISSOs, security staff, and other IT stakeholders to ensure secure, compliant, and high-performing system operations.
• Collaboration approach 2: The role will involve leading and managing classified IT infrastructure operations, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a classified environment.
• Collaboration approach 3: The Principal Systems Administrator will contribute to RMF packages and audit readiness, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning within the IT department.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• Web development challenge 1: Managing and securing classified IT environments, including adherence to strict security protocols and procedures.
• Web development challenge 2: Ensuring the integrity, security, and availability of systems operating within Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) or other closed environments.
• Web development challenge 3: Maintaining comprehensive documentation of system administration processes, security compliance procedures, and infrastructure readiness plans.
• Web development challenge 4: Staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and security trends, contributing to the company's innovation and growth.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Learning opportunity 1: The Principal Systems Administrator role offers opportunities to develop technical expertise in emerging technologies and security trends, contributing to the company's innovation and growth.
• Learning opportunity 2: The role provides opportunities to mentor junior team members, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning within the IT department.
• Learning opportunity 3: BAE Systems offers training and development opportunities to help employees advance their careers and maintain their technical skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• Technical question 1: Describe your experience with Linux, VMware, and enterprise-level system administration, including hands-on exercises and problem-solving scenarios.
• Technical question 2: How do you ensure the security and compliance of classified IT environments, including your experience with security clearance and compliance requirements?
• Technical question 3: Can you walk us through your system administration processes, security compliance procedures, and infrastructure readiness plans, highlighting your ability to manage and secure classified IT environments?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Technical question 4: How do you approach collaboration and communication within a classified environment, working with ISSOs, security staff, and other IT stakeholders to ensure secure, compliant, and high-performing system operations?
• Technical question 5: How do you stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and security trends, contributing to the company's innovation and growth?
• Technical question 6: Describe your experience with mentoring junior team members, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning within the IT department.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Presentation strategy 1: Highlight your experience in Linux system administration, VMware infrastructure management, and enterprise-level patch management.
• Presentation strategy 2: Demonstrate your ability to manage and secure classified IT environments, including your experience with Splunk, Trellix, and NetApp storage systems.
• Presentation strategy 3: Showcase your technical documentation, including comprehensive system administration processes, security compliance procedures, and infrastructure readiness plans, emphasizing your attention to detail and adaptability.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Systems Administrator position:

• Submit your application through the application link provided.
• Prepare a comprehensive portfolio of your system administration processes, security compliance procedures, and infrastructure readiness plans, highlighting your ability to manage and secure classified IT environments.
• Tailor your resume to emphasize your Linux, VMware, and enterprise-level system administration skills, as well as your experience with classified IT environments.
• Research BAE Systems' company culture, values, and technical requirements, demonstrating your understanding of the role and your fit within the organization.
• Prepare for the technical interview by brushing up on your Linux, VMware, and enterprise-level system administration skills, as well as your knowledge of security clearance and compliance requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: 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.