Principal Systems Administrator
📍 Job Overview
- Job Title: Principal Systems Administrator
- Company: RTX
- Location: Tucson, AZ, USA
- Job Type: On-site
- Category: Server Administration
- Date Posted: 2025-08-01
- Experience Level: 5-10 years
- Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Role Summary
- Lead and coordinate the installation and configuration of information systems in a heterogeneous Microsoft Windows and Redhat Enterprise Linux environment.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support classified programs and maintain secure, cost-efficient environments.
- Provide technical expertise and guidance to define computing requirements and create end-to-end solutions for complex IT infrastructure problems.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a high level of technical expertise and experience in managing complex IT infrastructure projects, with a focus on security and efficiency. The ideal candidate will have experience working with classified information systems and collaborating with diverse teams.
💻 Primary Responsibilities
- Systems Administration: Provide IT systems administration in a heterogeneous Microsoft Windows and Redhat Enterprise Linux environment.
- Infrastructure Management: Responsible for provisioning, installation/configuration, operation, and maintenance of systems hardware and software related to a Linux/Windows infrastructure for classified programs.
- Team Collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams to support exciting, critical programs with classified information system capabilities.
- Security and Compliance: Maintain security requirements and provide documentation and training on advanced IT processes and procedures.
- Troubleshooting: Use troubleshooting techniques to resolve technical problems of a moderate to high scope and complexity, including the integration of hardware and operating systems (OS).
- Documentation: Develop and maintain documentation for systems and processes.
- On-Call Rotation: Systems are operational 24/7 and occasionally require work effort beyond standard work hours.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in systems administration, with a focus on security, troubleshooting, and documentation. The ideal candidate will have experience working with classified information systems and collaborating with diverse teams.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in systems administration, with a focus on security and troubleshooting. Experience with classified information systems is required.
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in systems administration, with a focus on security and troubleshooting.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Redhat Enterprise Linux environments.
- Experience with Active Directory, VMware, MySQL, and networking administration.
- Familiarity with data storage, NAS, and SAN technologies and solutions.
- Experience using Information Technology project lifecycle management processes.
- Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to resolve complex technical problems.
- Excellent documentation skills and ability to develop and maintain technical documentation.
- Ability to obtain Department of Defense Directive (DoDD) 8140 / 8570 Certification requirements (CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent certification) within 6 months of start date.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with NISPOM, JAFAN, JSIG, DFARS, and/or DoD/RMF.
- In-depth working experience in Windows Server.
- Experience with data storage, NAS, and SAN technologies and solutions.
- Experience using VMWare vCenter, vSphere, and ESX and/or other virtual computing methods.
- Experience supporting engineers in software, simulations, and hardware development.
- Experience with Microsoft WSUS, SMECP, and/or Exchange.
- High Performance Computing (HPC) experience in a Linux environment.
- Scripting Experience.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a high level of technical expertise and experience in systems administration, with a focus on security and troubleshooting. The ideal candidate will have experience working with classified information systems and collaborating with diverse teams.
📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Detailed documentation of systems administration experience, with a focus on security and troubleshooting.
- Examples of complex technical problems resolved and the steps taken to resolve them.
- Documentation of experience with classified information systems and collaboration with diverse teams.
- Examples of scripting experience and how it was used to automate tasks and improve efficiency.
Technical Documentation:
- Detailed technical documentation of systems and processes, with a focus on security and troubleshooting.
- Documentation of experience with classified information systems and collaboration with diverse teams.
- Examples of scripting experience and how it was used to automate tasks and improve efficiency.
- Documentation of experience with Information Technology project lifecycle management processes.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in systems administration, with a focus on security, troubleshooting, and documentation. The ideal candidate will have experience working with classified information systems and collaborating with diverse teams.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $82,000 - $164,000 USD per year. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels.
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
- 401(k) match
- Flexible spending accounts
- Flexible work schedules
- Employee assistance program
- Employee Scholar Program
- Parental leave
- Paid time off and holidays
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. Benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit and whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.
🎯 Team & Company Context
Company Culture:
- RTX values Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
- The company offers a fast-paced technological environment with opportunities for growth and development.
Team Structure:
- This role is part of the Digital Technology organization, which ensures that Raytheon teammates across the globe can communicate, collaborate, and innovate for customer success.
- The team creates leading-edge technology solutions to prevent security threats, secure the integrity of systems, and support IT infrastructures around the world.
Development Methodology:
- The team uses Agile methodologies, including sprint planning, code review, testing, and quality assurance practices.
- Deployment strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and server management are also key aspects of the team's development process.
Company Website: https://www.rtx.com/
📝 Enhancement Note: RTX values a culture of Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation. The company offers a fast-paced technological environment with opportunities for growth and development.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Web Technology Career Level: Principal Systems Administrator is a senior-level role that requires a high level of technical expertise and experience in systems administration, with a focus on security and troubleshooting. The ideal candidate will have experience working with classified information systems and collaborating with diverse teams.
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Manager of Infrastructure Workplace Services and collaborates with various teams to support classified programs.
Technical Impact: The Principal Systems Administrator has a significant impact on the security, efficiency, and reliability of the company's IT infrastructure. The role requires a deep understanding of systems administration, with a focus on security and troubleshooting, and the ability to develop and maintain technical documentation.
Growth Opportunities:
- Technical Skill Development: Opportunities for technical skill development include emerging technology adoption, scripting experience, and high performance computing (HPC) experience in a Linux environment.
- Technical Leadership: Opportunities for technical leadership include mentoring junior team members, contributing to architecture decisions, and driving innovation in the team's development process.
- Career Progression: Opportunities for career progression include moving into a senior technical role, such as a Senior Systems Administrator or Technical Lead, or transitioning into a management role.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for technical skill development, technical leadership, and career progression. The ideal candidate will have experience working with classified information systems and collaborating with diverse teams.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, full-time position.
Office Location(s): Tucson, AZ, USA
Workspace Context:
- The workspace is a fast-paced technological environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- The team uses Agile methodologies, including sprint planning, code review, testing, and quality assurance practices.
- Deployment strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and server management are also key aspects of the team's development process.
- The team values Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Systems are operational 24/7 and occasionally require work effort beyond standard work hours.
📝 Enhancement Note: The workspace is a fast-paced technological environment with opportunities for growth and development. The team values Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
📄 Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Technical Preparation: Brush up on technical skills, including systems administration, security, and troubleshooting. Familiarize yourself with the company's technology stack, including Microsoft Windows and Redhat Enterprise Linux environments.
- Portfolio Review: Prepare a detailed portfolio of your systems administration experience, with a focus on security and troubleshooting. Include examples of complex technical problems resolved and the steps taken to resolve them.
- Technical Challenges: Be prepared to discuss your experience with classified information systems and collaboration with diverse teams. Brush up on your scripting experience and be prepared to discuss how you have used it to automate tasks and improve efficiency.
- Company & Culture Questions: Research the company's values and culture, and be prepared to discuss how you align with them. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Information Technology project lifecycle management processes.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Documentation: Prepare detailed technical documentation of your systems administration experience, with a focus on security and troubleshooting. Include examples of complex technical problems resolved and the steps taken to resolve them.
- Scripting Examples: Prepare examples of scripting experience and how it was used to automate tasks and improve efficiency.
- Collaboration Examples: Prepare examples of collaboration with diverse teams and how you have worked together to support classified programs and maintain secure, cost-efficient environments.
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Technical Skills: Brush up on your technical skills, including systems administration, security, and troubleshooting. Familiarize yourself with the company's technology stack, including Microsoft Windows and Redhat Enterprise Linux environments.
- Problem-Solving: Practice problem-solving techniques and be prepared to discuss your approach to troubleshooting complex technical problems.
- Communication: Prepare to communicate your technical expertise and experience clearly and effectively.
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is highly technical and requires a strong background in systems administration, with a focus on security and troubleshooting. The ideal candidate will have experience working with classified information systems and collaborating with diverse teams.
🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure
Operating Systems:
- Microsoft Windows Server
- Redhat Enterprise Linux
Server Technologies:
- Active Directory
- VMware
- MySQL
- Networking Administration
Development & DevOps Tools:
- Information Technology project lifecycle management processes
- VMWare vCenter, vSphere, and ESX
- Scripting tools (e.g., PowerShell, Bash)
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in systems administration, with a focus on security and troubleshooting. The ideal candidate will have experience working with classified information systems and collaborating with diverse teams.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Web Development Values:
- Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation
- A focus on security, efficiency, and reliability in IT infrastructure
- A commitment to continuous learning and improvement
Collaboration Style:
- The team uses Agile methodologies, including sprint planning, code review, testing, and quality assurance practices.
- Deployment strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and server management are also key aspects of the team's development process.
- The team values Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
📝 Enhancement Note: The team values Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation. The team uses Agile methodologies, including sprint planning, code review, testing, and quality assurance practices. Deployment strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and server management are also key aspects of the team's development process.
💡 Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Systems Administration: Prepare to discuss your experience with systems administration, with a focus on security and troubleshooting. Be prepared to discuss your experience with classified information systems and collaboration with diverse teams.
- Security: Prepare to discuss your experience with security protocols and best practices. Be prepared to discuss your approach to maintaining the security and integrity of the company's IT infrastructure.
- Troubleshooting: Prepare to discuss your experience with troubleshooting complex technical problems. Be prepared to discuss your problem-solving approach and how you have used it to resolve technical issues in the past.
Company & Culture Questions:
- Company Culture: Prepare to discuss your understanding of the company's values and culture. Be prepared to discuss how you align with them and how you can contribute to a positive work environment.
- Team Dynamics: Prepare to discuss your experience working with diverse teams. Be prepared to discuss how you have collaborated with others to support classified programs and maintain secure, cost-efficient environments.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Documentation: Prepare detailed technical documentation of your systems administration experience, with a focus on security and troubleshooting. Include examples of complex technical problems resolved and the steps taken to resolve them.
- Scripting Examples: Prepare examples of scripting experience and how it was used to automate tasks and improve efficiency.
- Collaboration Examples: Prepare examples of collaboration with diverse teams and how you have worked together to support classified programs and maintain secure, cost-efficient environments.
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is highly technical and requires a strong background in systems administration, with a focus on security and troubleshooting. The ideal candidate will have experience working with classified information systems and collaborating with diverse teams.
Application Requirements
Must have an active and transferable U.S. government issued top secret/SCI security clearance prior to start date. Requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience or a master's degree with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.