Principal Systems Administrator

📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Principal Systems Administrator
• Company: RTX
• Location: TX190: 2501 West University, McKinney 2501 West University, McKinney, TX, 75070 USA
• Job Type: On-site
• Category: Systems Administration
• Date Posted: 2025-06-23
• Experience Level: 5-10 years
• Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in systems administration, with a focus on Windows and Linux servers, virtualization, and data storage. The ideal candidate will have experience in a fast-paced technological environment and be able to work effectively as part of a team.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve technical problems of a moderate to high scope and complexity, including hardware and operating system integration.
• Install and configure hardware and operating systems in a fast-paced technological environment.
• Collaborate with engineers in software, simulations, and hardware development to provide technical support and ensure system reliability.
• Maintain and optimize systems to meet performance and security requirements, following best practices and industry standards.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A university degree or equivalent experience is required, with a preference for candidates with an advanced degree in a related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience is required, with a preference for candidates with 7-10 years of experience.

Required Skills:

• Windows and Linux Server experience (mandatory)
• Experience with VMware vCenter, vSphere, VDI (Horizon), ESX, and/or other virtual computing methods
• Data storage, NAS, and SAN technologies and solutions
• Information Technology project lifecycle management processes
• Active and transferable U.S. government issued Secret security clearance

Preferred Skills:

• DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level 2 certification or higher
• Experience with NISPOM, JAFAN, JSIG, DFARS, and/or DoD/RMF
• In-depth working experience in Windows Server
• Scripting experience (e.g., PowerShell, Bash)
• Experience with Enterprise Active Directory (AD) & LDAP
• High Performance Computing (HPC) experience in a Linux environment
• Experience hardening systems using tools like SCAP and following STIGs

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While a portfolio is not explicitly required for this role, demonstrating relevant projects and accomplishments can strengthen your application. Focus on projects that showcase your systems administration skills, virtualization experience, and problem-solving abilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

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

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

• Industry: Defense and Aerospace
• Company Size: Large (10,000+ employees)
• Founded: 1922
• Team Structure: The Principal Systems Administrator role is part of the IT organization, working closely with various engineering teams to provide technical support and ensure system reliability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

• Role Level: This role is a senior-level position within the IT organization, requiring significant experience and expertise in systems administration.
• Reporting Structure: The Principal Systems Administrator reports directly to the IT Manager or Director and may oversee junior systems administrators or IT support staff.
• Technical Impact: This role plays a critical part in maintaining and optimizing the company's IT infrastructure, ensuring the reliability and performance of systems used by engineering teams to develop and test products.

🌐 Work Environment

• Office Type: On-site, with a preference for candidates who can work on-site full-time.
• Office Location(s): 2501 West University, McKinney, TX, 75070 USA
• Workspace Context: The workspace is a collaborative environment, with opportunities for cross-functional interaction with engineering teams. The office provides access to necessary tools and resources for systems administrators to perform their jobs effectively.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

• Interview Process:
  1. Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss your experience and qualifications.
  2. Technical Interview: A deeper dive into your systems administration experience, focusing on your problem-solving abilities and technical knowledge.
  3. On-site Interview: A final interview with key stakeholders to assess your cultural fit and understanding of the role's requirements.
• Portfolio Review Tips:
  • Highlight projects that demonstrate your systems administration skills, virtualization experience, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Be prepared to discuss your approach to system hardening, performance optimization, and security best practices.
• Technical Challenge Preparation:
  • Brush up on your Windows and Linux server administration skills, focusing on virtualization, data storage, and scripting.
  • Familiarize yourself with industry standards and best practices for systems administration and security.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

• Operating Systems: Windows Server, Linux (CentOS, Ubuntu)
• Virtualization: VMware vCenter, vSphere, ESX
• Data Storage: NAS, SAN, DAS
• Scripting: PowerShell, Bash, Python
• Security: SCAP, STIGs, Active Directory, LDAP

👥 Team Culture & Values

• RTX Values: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
• Collaboration Style: RTX fosters a collaborative work environment, encouraging cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

• Technical Challenges:
  • Staying up-to-date with the latest virtualization and data storage technologies.
  • Troubleshooting complex system issues and optimizing performance.
  • Ensuring the security and compliance of the company's IT infrastructure.
• Learning & Development Opportunities:
  • RTX offers various training and development opportunities, including the Employee Scholar Program, which provides financial assistance for employees pursuing higher education.
  • The company encourages continuous learning and supports employees in obtaining relevant certifications.

💡 Interview Preparation

• Technical Questions:
  • Be prepared to discuss your experience with Windows and Linux server administration, virtualization, data storage, and scripting.
  • Demonstrate your understanding of system hardening, performance optimization, and security best practices.
• Company & Culture Questions:
  • Research RTX's mission, values, and recent projects to show your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
  • Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the team, company culture, and growth opportunities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Systems Administrator position:

1. Submit your application through the application link provided.
2. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant systems administration experience, virtualization, and data storage expertise.
3. Prepare a portfolio or project case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and technical accomplishments.
4. Research RTX's mission, values, and recent projects to show your enthusiasm for the role and the company during the interview process.

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