Principal Systems Administrator at RTX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Systems Administrator
Company: RTX
Location: Tucson, AZ, USA
Job Type: On-site
Category: Server Administration
Date Posted: 2025-06-23
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support critical programs with classified information system capabilities.
Develop, implement, and maintain secure, cost-efficient environments across various classified programs.
Define computing requirements and create end-to-end solutions to solve complex IT infrastructure problems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires an active and transferable Secret U.S. government-issued security clearance, making it suitable for U.S. citizens only.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

IT Systems Administration: Provide IT systems administration in a heterogeneous Microsoft Windows and Red Hat Enterprise Linux environment.
Server Management: Responsible for provisioning, installation/configuration, operation, and maintenance of systems hardware and software related to a Linux/Windows infrastructure for classified programs.
Collaboration: Work with various teams to support exciting, critical programs with classified information system capabilities.
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).
Security: Work with Cybersecurity professionals to maintain security requirements and provide documentation and training on advanced IT processes and procedures.
Documentation: Develop solutions and documentation for a variety of technical problems.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Typically requires a bachelor’s degree and minimum of 5 years of prior relevant experience or a master’s degree and minimum of 3 years of prior relevant experience.

Experience: Must have Windows or Linux systems administration experience. Experience in one of the following: Active Directory, VMware, MySQL, networking administration, and data storage is preferred.

Required Skills:

Windows Administration
Linux Administration
Active Directory
VMware
MySQL
Networking Administration
Data Storage
Cybersecurity
Troubleshooting
Server Management
Data Backup
Documentation
Scripting

Preferred Skills:

High Performance Computing (HPC) experience in a Linux environment
Experience supporting engineers in software, simulations, and hardware development
Experience with Microsoft WSUS, SMECP, and/or Exchange
Scripting Experience

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience in Windows and Linux systems administration, focusing on server management, data storage, and network administration.
Showcase troubleshooting skills and problem-solving abilities in complex IT infrastructure projects.
Highlight collaboration skills and experience working with cross-functional teams.

Technical Documentation:

Provide detailed documentation of technical solutions, processes, and procedures.
Include examples of system architecture, network diagrams, and security protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role requires a security clearance, any portfolio or project documentation should not include sensitive or classified information.

💵 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, Vision, Life Insurance
Short-term and Long-term Disability
401(k) Match
Flexible Spending Accounts
Flexible Work Schedules
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Scholar Program
Parental Leave
Paid Time Off
Holidays

🎯 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: The Principal Systems Administrator role works closely with various teams, including engineering, software development, and cybersecurity professionals, to support critical programs with classified information system capabilities.

Development Methodology: RTX follows IT project lifecycle management processes and uses VMWare vCenter, vSphere, and ESX for virtual computing methods.

Company Website: RTX Website

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is suitable for experienced Systems Administrators with 5-10 years of experience, seeking to advance their career in a classified environment.

Reporting Structure: The Principal Systems Administrator reports directly to the Infrastructure Workplace Services Manager and collaborates with various teams, including engineering, software development, and cybersecurity professionals.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on the security, availability, and performance of classified information systems, supporting critical programs.

Growth Opportunities:

Develop expertise in classified information system capabilities and advanced IT processes and procedures.
Gain experience in high-performance computing (HPC) and emerging technologies in a Linux environment.
Build leadership skills by guiding and mentoring junior team members and contributing to architecture decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career growth in this role may lead to technical leadership positions, such as Senior Systems Administrator or IT Manager, within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, full-time position at RTX's Tucson, AZ location.

Office Location(s): AZ861: RMS Rita Road Bldg 9030, 9000 South Rita Road Building 9030, Tucson, AZ, 85747 USA

Workspace Context:

Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced technological environment.
Work with advanced IT processes and procedures, including data storage, network administration, and cybersecurity.
Utilize virtual computing methods, such as VMWare vCenter, vSphere, and ESX.

Work Schedule: Full-time, on-site position with standard work hours. Occasional work effort beyond standard work hours may be required for critical programs or maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role requires an active and transferable Secret U.S. government-issued security clearance, access to classified information systems may necessitate additional security screening and background checks.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Phone Screen: Assess Windows and Linux systems administration experience, troubleshooting skills, and collaboration abilities.
On-site Technical Interview: Evaluate server management, data storage, and network administration skills, as well as problem-solving abilities and cultural fit.
Final Interview: Discuss career aspirations, growth opportunities, and make a final hiring decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight relevant projects and accomplishments in Windows and Linux systems administration, focusing on server management, data storage, and network administration.
Include examples of collaboration with cross-functional teams and problem-solving in complex IT infrastructure projects.
Emphasize security protocols, documentation, and compliance with classified information system requirements.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on Windows and Linux systems administration, focusing on server management, data storage, and network administration.
Practice troubleshooting exercises and problem-solving scenarios in a classified environment.
Familiarize yourself with RTX's IT project lifecycle management processes and virtual computing methods, such as VMWare vCenter, vSphere, and ESX.

ATS Keywords:

Windows Administration
Linux Administration
Active Directory
VMware
MySQL
Networking Administration
Data Storage
Cybersecurity
Troubleshooting
Server Management
Data Backup
Documentation
Scripting
High Performance Computing
Windows Server Internals
Linux Fundamentals
DHCP
DNS
AD
Server Replication Methods
Data RAID
Data Backup Uses and Technologies
Information Technology Project Lifecycle Management Processes
VMWare vCenter, vSphere, and ESX
Microsoft WSUS, SMECP, and/or Exchange
Department of Defense Directive (DoDD) 8140 / 8570 Certification requirements (CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent certification)
NISPOM, JAFAN, JSIG, DFARS, and/or DoD/RMF

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant skills and experiences for the Principal Systems Administrator role, emphasizing Windows and Linux systems administration, troubleshooting, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Server Technologies:

Microsoft Windows Server
Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Data Storage:

RAID
NAS
SAN

Virtualization:

VMWare vCenter, vSphere, and ESX

Networking:

Active Directory
DHCP
DNS

Security:

Cybersecurity best practices and compliance with classified information system requirements

Scripting:

Scripting languages relevant to Windows and Linux systems administration, such as PowerShell, Bash, or Python

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Trust: Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to deliver secure, reliable, and efficient IT infrastructure solutions.
Respect: Value the expertise and contributions of team members, fostering a culture of learning and growth.
Accountability: Take ownership of tasks and responsibilities, ensuring the highest standards of quality and performance.
Collaboration: Work closely with various teams to support critical programs with classified information system capabilities.
Innovation: Continuously improve IT processes and procedures, adopting emerging technologies and best practices.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional integration between developers, engineers, and stakeholders.
Code review culture and peer programming practices.
Knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX's team culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, providing an environment for growth and development in the Principal Systems Administrator role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Develop, implement, and maintain secure, cost-efficient environments across various classified programs.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support critical programs with classified information system capabilities.
Troubleshoot complex IT infrastructure problems and integrate hardware and operating systems (OS).

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Gain expertise in classified information system capabilities and advanced IT processes and procedures.
Develop leadership skills by guiding and mentoring junior team members and contributing to architecture decisions.
Build proficiency in high-performance computing (HPC) and emerging technologies in a Linux environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Overcoming technical challenges and pursuing learning and development opportunities in the Principal Systems Administrator role can lead to career advancement and increased technical impact within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Describe your experience with Windows and Linux systems administration, focusing on server management, data storage, and network administration.
Walk us through a complex IT infrastructure problem you've solved, highlighting your troubleshooting skills and problem-solving approach.
Explain your experience with security protocols, documentation, and compliance with classified information system requirements.

Company & Culture Questions:

How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams, and can you provide an example from your previous experience?
Describe your experience with IT project lifecycle management processes and virtual computing methods, such as VMWare vCenter, vSphere, and ESX.
How do you stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and best practices in the field of systems administration?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Highlight relevant projects and accomplishments in Windows and Linux systems administration, focusing on server management, data storage, and network administration.
Include examples of collaboration with cross-functional teams and problem-solving in complex IT infrastructure projects.
Emphasize security protocols, documentation, and compliance with classified information system requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare for the Principal Systems Administrator interview by focusing on your Windows and Linux systems administration experience, troubleshooting skills, and collaboration abilities. Tailor your portfolio and interview responses to highlight your relevant skills and accomplishments in a classified environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Systems Administrator position:

Submit your application through the application link provided in the job listing.
Customize your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences for the Principal Systems Administrator role, emphasizing Windows and Linux systems administration, troubleshooting, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience in Windows and Linux systems administration, focusing on server management, data storage, and network administration. Include examples of collaboration with cross-functional teams and problem-solving in complex IT infrastructure projects.
Research RTX's company culture, values, and IT project lifecycle management processes to demonstrate your understanding and fit for the role during the interview process.

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

Principal Systems Administrator