Principal Systems Administrator

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Systems Administrator
Company: RTX
Location: Tucson, AZ
Job Type: On-site
Category: System Administrator
Date Posted: 2025-06-25
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Maintain and manage Windows and Red Hat Enterprise Linux infrastructure for classified programs.
Collaborate with teams to define computing requirements and create end-to-end solutions.
Ensure secure and cost-efficient environments with a focus on data protection and security.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Systems Administration: Manage Windows and Red Hat Enterprise Linux servers, storage, and workstations.
Security Compliance: Maintain security requirements and collaborate with cybersecurity professionals.
Troubleshooting: Resolve technical problems of a moderate to high scope and complexity.
Documentation: Develop and maintain documentation for IT processes and procedures.
Collaboration: Work with various teams to support classified programs and ensure system availability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. A master's degree can substitute for some experience.

Experience: 5+ years of relevant experience in systems administration, with a focus on Windows and Linux environments.

Required Skills:

Windows Server administration
Red Hat Enterprise Linux administration
Active Directory management
Networking administration (DHCP, DNS, AD)
Data backup and restoration
Troubleshooting techniques
Scripting experience (e.g., PowerShell, Bash)
Knowledge of data RAID and storage technologies

Preferred Skills:

VMware experience (vCenter, vSphere, ESX)
Department of Defense Directive (DoDD) 8140 / 8570 Certification (CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent)
Experience with NISPOM, JAFAN, JSIG, DFARS, and DoD/RMF
High Performance Computing (HPC) experience in a Linux environment
Experience supporting engineers in software, simulations, and hardware development

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:
- Documented experience with Windows and Linux server administration.
- Examples of troubleshooting complex IT infrastructure problems.
- Demonstrated knowledge of security best practices and compliance standards (e.g., NISPOM, JAFAN, JSIG, DFARS, DoD/RMF).
Technical Documentation:
- Detailed documentation of IT processes and procedures.
- Examples of system architecture and design decisions.
- Demonstrated experience with project lifecycle management processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $82,000 - $164,000 per year
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance and disability coverage
- 401(k) match and flexible spending accounts
- Flexible work schedules and employee assistance program
- Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, and paid time off
- Relocation assistance

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense and aerospace
Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees)
Founded: 1922
Team Structure: Large, cross-functional teams supporting various classified programs.
Development Methodology: Agile/Scrum methodologies, with a focus on collaboration and customer value.
Company Website: RTX Website

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX is a large, established company with a strong focus on collaboration and customer value. The Principal Systems Administrator role is part of a larger team supporting classified programs, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior-level role with significant experience required.
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the IT Infrastructure Manager.
Technical Impact: Responsible for maintaining secure and efficient IT infrastructure, supporting classified programs, and ensuring system availability.
Growth Opportunities:
- Technical leadership and architecture decision-making opportunities.
- Potential to move into management or senior technical roles.
- Opportunities to work on cutting-edge defense and aerospace projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork.
Office Location(s): Tucson, AZ
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative workspace with access to multiple monitors and testing devices.
- Opportunities to work with various teams, including software engineers, designers, and project managers.
Work Schedule: Full-time, with occasional work beyond standard hours to support system availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX offers a collaborative work environment with opportunities to work on cutting-edge defense and aerospace projects. The on-site nature of the role encourages teamwork and knowledge sharing.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:
1. Phone or video screen with the hiring manager to discuss the role and qualifications.
2. On-site technical interview with the IT Infrastructure Manager and a senior team member.
3. Final interview with the IT Infrastructure Director to discuss career growth and fit within the team.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Highlight experience with Windows and Linux server administration.
- Showcase troubleshooting skills and problem-solving techniques.
- Demonstrate knowledge of security best practices and compliance standards.
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Brush up on Windows Server and Linux administration skills.
- Review Active Directory management and networking administration concepts.
- Familiarize yourself with data backup and restoration techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Principal Systems Administrator role at RTX focuses on technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the team. Prepare for a comprehensive evaluation of your server administration and security knowledge.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Operating Systems: Windows Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Server Technologies: Active Directory, VMware (vCenter, vSphere, ESX), MySQL
Networking: DHCP, DNS, cross-platform authentication, and access management
Storage: Data RAID, data backup, and restoration technologies
Scripting: PowerShell, Bash, and other relevant scripting languages
Security: NISPOM, JAFAN, JSIG, DFARS, DoD/RMF, and other relevant security standards

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:
- Trust and respect for team members and customers.
- Accountability for individual and team performance.
- Collaboration and knowledge sharing to drive innovation.
- Innovation through continuous learning and improvement.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-functional integration between systems administrators, software engineers, designers, and stakeholders.
- Code review culture and peer programming practices.
- Knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:
- Maintaining secure and efficient IT infrastructure for classified programs.
- Troubleshooting complex technical problems and ensuring system availability.
- Staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and best practices in defense and aerospace.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Technical leadership and architecture decision-making opportunities.
- Potential to work on cutting-edge defense and aerospace projects.
- Opportunities to gain experience with emerging technologies and industry standards.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:
- Windows Server and Linux administration concepts.
- Active Directory management and networking administration.
- Data backup and restoration techniques.
- Security best practices and compliance standards.
Company & Culture Questions:
- Understanding of RTX's mission and values.
- Experience working in a collaborative, team-based environment.
- Knowledge of defense and aerospace industry trends and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare for a comprehensive evaluation of your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the RTX team. Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, values, and industry-specific challenges.

📌 Application Steps

Submit your application through the application link provided.
Prepare a portfolio highlighting your Windows and Linux server administration experience, troubleshooting skills, and knowledge of security best practices.
Tailor your resume to emphasize your relevant experience and technical skills.
Research RTX's mission, values, and industry-specific challenges to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role.
Prepare for a comprehensive interview process, focusing on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the team.

⚠️ 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.

Principal Systems Administrator - Tucson, AZ