📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Principal Windows/VMware Systems Administrator
• Company: Northrop Grumman
• Location: United States - Maryland - Baltimore (MDLI03)
• Job Type: On-site, Full-time
• Category: System Administration
• Date Posted: 2025-06-25
• Experience Level: 5-10 years
• Remote Status: On-site (not remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Key Responsibilities: Primary Windows/VMware Systems Administrator for a classified government contract, ensuring smooth operation of multi-user computer systems.
• Key Technologies: Windows Server OS, VMware, Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, WSUS, SCCM, Splunk, STIGs, and more.
• Clearance Requirement: Secret clearance (current or enrolled in CEP) with a closed investigation date within the last 6 years.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• System Administration: Maintain smooth operation of multi-user computer systems, coordinate with various teams, and provide backup and recovery services.
• System Enhancements: Recommend and implement system enhancements to improve performance and reliability, including installing, upgrading/patching, monitoring, problem resolution, and configuration management.
• Security Compliance: Adhere to strict Information Systems security guidelines, maintain security audit and logging information, and prepare security documentation.
• Project Status Reporting: Report project status for recurring and non-recurring efforts.
• Vulnerability Management: Understand vulnerability and risk mitigation in accordance with RMF & DoD JSIG standards.
• Teamwork & Communication: Work under minimal direction, independently determine and develop approach to solutions, and communicate effectively with internal and external customers.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Education: Associate's degree with 7 years of relevant experience, Bachelor's degree with 5 years of relevant experience, or Master's degree with 3 years of relevant experience. A High School diploma or equivalent with 9 years of relevant experience may be considered.
• Experience: Proven experience in managing Windows Server OS and domain architecture in a classified environment.

Required Skills

• Windows Server OS and domain architecture management
• Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS management, DHCP scopes, WSUS/SCCM
• Basic networking/subnetting knowledge
• Splunk deployment and management
• DoD STIGs deployment and POA&M development
• Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
• Willingness to work after hours and weekends as needed

Preferred Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in an IS-related field
• Experience operating under and managing systems within NISPOM Chapter 8, DCID 6/3-ICD 503, RMF, STIG, JAFAN, or JSIG information system environments
• Experience installing, configuring, and maintaining computer hardware in a networked environment
• Understanding of basic networking, including subnets, routing, and VLANs; Cisco experience and/or certification
• Windows AD, LDAP, VMware, and knowledge of SAN storage systems
• Rudimentary scripting experience
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, with internal and external customers, in written and verbal format
• Experience giving technical presentations to technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience with the creation and deployment of system images in an enterprise environment
• Experience with Certification & Accreditation process
• DoD 8570 Certification in a primary OS (Windows, Linux, Cisco)

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements (N/A - System Administration Role)

💵 Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $95,800.00 - $143,600.00 per year
• Benefits: Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Savings Plan, Paid Holidays, Paid Time Off, 401k Matching

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

• Industry: Aerospace & Defense
• Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees)
• Founded: 1939
• Team Structure: Large, multi-disciplinary teams with specialized roles and cross-functional collaboration
• Development Methodology: Agile/Scrum methodologies, code reviews, testing, and quality assurance practices, CI/CD pipelines, and server management
• Company Website: Northrop Grumman

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

• Role Level: Experienced (5-10 years of experience)
• Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM)
• Technical Impact: Significant influence on system performance, security, and reliability for classified government contracts
• Growth Opportunities:
  • Technical skill development and specialization in Windows/VMware administration and security
  • Potential leadership roles in team management and architecture decisions
  • Opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain exposure to various customers and technologies

🌐 Work Environment

• Office Type: On-site, dedicated workspace with collaborative environment
• Office Location(s): United States - Maryland - Baltimore (MDLI03)
• Workspace Context: Access to necessary tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices; opportunities for knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning
• Work Schedule: Full-time, with potential for after-hours and weekend work as needed; 9/80 work schedule available

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

• Interview Process: Multiple rounds of interviews, including technical assessments, behavioral questions, and security clearance processing
• Portfolio Review Tips: N/A (System Administration role)
• Technical Challenge Preparation: Brush up on Windows Server OS, VMware, Active Directory, and security protocols; practice problem-solving and communication skills
• ATS Keywords: Windows Server OS, VMware, Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, WSUS, SCCM, Splunk, STIGs, Security Clearance, System Administration, Backup and Recovery, Risk Mitigation

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

• Server Technologies: Windows Server OS, VMware, Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, WSUS, SCCM
• Infrastructure Tools: Splunk, STIGs, Risk Mitigation tools
• Security Tools: Security clearance processing tools, security audit and logging tools

👥 Team Culture & Values

• Windows/VMware Administration Values: Technical excellence, performance optimization, security focus, and user experience consideration
• Collaboration Style: Cross-functional integration between administrators, network engineers, software developers, and stakeholders; code review culture and peer programming practices; knowledge sharing and technical mentoring opportunities

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

• Technical Challenges:
  • Managing Windows Server OS and domain architecture in a classified environment
  • Implementing and maintaining strict security guidelines and compliance standards
  • Troubleshooting complex system issues and optimizing performance
• Learning & Development Opportunities:
  • Technical skill advancement in Windows/VMware administration and security
  • Conference attendance, certification, and community involvement in system administration and security
  • Technical mentorship, leadership development, and architecture decision-making opportunities

💡 Interview Preparation

• Technical Questions:
  • Windows Server OS and domain architecture management
  • Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, WSUS, SCCM, and Splunk deployment and management
  • Security protocols, STIGs, and risk mitigation strategies
• Company & Culture Questions:
  • Northrop Grumman's mission, values, and culture
  • The role's impact on the company's success and customer satisfaction
  • Collaboration and communication within the team and across departments

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Windows/VMware Systems Administrator position:

• Submit your application through the application link
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills in Windows Server OS, VMware, and security administration
• Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Windows Server OS, VMware, Active Directory, and security protocols
• Research Northrop Grumman's mission, values, and culture to demonstrate your fit for the role and organization

Content Guidelines (IMPORTANT: Do not include this in the output)

Role-Specific Focus:

• Tailor the job description to highlight the unique aspects of the Principal Windows/VMware Systems Administrator role, emphasizing the classified government contract, security clearance requirements, and system administration responsibilities.
• Include specific Windows Server OS, VMware, and security administration tasks and technologies.
• Address the need for strict security compliance and risk mitigation strategies.

Quality Standards:

• Ensure no content overlap between sections; each section must contain unique information.
• Use Enhancement Notes sparingly and only when making significant inferences about the role, Windows/VMware administration, or security protocols.
• Be comprehensive yet concise, prioritizing actionable information over descriptive text.
• Strategically distribute Windows/VMware administration and security-related keywords throughout all sections naturally.
• Provide a realistic salary range based on location, experience level, and role complexity.

Industry Expertise:

• Include specific Windows Server OS, VMware, and security administration technologies, tools, and best practices.
• Address Windows/VMware administration career progression paths and technical leadership opportunities.
• Provide tactical advice for system administration, security compliance, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Include Windows/VMware administration interview preparation and coding challenge guidance.
• Emphasize the importance of security clearance, background investigation, and continuous evaluation program (CEP) requirements.

Professional Standards:

• Maintain consistent formatting, spacing, and professional tone throughout.
• Use Windows/VMware administration and security industry terminology appropriately and accurately.
• Include comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities relevant to Windows/VMware administration professionals.
• Provide actionable insights that give Windows/VMware administration candidates a competitive advantage.
• Focus on Windows/VMware administration team culture, cross-functional collaboration, and user experience impact measurement.

Technical Focus & Security Emphasis:

• Emphasize Windows Server OS, VMware, and security administration best practices, performance optimization, and accessibility standards.
• Include specific portfolio requirements tailored to the Windows/VMware administration discipline and role level.
• Address browser compatibility, accessibility standards, and user experience design principles in the context of system administration and security.
• Focus on problem-solving methods, performance optimization, and scalable system architecture.
• Include technical presentation skills and stakeholder communication for Windows/VMware administration projects.

Avoid:

• Generic business jargon not relevant to Windows/VMware administration or security roles.
• Placeholder text or incomplete sections.
• Repetitive content across different sections.
• Non-technical terminology unless relevant to the specific Windows/VMware administration role.
• Marketing language unrelated to Windows/VMware administration, server administration, or security.

Generate a comprehensive, Windows/VMware administration-focused content that serves as a valuable resource for system administration professionals seeking their next opportunity and preparing for technical interviews in the Windows/VMware administration and security industry.