📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr/Principal DevOps Engineer (Top Secret) Space Systems (El Segundo)
Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: El Segundo, CA, USA
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: DevOps Engineer
Date Posted: June 25, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Automate cloud native technologies, deploy applications, and provision critical infrastructure. Work with microservices, distributed application architecture, and ensure monitoring and health of deployed resources.
Key Skills: DevOps, Infrastructure as Code, Terraform, Ansible, Linux, Shell Scripting, Python, OpenStack, Docker, Kubernetes, Continuous Integration, Deployment Tools, Monitoring Tools, Microservices, Cloud Native Technologies, Technical Leadership.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Automation & Deployment: Automate cloud native technologies, deploy applications, and provision critical infrastructure using tools like Terraform, Ansible, and Docker.
Microservices & Architecture: Work with microservices and distributed application architecture, such as containers and Kubernetes.
Infrastructure Management: Configure and deploy optimized infrastructure within the OpenStack cloud ecosystem.
Monitoring & Health: Ensure the monitoring and health of deployed resources using enterprise management solutions like Nagios.
Documentation & Troubleshooting: Document procedures used during deployment cycles and troubleshoot issues as needed.
Mentoring & Cross-Training: Mentor team members and assist in troubleshooting tasks to grow technical talent across the DevOps team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (Computer Science or Engineering preferred) with relevant experience.

Experience:

3+ years of experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Terraform, and Ansible.
3+ years of experience in Linux tools/automation and shell scripting.
3+ years of experience in Python.
1+ years of experience with OpenStack management.
3+ years of experience with Docker containerization and Kubernetes (preferred).
3+ years of experience with continuous integration/deployment tools such as Jenkins or GitLab.
3+ years creating, executing, and troubleshooting complex, automated processes used to configure servers and/or deploy code.

Required Skills:

Proven troubleshooting skills and willingness to take on unfamiliar challenges.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with quick turnaround times and shifting priorities.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with adjacent technologies like AWS or Virtualization.
Experience in a technical leadership role managing technical objectives and Jira metrics reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with a master's degree or PhD in a relevant field may be considered for a Sr. Principal DevOps Engineer position.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform and Ansible.
Showcase projects involving cloud native technologies, microservices, and distributed application architecture.
Highlight experience with continuous integration/deployment tools and monitoring tools.
Include examples of infrastructure management, such as configuring and deploying optimized infrastructure within the OpenStack cloud ecosystem.

Technical Documentation:

Provide documentation of procedures used during deployment cycles.
Include examples of troubleshooting complex, automated processes used to configure servers and/or deploy code.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Principal DevOps Engineer: $110,300 - $165,500 per year
Sr. Principal DevOps Engineer: $137,400 - $206,000 per year

Benefits:

Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
401k
Educational Assistance
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
Paid Time Off
Health & Wellness Resources
Employee Discounts
Flexible Schedules (e.g., 9/80 work schedule)

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Northrop Grumman operates in the aerospace and defense industry, focusing on commercial and classified partnerships with the design, delivery, operation, and sustainment of satellites and human spacecraft.

Company Size: Northrop Grumman is a large company with a global presence, employing over 80,000 people worldwide.

Founded: Northrop Grumman was founded in 1939 and has a rich history in the aerospace and defense industry.

Team Structure:

The DevOps team works within the Tactical Space organization, collaborating with various teams to support science and space exploration missions.
The team consists of qualified, diverse individuals with a range of technical expertise.

Development Methodology:

Northrop Grumman follows Agile methodologies, with a focus on quick turnaround times and shifting priorities.
The company emphasizes clean and maintainable infrastructure-as-code that adheres to industry best practices.

Company Website: Northrop Grumman

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture values innovation, collaboration, and a pioneering spirit, with a strong focus on technical excellence and user experience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is at the senior or principal level, requiring significant experience in DevOps and technical leadership skills.

Reporting Structure: The role supports High-Side DevOps team members and serves as a technical lead for the team.

Technical Impact: The role has a significant impact on the deployment, monitoring, and maintenance of critical infrastructure, ensuring the success of various space missions.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Expand expertise in cloud native technologies, microservices, and distributed application architecture.
Leadership Development: Develop technical leadership skills by mentoring team members and managing technical objectives.
Architecture Decisions: Contribute to strategic architecture decisions, shaping the future of the company's space systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman offers opportunities for career progression and technical specialization within the DevOps field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Northrop Grumman's El Segundo office is a large, modern facility with a collaborative work environment.

Office Location(s): El Segundo, CA, USA

Workspace Context:

The workspace is equipped with multiple monitors and testing devices to support development and troubleshooting tasks.
The office encourages cross-functional collaboration between developers, designers, and stakeholders.
The work schedule is flexible, with a focus on meeting project deadlines and maintaining critical infrastructure.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, with some flexibility for deployment windows and maintenance tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's work environment fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, with a strong emphasis on technical excellence and user experience.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Assessment: A hands-on assessment of technical skills, focusing on Infrastructure as Code (IaC), cloud native technologies, and troubleshooting abilities.
Behavioral Interview: An evaluation of problem-solving skills, adaptability, and cultural fit.
Final Review: A review of the candidate's qualifications and fit for the role by the hiring manager and other stakeholders.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight projects that demonstrate experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC), cloud native technologies, and microservices.
Include examples of troubleshooting complex, automated processes used to configure servers and/or deploy code.
Emphasize any experience working with classified or high-side projects.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on skills related to Infrastructure as Code (IaC), cloud native technologies, and microservices.
Familiarize yourself with Northrop Grumman's development methodologies and company culture.
Prepare for troubleshooting scenarios and be ready to explain your approach to problem-solving.

ATS Keywords:

DevOps, Infrastructure as Code, Terraform, Ansible, Linux, Shell Scripting, Python, OpenStack, Docker, Kubernetes, Continuous Integration, Deployment Tools, Monitoring Tools, Microservices, Cloud Native Technologies, Technical Leadership, Agile, Infrastructure Management, Space Systems, Tactical Space, Northrop Grumman.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's interview process emphasizes technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit, with a focus on the candidate's ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: Not applicable for this role.

Backend & Server Technologies:

Terraform: Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tool used to provision and manage infrastructure.
Ansible: Automation and configuration management tool used to deploy and manage applications.
OpenStack: Cloud computing platform used to manage and provision infrastructure.
Docker: Containerization platform used to package and run applications.
Kubernetes: Container orchestration platform used to manage and scale containerized applications.

Development & DevOps Tools:

Jenkins or GitLab: Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) tools used to automate the software delivery process.
Nagios: Enterprise monitoring solution used to monitor the health and performance of deployed resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's technology stack is designed to support the deployment, monitoring, and maintenance of critical infrastructure for various space missions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Innovation: Northrop Grumman values innovation and encourages team members to explore new technologies and approaches to problem-solving.
Collaboration: The company fosters a culture of collaboration, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing.
Technical Excellence: Northrop Grumman emphasizes technical excellence, with a focus on clean, maintainable code and adherence to industry best practices.
User Experience: The company prioritizes user experience, with a focus on delivering high-quality, reliable products that meet the needs of its customers.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Northrop Grumman encourages collaboration between developers, designers, and stakeholders to ensure that products meet the needs of users and customers.
Code Review Culture: The company emphasizes code review and peer programming practices to ensure the quality and maintainability of its products.
Knowledge Sharing: Northrop Grumman fosters a culture of knowledge sharing, with a focus on mentoring and technical skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture values innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality, reliable products that meet the needs of its customers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Cloud Native Technologies: Stay up-to-date with the latest cloud native technologies, microservices, and distributed application architecture.
Infrastructure Management: Continuously improve infrastructure management practices to ensure the scalability, reliability, and security of critical infrastructure.
Troubleshooting: Develop and refine troubleshooting skills to address complex, automated processes used to configure servers and/or deploy code.
User Experience: Contribute to the development of user-friendly interfaces and experiences for various space missions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Expand expertise in cloud native technologies, microservices, and distributed application architecture.
Conference Attendance: Attend industry conferences and events to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in DevOps and infrastructure management.
Certification & Community Involvement: Pursue relevant certifications and engage with online communities to enhance technical skills and network with other professionals.
Technical Mentorship: Seek mentorship opportunities from experienced team members to gain insights into industry best practices and career development strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman offers numerous opportunities for technical growth and development, with a strong emphasis on staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in DevOps and infrastructure management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Cloud Native Technologies: Be prepared to discuss your experience with cloud native technologies, microservices, and distributed application architecture.
Infrastructure Management: Demonstrate your understanding of infrastructure management practices and strategies for ensuring the scalability, reliability, and security of critical infrastructure.
Troubleshooting: Prepare for troubleshooting scenarios and be ready to explain your approach to problem-solving.
User Experience: Showcase your ability to contribute to the development of user-friendly interfaces and experiences for various space missions.

Company & Culture Questions:

Northrop Grumman Culture: Research Northrop Grumman's company culture, values, and mission to demonstrate your understanding of the company and your fit within the organization.
Agile Methodologies: Familiarize yourself with Agile methodologies and be prepared to discuss your experience working in an Agile environment.
Technical Leadership: Prepare for questions related to technical leadership, mentoring, and managing technical objectives.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Cloud Native Technologies: Highlight projects that demonstrate your experience with cloud native technologies, microservices, and distributed application architecture.
Infrastructure Management: Include examples of infrastructure management practices and strategies for ensuring the scalability, reliability, and security of critical infrastructure.
Troubleshooting: Showcase your ability to troubleshoot complex, automated processes used to configure servers and/or deploy code.
User Experience: Emphasize any experience working on user-friendly interfaces and experiences for various space missions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's interview process emphasizes technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit, with a focus on the candidate's ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr/Principal DevOps Engineer (Top Secret) Space Systems (El Segundo) position:

Submit Application: Submit your application through the provided link.
Prepare Portfolio: Customize your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate your experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC), cloud native technologies, and microservices.
Optimize Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize your technical skills, experience, and qualifications for the role.
Prepare for Interview: Brush up on your technical skills, research Northrop Grumman's company culture, and prepare for behavioral and technical interview questions.
Research Company: Familiarize yourself with Northrop Grumman's mission, values, and industry context to demonstrate your understanding of the company and your fit within the organization.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Northrop Grumman before making application decisions.

Sr/Principal DevOps Engineer (Top Secret) Space Systems (El Segundo)