Full-Time

Senior Principal Computer Systems Architect

Posted on 6/6/2025

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman

10,001+ employees

Aerospace and defense technology solutions provider

Compensation Overview

$137.4k - $206k/yr

+ Overtime + Shift Differential + Discretionary Bonus

Palmdale, CA, USA

In Person

Relocation assistance may be available.

US Citizenship, US Top Secret Clearance Required

Category
✈️Aerospace Engineering (2)
,
Required Skills
PowerShell
Bash
Python
Oracle
Linux/Unix
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline with 4 years of related engineering experience.
  • Demonstrated experience with Windows and Unix operating systems
  • Demonstrated experience with VMWare
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DoD 8140 approved IAT Level II (or higher) compliant certification. Examples include: CCNA Security, Security+CE, CCNP, and CISSP. This certificate must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs
  • Must have an active DoD Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance. This SAP must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs. (Of note: Additional SAP clearance may be required once in role.)
Responsibilities
  • Applying extensive technical expertise to provide software, hardware, and system support to on-site end-users as well as engineering technical support for peer teams
  • Engineering and testing new technical solutions in lab environments, including technical requirements and/or bug fixes
  • Supporting the IPT with software defect resolution and enhancement efforts
  • Developing and maintaining Microsoft PowerShell scripts, Bash and Python scripts, and Microsoft Group Policies
  • Working with storage systems and basic networking, Solaris 10 and 11, Oracle OEM, Microsoft Windows Server, Microsoft Windows, Active Directory, VMware ESXi, VMware, and vCenter
  • Scripting deployments of Microsoft Windows Server and Workstation and Solaris 10 and 11 operating systems
  • Automating installation of COTS software
  • Documenting and maintaining COTS Hardware, Software configuration matrix, technical installation, and system configuration
  • Release CM controlled documentation, scripts, and COTS software media
  • Implementing engineering changes to the system as required while maintaining compatibility with existing architectures
  • Designing and implementing VMware high-availability virtualized infrastructures
Desired Qualifications
  • Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance
  • Software Patching experience
  • Active DoD 8140 approved IAT Level II (or higher) compliant certification. Examples include: CCNA Security, Security+CE, CCNP, and CISSP
  • Familiarity with storage systems and basic networking, Solaris 10 and 11, Oracle OEM, Microsoft Windows Server, Microsoft Windows, Active Directory, VMware ESXi, VMware, and vCenter

Northrop Grumman provides advanced aerospace and defense technology solutions, focusing on areas such as autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and space operations. The company develops and integrates complex systems for government clients, including the U.S. Department of Defense and international allies. Its products work by combining cutting-edge technology with extensive research and development to create comprehensive solutions tailored to specific defense needs. Unlike many competitors, Northrop Grumman emphasizes long-term contracts, which offer a stable revenue stream and allow for ongoing innovation. The company's goal is to maintain its leadership position in the aerospace and defense sector by continuously advancing its technological capabilities and meeting the evolving needs of its clients.

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

Founded

1939

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Growing demand for autonomous systems boosts Northrop Grumman's market opportunities.
  • Increased investments in space technologies align with Northrop Grumman's capabilities.
  • Rising cyber threats create opportunities for expanding cybersecurity offerings.

What critics are saying

  • Emerging defense tech companies pose competitive threats to market share.
  • Geopolitical tensions may shift defense spending priorities unpredictably.
  • Global supply chain volatility could lead to production delays and cost increases.

What makes Northrop Grumman unique

  • Northrop Grumman excels in autonomous systems, cyber, and space technologies.
  • The company has a strong track record with government contracts and defense solutions.
  • Its diversified revenue streams across multiple segments ensure financial stability.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Relocation Assistance

Performance Bonus

Company News

Defence Today
Jul 2nd, 2025
Northrop Grumman offers ground-based radar solution to Romanian Air Force

Northrop Grumman Corporation has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with ROMARM, a leading state-owned defence company in Romania, to work together in providing a ground-based radar solution for the Romanian Air Force.

Ecomagazine
Jun 27th, 2025
Stantec and Northrop Grumman Partner on Technology Solutions for Environmental Conservation and Protection

Stantec, a global leader in environmental conservation design and engineering, has partnered with Northrop Grumman, a global leader in aerospace and defense technology, to develop and apply innovative monitoring, data capture, and analysis solutions to address urgent environmental conservation issues.

Defense Here
Jun 24th, 2025
Northrop Grumman expands ground systems capability with new facility

Northrop Grumman has inaugurated a new 100,000-square-foot integration facility in Englewood, Colorado, expanding its manufacturing footprint to support the growing demand for advanced space ground systems.

Forbes
Jun 16th, 2025
Why Tackling Iranian Drones Is A Job For Israel’S Helicopter Gunships

An Israeli AH-64 Apache engages and shoots down an Iranian suicide drone in footage released by the. More IDF IDFDramatic videos are emerging of Israeli AH-64 Apache helicopters shooting down Iranian attack drones. The advanced U.S.-supplied helicopters are pursuing and destroying propeller-driven drones with bursts from their 30mm cannon. But the encounters illustrate an interesting point: the drones are getting past Israel’s world-class interceptor missiles and have to be stopped at close range. In a long war, helicopters vs drones could become a crucial factor in protecting civilians.Iron Dome Protection Comes At A CostIsrael has a layered air defence missile system, comprising the long-range Arrow, the medium-range David’s Sling and THAAD and the short range Iron Dome. Between them, these are capable of tackling everything from ballistic missiles launched from Iran to home-made Qassem rockets fired from Gaza.Israel's Iron Dome air defence system shooting down incoming Hezbollah rockets in August 2024 AFP via Getty ImagesThis system is supported by a complex network of radar and other sensors and has proven extremely effective at swatting down missile attacks mid-air

The Defense Post
Jun 10th, 2025
Northrop Grumman, Marshall Propose Next-Gen UK Ground-Based Air Defense

Northrop Grumman has partnered with Marshall to develop a proposal for the British Army's next-generation Ground-Based Air Defense (GBAD) program.

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