| Location | California, CA |
Senior Principal Computer Systems Architect | San Diego, CA
Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation - Mission Systems
Job ID: 2093
Location: 9326 Spectrum Center Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92123
Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite
Employment Type: Contract
Contract Duration: November 16, 2026 - November 15, 2027
Work Schedule: 9/80A
Travel: Approximately 10%
U.S. Citizenship: Required
Security Clearance: Interim Secret required at start, with full Secret clearance upon completion of the clearance process.
Position Overview
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a Senior Principal Computer Systems Architect to support mission-critical development programs in San Diego, California.
This role supports complex classified and unclassified computing environments, including Linux, Windows, and VMware virtualization infrastructure. The successful candidate will work closely with software development and test automation teams to design, implement, secure, troubleshoot, and sustain system architectures using modern engineering practices, automation, and DevSecOps methodologies.
Key Responsibilities
Design and define system architectures for complex development and test networks.
Install, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot, monitor, and maintain hardware and software infrastructure.
Provide advanced Linux system administration, troubleshooting, and system-hardening support.
Implement engineering changes and integrate emerging technologies.
Review technical requirements and incorporate them into end-to-end system architectures.
Configure networks and coordinate with engineering teams, subject matter experts, and government engineers.
Develop automation scripts, system documentation, and infrastructure support procedures.
Support security compliance, STIG implementation, and system sustainment.
Collaborate with engineers and technicians in a laboratory environment.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers as needed.
Basic Qualifications
Relevant STEM education and experience consistent with the position requirements.
Advanced knowledge of Red Hat Linux operating systems and Linux troubleshooting.
Experience with Linux utilities such as awk and grep.
LDAP/RHDS experience.
Advanced system-hardening experience.
Experience using Splunk.
Basic Windows operating system knowledge.
Knowledge of Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and their implementation.
Knowledge of DNS, particularly Linux BIND.
Scripting or programming experience with Bash/Shell, Ansible, Python, or similar tools.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently.
Ability to work onsite at the San Diego Spectrum Center campus.
Ability to travel approximately 10%.
U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain an Interim Secret/Secret security clearance before starting.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with system imaging, backup, and recovery tools such as Clonezilla and Linux dump.
Experience leading technical efforts and coordinating assignments with engineering teams.
Experience with containers and container platforms, including Docker, Red Hat OpenShift, and Kubernetes.
Strong knowledge of virtualization technologies such as VMware, KVM, Hyper-V, and Red Hat Virtualization.
Experience designing, implementing, and sustaining Linux/Unix systems.
Experience designing, implementing, and sustaining containerization technologies.
Knowledge of networking and network systems, including iSCSI connectivity.
Ability to mentor junior engineers and recommend process and technology improvements.
Flexibility to support alternate shifts, scheduled days off, or weekends when required.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Candidates with strong Red Hat Linux administration, system hardening, automation scripting, virtualization, and classified-environment infrastructure experience are encouraged to apply. Experience supporting software development laboratories and implementing security compliance standards will be especially valuable.
How to Apply
Interested candidates may submit an updated resume for consideration.
Recruiting Contact: Alec D'Souza
Email: alec.dsouza@prolim.com
U.S. Phone: +1 214-764-6882
Website: www.govt.prolim.com
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