Sr Principal Network Communications Administrator

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We’re looking for innovators, who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we will support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field or an industry thought-leader. At Northrop Grumman, you will have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

Networking Technology Professionals, We Want You!

The Northrop Grumman Classified Solutions team is seeking a highly experienced Network Communications Administrator to join its dynamic team of technical professionals.

Note: The selected candidate will be required to work on-site, full-time, at our facility/campus. This is not a virtual position.

In this role, the Sr. Principal Network Administrator will:

• Maintain smooth operation of classified networks - LAN/WAN environments.

• Plan, design, configure, and install network hardware in support of customer requirements.

• Maintain technical expertise in all areas of networks and computer hardware / software interconnection, as well as interfaces, including routers, multiplexers, firewalls, switches, gateways, etc.

• Propose solutions to management to ensure all communications requirements are based on future needs and current usage, configuring such solutions to optimize cost savings.

• Ensure all communication requirements (based on future needs and current usage) are configured to optimize cost savings.

• Create and ensure that appropriate network documentation exists, including operational instructions.

• Install, configure and Cisco routers, switches, and Palo Alto firewalls.

• Install, configure and maintain Cisco Call Manager voip systems.

• Provide regular monitoring, and network analysis, regarding short and long-range planning for [in-house] systems. May coordinate third-party maintenance for network equipment.

• Design networks, or portions of networks, including the selection of hardware and software packages.

• Provide incident and service request support in accordance with enterprise SLAs.

• May coordinate third-party maintenance for network equipment.

• Represent the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects.

• The successful applicant will demonstrate the ability to work in a team environment with engineering users, other network administrators, systems administrators, and computer/facility organizations.

• The ability to multi-task and good communication skills, both verbal and written, are required.

Additional duties will include (but not limited to):

• Plan, manage and implement complex network designs in support of customer requirements.

• Develop technical solutions to complex problems which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity.

• Support network teams in project designs to clarify project requirements, provide design solutions, in accordance with standards.

• Perform troubleshooting analysis of network infrastructure and associated systems.

• Document network hardware and software technology components.

• Install and configure routers, switches and firewalls. (Cisco/Palo Alto)

• Implement and troubleshoot LAN technologies such as VLANs, trunking (port tagging), spanning-tree and protocols.

• Provide third-level support and troubleshooting of network problems.

• On occasion may provide after-hours and weekend support.

• Work is performed without appreciable direction. Exercises considerable latitude in determining technical objectives of assignment. Completed work is reviewed from a relatively long- term perspective, for desired results.

• Implement and troubleshoot WAN technologies such as EIGRP, BGP, OSPF, and telco circuits (T1, T3, OC3)

• Interface regularly with customers and manage customer installation timelines and deliverables to help facilitate successful deployments.

• Manage timely resolution of all critical and/or complex problems meeting SLA requirements

• Experience with HAIPE/TACLANE and other military COMSEC/CRYPTO equipment and procedures.

• Experience in the use of network analysis tools (i.e. WireShark, SolarWinds, Opnet, etc.)

• Experience with Microsoft Office, Visio, Project, PowerPoint and Excel is required

• Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds is required

 Basic Qualifications:

• PhD with 4 years of direct IT experience, Master’s degree with 7 years of direct IT experience; OR a Bachelor’s degree with 9 years of direct IT experience; OR an Associate’s degree 11 years of direct IT experience; OR a High School Diploma/GED with 13 years of direct IT experience is required

• Experience designing and maintaining LAN & WAN based networks, managing routing protocols on large LAN environments, and experience with Cisco hardware (routers, switches, and firewalls) is required

• Must have a DOD 8570 IAT level 2 baseline certification (example: Security+ CE)

• Candidates must have a current DOD Top Secret level security clearance (at a minimum) in order to be considered

• Ability to obtain a Top Secret SCI level security clearance.

• Cisco CCNP, or CCIE certification

• Candidates must have the ability to obtain, and maintain, access to Special Programs as a condition of continued employment

 Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates with these desired skills will be given preferential consideration:

• The ideal candidate will have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree Network Engineering, a Cisco CCNA-security, and 8 years of Network design, analysis, and administration of Cisco routers, switches, hubs, and Palo Alto firewalls

• Previous experience troubleshooting network procedures and best practices; experience with network challenges associated with systems integration, including COTS integration, capacity analysis and system architecture design

• Familiar with network management applications, like Splunk, Panorama, and/or Cisco ISE.

• Experience in the use of network analysis tools (i.e. WireShark, SolarWinds, Opnet, etc.)

• Experience designing and maintaining LAN & WAN based network.

• Experience with managing routing protocols on LAN environments

• Demonstrated leadership skills, or previous management of small teams

• Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds

• Ability to work after hours, and weekends, as needed

We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment.  Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) offer opportunities to be a friend, be active, be a volunteer, be a leader, be recognized, and to be yourself.  At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation.  Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career.  We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare, a 9/80 work schedule, and a great 401k matching program.  Come join us!

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.