Okay, I've searched for Principal Systems Administrator roles in Colorado Springs that require an active DoD Secret security clearance, expertise in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), at least 5 years of experience, and full-time employment. I have found 37 positions matching your criteria.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Principal Systems Administrator role for the US Space Force JTAGS program is fundamentally tasked with ensuring the robust and secure operation of complex multi-user Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and Windows-based systems in a high-stakes, classified environment. This position requires a blend of advanced technical expertise and autonomy to maintain, troubleshoot, and enhance critical infrastructure supporting mission success both domestically and internationally. The need to coordinate across diverse teams, including Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, and Software Development, highlights the collaborative nature of the role and suggests ongoing communication and cross-functional problem solving. Core responsibilities such as systems patching, security hardening, configuration management, and performance optimization signal a proactive approach to system reliability and security compliance in a dynamic landscape driven by evolving threats and technology updates. Success here means not only maintaining current system health but anticipating and mitigating risks through thoughtful upgrades, scripting automation, and rigorous adherence to security protocols (including RMF and STIG standards). The role demands deep experience with enterprise-level Windows and Linux systems, including expertise with Active Directory, backups, SAN/NAS storage, and networking fundamentals. The security clearance and IAT Level II certification underscore the sensitivity and trust required. A candidate must be self-driven, able to independently develop solutions, and comfortable navigating the complexities of classified, multi-domain IT environments, while also contributing to future capability development and sustainment efforts.

Company Analysis:

ClearanceJobs.com operates as a vital marketplace and networking platform within the defense sector, specializing exclusively in connecting candidates holding government-issued security clearances with employers in highly regulated industries. Positioned as both a career site and a recruitment resource, it plays a critical intermediary role in the clearance-dependent job market, helping to streamline the hiring process for cleared professionals and defense contractors alike. This dual marketplace nature influences the role by embedding it within a security-conscious ecosystem where compliance, confidentiality, and trust are paramount. The company's culture likely prioritizes precision, reliability, and discretion given its clientele. For someone in this Systems Administrator position, this means working in a mission-oriented environment where the stakes are national security, and operational uptime and security are non-negotiable. The employee will probably engage with leadership and various stakeholders who depend on these systems to support defense programs, positioning the role as both highly visible and critical. The hiring of a principal-level administrator reflects a strategic investment in stabilizing and advancing IT infrastructure to meet expanding mission requirements. Moreover, given ClearanceJobs' role in the broader defense industry, innovation and adaptability are probably encouraged to keep pace with evolving government standards and technology trends. Success in this role requires not only technical competence but also a keen understanding of the regulatory and cultural environment unique to cleared government contracts.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral Question: Tell me about a time when you had to independently resolve a critical system outage in a multi-user Linux environment while coordinating with cross-functional teams.
• Behavioral Question: Describe an experience where you implemented a security hardening protocol (such as RMF or STIG) on a Linux system. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
• Behavioral Question: Share an example of how you handled conflicting priorities between system sustainment and new development project requirements.
• Behavioral Question: Tell me about a situation when you improved system performance or reliability through automation or scripting.
• Technical Question: How would you approach building and deploying a custom RPM package on RHEL to ensure compatibility and security?
• Technical Question: Explain your experience with patch management processes on both Windows and Linux servers, including WSUS and Satellite tools.
• Technical Question: What steps would you take to detect and remediate a newly discovered security vulnerability in a classified RHEL environment?
• Technical Question: Describe your understanding of and experience with configuring and managing Active Directory and Group Policy in a domain-based Windows architecture.
• Situational Question: Imagine a critical software update introduces compatibility issues in the production environment. How would you isolate and resolve the problem while minimizing downtime?
• Situational Question: You receive conflicting directives from Cybersecurity and Systems Engineering teams regarding firewall configurations. How do you navigate this conflict to reach a resolution?
• Situational Question: A network outage affects your ability to manage certain server resources remotely. How would you adapt to maintain system integrity and complete urgent support tasks?
• Company Fit Question: Why are you interested in working on a classified government program like JTAGS within the US Space Force, and how does this align with your career goals?
• Company Fit Question: How do your personal values and work ethic align with the mission-critical and security-focused environment at ClearanceJobs.com and its clients?
• Company Fit Question: In a company that emphasizes security clearance and trust, how do you ensure compliance with policies while fostering innovation and system improvements?
• Questions for the Interviewer: Can you describe the size and structure of the systems administration team supporting the JTAGS program and how this role collaborates with cybersecurity and engineering groups?
• Questions for the Interviewer: What are the biggest upcoming challenges or projects for the JTAGS program where this position would make an immediate impact?
• Questions for the Interviewer: How does ClearanceJobs.com or the client support ongoing certification and professional development for technical personnel in cleared roles?