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Principal Desktop Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cedar Cares, Inc

Principal Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$139K - $186K/yr

This is a hands‑on principal role for a seasoned full‑stack engineer who is an expert in modern ... You will design and implement real‑time web and desktop applications and scalable back‑end ...

Dell Careers

Hardware Principal Engineer

Bellville, TX · On-site

$128K - $156K/yr

Hardware Principal Engineer (Electrical Computer-Aided Design (ECAD) Library Engineer)The ... desktop, workstation, and server platforms. You'll drive library standards, automati

Dell Careers

Hardware Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$137K - $168K/yr

Hardware Principal Engineer (Electrical Computer-Aided Design (ECAD) Library Engineer)The ... desktop, workstation, and server platforms. You'll drive library standards, automati

Dell

Hardware Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$137K - $168K/yr

Hardware Principal Engineer (Electrical Computer-Aided Design (ECAD) Library Engineer)The ... desktop, workstation, and server platforms. You'll drive library standards, automati

Dell Careers

Hardware Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$137K - $168K/yr

Hardware Principal Engineer (Electrical Computer-Aided Design (ECAD) Library Engineer)The ... desktop, workstation, and server platforms. You'll drive library standards, automati

Cboe Global Markets

Principal Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$139K - $186K/yr

This is a hands-on principal role for a seasoned full-stack engineer who is an expert in modern ... NET back-end services, and comfortable navigating a WPF desktop client. You will design and ...

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All JobsPrincipal Desktop Engineer Jobs

Principal Desktop Engineer information

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$10

$45

$81

How much do principal desktop engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for principal desktop engineer in the United States is $45.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.88 and $57.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Principal Desktop Engineer vs Desktop Support Manager?

AspectPrincipal Desktop EngineerDesktop Support Manager
CredentialsBachelor's in IT or related field, certifications like CompTIA A+, Microsoft CertifiedBachelor's in IT, Business, or related field, certifications like HDI Support Center Manager
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and maintaining desktop infrastructure, often in enterprise settingsManaging support teams, overseeing helpdesk operations, ensuring service quality
Employer & IndustryTech companies, large enterprises, government agenciesIT service providers, large corporations, government agencies

The Principal Desktop Engineer focuses on technical design and implementation of desktop systems, while the Desktop Support Manager oversees support teams and service delivery. Both roles require strong technical skills, but differ in leadership scope and daily responsibilities.

Is principal desktop engineering a good career?

Principal desktop engineering is a senior IT role focused on managing and optimizing desktop environments, often requiring expertise in operating systems, scripting, and enterprise tools. It offers opportunities for leadership, specialized technical skills, and competitive compensation, making it a viable career path for experienced IT professionals. Career growth can include moving into management or specialized technical roles depending on skills and certifications.

What cities are hiring for Principal Desktop Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Desktop Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Principal Desktop Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Desktop Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Desktop Engineer jobs?

For Principal Desktop Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Desktop Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,019 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Administrator (AHT)

Aurora, CO • On-site

Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Northrop Grumman Corporationexternal

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Our Central Region Software Engineering organization within Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a skilled Principal Systems Administrator or Sr. Principal Systems Administrator to support complex, mission-critical environments in Aurora, CO.
In this role, you will be responsible for administering and securing Windows and Linux systems, executing OS patching across multiple enclaves, and driving automation using BASH and Python. You will manage VMware-based virtualization and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions, ensuring high availability and performance for classified workloads. Leveraging your TS/SCI with CI poly and Security+ certification, you will work closely with cybersecurity and engineering teams to maintain a resilient, compliant infrastructure that directly supports space and defense missions. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys solving tough technical problems, improving system reliability through scripting and automation, and operating at the intersection of systems engineering and cyber defense.
Other Roles and Responsibilities
  • Perform day-to-day Windows and Linux system administration, including installation, configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting in a secure, mission-critical environment.
  • Plan and execute operating system patching and updates across multiple enclaves and platforms, ensuring system stability and compliance with cybersecurity requirements.
  • Develop and maintain automation scripts (BASH and Python) to streamline system management tasks, configuration, monitoring, and reporting.
  • Configure, manage, and optimize VMware-based virtualization environments, including creation and maintenance of virtual machines and resource pools.
  • Support and administer Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environments, including performance tuning, user support, and integration with backend services.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering, cybersecurity, and program teams to diagnose complex issues, implement solutions, and document system changes and procedures.

This position can be staffed at a Principal or Sr Principal level based on the basic qualifications below.
Basic Qualifications
  • Principal: Bachelor's degree in science with 5+ years of relevant experience; 3+ years with a Master's; or 4 additional years of experience in lieu of a degree.
  • Sr Principal: Bachelor's degree in science with 8+ years of relevant experience; 6+ years with a Master's; or 4 years with a PhD; 4 additional years may be considered in lieu of a degree
  • Must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access.
  • Must have an active U.S. Government CI Polygraph at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access.
  • Current Security+ (or equivalent DoD 8570 IAT Level II) certification.
  • Experience with Windows and Linux system administration in an operational or enterprise environment.
  • Hands-on experience performing operating system patching and updates for Windows and/or Linux systems.
  • Scripting experience using BASH and Python to automate system administration tasks.
  • Experience with VMware virtualization technologies and managing virtualized server environments.
  • Experience supporting Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions in a production environment.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Atlassian tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket) for workflow management, documentation, and collaboration.
  • Experience with containerization technologies and Kubernetes setup/configuration, including deployment, scaling, and lifecycle management of containerized applications.
  • Experience with Identity, Policy, and Audit (IPA) or Active Directory for user/group management, authentication, and access control.
  • Experience operating in highly regulated, classified, or DoD environments with strong understanding of security best practices and compliance frameworks.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document procedures and explain complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity 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 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.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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