Azure Cloud Systems Administrator (5509)

SMX is seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Azure Cloud Systems Administrator to join our team supporting the Missile Defense Agency Information Management and Software Services (AIMSS) program. This is a deeply technical role focused on the daily administration, management, and operational health of our hybrid-cloud infrastructure. The position is located at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL.

Responsibilities

• Perform day-to-day administration of cloud and on-premise servers, including provisioning, configuration, and maintenance of virtual machines (VMs).
• Utilize Terraform to automate the provisioning and management of cloud resources, ensuring consistent and repeatable deployments.
• Create, manage, and monitor Azure storage solutions (Blob, File, Queue).
• Implement and maintain robust backup and disaster recovery procedures.
• Configure and manage virtual networks, subnets, and network security groups to ensure secure and efficient traffic flow.
• Harden systems according to DISA STIGs.
• Manage security controls, including data encryption, access management with Microsoft Entra ID and Azure Key Vault, and implement Azure Group Policies.
• Install, configure, and manage ADS/Azure DevOps Server repositories and support the migration of on-premise applications to the cloud.
• Proactively monitor system performance and availability.
• Provide direct technical support to developers, cyber teams, and end-users to troubleshoot and resolve infrastructure-related issues.
• Manage and maintain Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) clusters for containerized application deployment, scaling, and orchestration.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for system architecture, configurations, and operational procedures.

Requirements

• Secret clearance required.
• Bachelor’s degree and 6+ years of hands-on experience in system administration, with a significant portion in a cloud environment.
• 4 additional years of experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.
• Strong understanding of storage, backup, and disaster recovery principles.
• Experience using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and creating alert rules.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Entra ID and RBAC.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Defender for Cloud.
• Experience with Azure Cost Management + Billing.
• Hands-on experience with Azure Update Management.
• Must have (or be able to obtain before starting): CompTIA Security+ CE, or other approved 8570 IAT Level II certification.
• One of the following certifications: Azure Administrator Associate, Azure Security Engineer Associate, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Developer, CCSP, or GCSA.
• Must reside within a 75-mile radius of Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL or be willing to relocate prior to starting date.

Skills

• Proficiency in scripting with PowerShell or Azure CLI.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps or Jenkins.
• Knowledge of advanced Azure networking concepts (e.g., VNet peering, VPN Gateway, ExpressRoute).
• Experience with AWS.
• Hands-on experience with Terraform for infrastructure automation.

Benefits

• Health insurance.
• Paid leave.
• Retirement benefits.
• Competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities.

Pay

$78,200 USD - $130,300 USD