Senior Systems Administrator/Helpdesk Engineer

About the role

Leidos is seeking a highly motivated Senior Systems Administrator/Help Desk Engineer to support a cutting-edge Agile software development program, Chinook, for an Intelligence Community customer. In this critical role, you’ll ensure the stability, security, and performance of the environments that enable mission users and Agile teams to deliver capabilities that directly support national security.

Responsibilities

• Lead system administration for Linux and Windows-based systems in secure, mission-critical environments.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and end-user technical issues while serving as a primary IT support contact, managing support tickets through resolution, and delivering responsive customer service.
• Architect and manage complex server, storage, and virtualization infrastructure (VMware, KVM).
• Perform OS installation, configuration, hardening, and patching in compliance with DoD STIGs and agency policies.
• Monitor and tune system performance, conduct root cause analysis, and resolve complex issues quickly and efficiently.
• Support backup/recovery strategies, disaster recovery plans, and continuity of operations.
• Maintain system documentation, configuration baselines, and support CM and RM activities.
• Lead and support deployment of system enhancements and modernization initiatives for Chinook program.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, network engineering, and software development teams to ensure system compliance and performance.
• Participate in security audits, incident response, and operational readiness activities.

Requirements

• US citizenship is required per contract.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related discipline and 8-12 years of prior relevant experience or Master’s with 6-10 years of prior relevant experience.
• DoD 8570 IAT Level II or III certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CASP+, CISSP).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government) and hybrid cloud environments.
• Experience with Linux (Red Hat Enterprise Linux or CentOS) and Windows Server platform system administration.
• Proficiency with virtualization platforms (VMware, KVM) and management tools.
• Experience with automation and scripting (Ansible, Bash, PowerShell, Python).
• Familiarity with STIG compliance, system hardening, ACAS scans, and RMF processes.
• Strong understanding of enterprise networking, identity/access management, and storage concepts.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot, document, and lead systems-related projects independently.
• Experience supporting IC or DoD classified environments.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting our customer or GEOINT missions.
• Familiarity with DevOps tools and pipelines (Git, Jenkins, Docker, etc.).
• Knowledge of enterprise backup solutions, DNS, DHCP, Active Directory, and PKI.

Skills

• Deep technical expertise.
• Proactive leadership.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, classified environment.

Benefits

Note: Candidate will need to commit to covering the morning shift starting at 6 AM EST or covering the evening shift working until 10 PM EST. Position may be performed in the following locations below. Please note Gaithersburg, MD is the program’s primary work location.

• Gaithersburg, MD
• Alexandria, VA
• Chantilly, VA
• Englewood, CO
• St. Louis, MO
• Tucson, AZ

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this role is $92,300.00 - $166,850.00. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.