Senior Windows Administrator

Description

Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic classified environment? Do you want to be empowered to take ownership of enterprise active directory domain infrastructure and have a direct impact on the reliability, performance, and security of critically important systems? Are you interested in working with a wide range of technologies, building supervising solutions from the ground up, and helping drive operational excellence across complex infrastructure environments? If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), consistently ranked by Computerworld as one of the Top Places to Work in IT.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Windows Systems Administrator to support and secure enterprise systems within a Department of Defense (DoD) environment. This role is responsible for endpoint management, Active Directory administration, and thorough security compliance aligned with DISA STIGs and RMF requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead small teams and drive technical initiatives, successfully delivering complex projects with minimal supervision in a mission-critical environment.
• Deploy, configure, and sustain Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM/SCCM) for enterprise device management in a DoD environment.
• Administer Active Directory infrastructure, including advanced Group Policy design, enforcement, and troubleshooting.
• Implement, validate, and maintain DISA STIG compliance across Windows servers and endpoints.
• Led the planning and execution of complex infrastructure and endpoint management projects with minimal supervision.
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, SOPs, and compliance artifacts.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of experience administering Windows Server and enterprise desktop environments.
• Proven experience running MECM/SCCM in large, secure environments.
• Advanced expertise in Active Directory, including GPOs, DNS, and identity/access management.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities in high-security environments.
• Self-directed with strong ownership mentality and the ability to prioritize and complete tasks in low-supervision environments.
• Able to work independently and lead technical initiatives.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, especially in documenting compliance and audit artifacts.
• Thorough with a strong focus on security, accountability, and process adherence.
• Active CompTIA Security+ certification (DoD 8570/8140 compliant) required.

Benefits

As a Senior Windows Systems Administrator at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), you will enjoy a competitive salary range of $100,000 - $245,000 annually, depending on experience. APL offers a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space, and science challenges. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.