Sr. Systems Administrator

About the role

This role serves as a Systems Administrator within a mission-focused performance and security directorate, supporting a defense systems software, hardware, and network integration laboratory. You will enable engineers and developers to design, build, integrate, and test complex mission systems in both standalone and cloud-based environments. The position requires a hands-on technologist with strong systems administration, networking, and infrastructure expertise, combined with the organizational and operational discipline required for classified environments. You will thrive in a dynamic lab setting, proactively solving problems while managing multiple systems, configurations, and priorities across various classification levels.

Responsibilities

• Administer and sustain standalone (air-gapped) and cloud-connected systems across multiple classification levels.
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot servers, workstations, storage systems, and networking equipment in lab and test environments.
• Support integration of complex systems, including embedded hardware, FPGA-based platforms, simulation environments, and test platforms.
• Manage system baselines, configurations, and documentation in accordance with security and compliance requirements.
• Implement and enforce cybersecurity controls in compliance with Department of Defense policies, including STIGs, RMF, and CMMC frameworks.
• Maintain accreditation artifacts and support system Authority to Operate (ATO) processes for classified and mission-critical systems.
• Provide hands-on support for system builds, upgrades, patching, and troubleshooting across Linux, Windows, and virtualized environments.
• Coincide closely with engineers, developers, and program teams to ensure infrastructure meets evolving project and mission needs.
• Maintain inventory and lifecycle management of lab assets and infrastructure, ensuring accurate records and timely refresh of equipment.
• Support incident response activities, audit readiness efforts, and compliance inspections for classified and secure environments.
• Contribute to the design and operation of cloud-based environments, including secure government cloud platforms, to support mission systems.
• Apply strong organizational and operational discipline to maintain compliance with security protocols and operational constraints in classified labs.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience working in classified environments with a strong understanding of security protocols and operational constraints.
• Hands-on Linux system administration experience, including distributions such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
• Hands-on Windows system administration experience in lab and production environments.
• Experience with virtualization platforms such as VMware and Hyper-V for building and managing virtualized lab environments.
• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals, including routing, switching, firewalls, and VLANs.
• Experience working with storage systems and backup solutions to support mission-critical data and lab operations.
• Experience managing both standalone and air-gapped systems, as well as cloud environments such as secure government cloud platforms.
• Proficiency with scripting and automation tools, including PowerShell, Bash, and Python, to streamline administration and integration tasks.
• Experience implementing and maintaining security controls, including STIGs, SCAP, patching, and system hardening.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple systems, configurations, and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities in complex, multi-system environments.
• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with engineers, developers, and program teams.
• Security+ certification or the ability to obtain it to meet DoD 8570 compliance requirements, where applicable.

Essential Skills

• Experience with FPGA-based or embedded systems integration in laboratory environments.
• Experience supporting defense or aerospace integration labs or test environments.
• Familiarity with DevSecOps practices and CI/CD pipeline infrastructure to support secure software delivery.
• Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Knowledge of configuration management tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef.
• Experience working with cross-domain solutions and multi-level security (MLS) environments.
• Relevant advanced cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP, CASP+, or equivalent.
• Experience in cloud engineering, particularly in secure or government cloud environments.
• Microsoft certifications related to systems administration, cloud, or infrastructure technologies.