System Administrator II

Trace3 is a leading Transformative IT Authority, providing unique technology solutions and consulting services to empower IT executives and their organizations through a process of Integrate, Automate, Innovate. Our culture embodies the spirit of a startup with the advantage of a scalable business, fostering career growth and fun in a dynamic environment. Headquartered in Irvine, California, Trace3 employs over 1,200 people across the United States.

About the role

The System Administrator II provides advanced system administration, maintenance, and support for government clients within Trace3’s Federal, State, and Local practice. This role ensures the availability, performance, and security of IT infrastructure across on-premises and cloud environments. The administrator will manage and troubleshoot systems, implement security controls, support compliance requirements, and collaborate with engineering and cybersecurity teams to sustain mission-critical operations.

Responsibilities

• Administer, configure, and maintain Windows and/or Linux servers in production, staging, and development environments.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting of system, network, and application issues.
• Monitor system performance, availability, and capacity; recommend and implement optimizations.
• Manage patching, updates, and server lifecycle tasks according to government security and compliance requirements.
• Support Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and identity management.
• Administer virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware vSphere/ESXi, Hyper-V).
• Manage storage systems, backup/recovery tools, and disaster recovery procedures.
• Support cloud environments (Azure, AWS, GCC High) including provisioning, monitoring, and policy enforcement.
• Implement and maintain security baselines, STIGs, IAVA updates, and hardening activities.
• Conduct vulnerability scanning, remediation, and documentation as required by client compliance frameworks.
• Assist with audit preparation and continuous monitoring under NIST, FedRAMP, CMMC, RMF, or agency-specific controls.
• Ensure proper logging, encryption, access controls, and incident response support.
• Provide Tier II/III support for escalated service desk tickets and operational issues.
• Create and maintain system documentation, runbooks, and standard operating procedures.
• Support onboarding of new systems, services, and technologies.
• Collaborate with network engineering, cybersecurity, and cloud engineering teams to resolve cross-functional issues.
• Participate in technical planning and deployment of infrastructure improvement projects.
• Interface with government clients, program managers, and stakeholders to gather requirements and provide status updates.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies, tools, and automation opportunities to improve environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of hands-on system administration experience supporting Windows and/or Linux environments.
• Experience supporting enterprise infrastructure (Active Directory, VMware, cloud services, storage, backups, etc.).
• Knowledge of cybersecurity practices, STIG/SCC tools, and vulnerability remediation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance (Secret or higher as required).
• Security+ Certification required.
• Experience supporting federal, state, local, or DoD client environments.
• Familiarity with RMF, NIST 800-53, CMMC, or FedRAMP compliance frameworks.
• Microsoft, VMware, AWS, or Azure technical certifications (e.g., MCSA/MCSE, VCP, AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator).
• Experience with automation/scripting (PowerShell, Bash, Python).
• Experience with configuration management (Ansible, SCCM/MECM, Chef, or Puppet).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience or Master’s degree with 3+ years of experience.
• Full-time, on-site position in Colorado Springs, CO.
• Active Secret clearance required (DoD 8570 IAT Level II).

Pay

Salary range: $110,000 to $120,000 USD.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your dependents.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match.
• 529 College Savings Plan.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability.
• Competitive compensation.
• Training and development programs.
• Major offices stocked with snacks and beverages.
• Collaborative and cool culture.
• Work-life balance and generous paid time off.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Operate a computer, keyboard, and other office equipment using hands and fingers.
• Communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and through electronic means.
• Occasionally move about the office to access files, office equipment, and meeting spaces.
• Lift and/or move up to 15 pounds as needed.
• Maintain specific vision abilities, including close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

This position is performed within a secure, classified workspace. Employees must comply with all applicable security protocols and access control procedures, including restrictions on personal electronic devices and the handling of sensitive information.