System Administrator (Intermediate)

Requisition #: 1800

Job Title: System Administrator (Intermediate)

Location: On-Site, Huntsville, AL

Clearance Level: Secret, Must Have Clearance to Start

Required Certification(s): IAT Level II Baseline

Job Description

The Intermediate Systems Administrator provides critical systems engineering, administration, and cybersecurity support for a multi-platform computing environment supporting a Department of Defense (DoD) government contract. The successful candidate will join a cohesive technical team responsible for the effective provisioning, installation, configuration, maintenance, and secure operations of physical and virtual system hardware, operating systems (Windows and/or Linux), and associated infrastructure enclaves.

This role demands a balance of robust technical skills, adherence to strict federal security compliance guidelines, and the ability to solve moderately complex technical issues independently while collaborating with Cybersecurity and Software Engineering teams.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Systems Administration & Maintenance (45%)
• Installation and Provisioning: Install, configure, and maintain physical and virtual servers (Windows Server 2019/2022, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu) and enterprise workstations. Infrastructure Management: Administer essential network services including Active Directory (AD), Group Policy Objects (GPOs), Domain Name System (DNS), and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
• Virtualization Support: Maintain and optimize VMware ESXi environments, vCenter Server, and associated virtual infrastructure to ensure maximum uptime. Backup & Recovery: Implement, test, and maintain robust data backup, disaster recovery, and system replication plans.
• Storage Administration: Assist in managing network-attached storage (NAS) and storage area network (SAN) configurations.
• Cybersecurity Compliance & Hardening (35%)
• Vulnerability Remediation: Regularly review, assess, and patch vulnerabilities identified by automated scanning tools such as ACAS (Assured Compliance Assessment Solution) and Nessus. System Hardening: Apply Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) to operating systems, browsers, and application enclaves to ensure compliance with Risk Management Framework (RMF) and NIST SP 800-53 standards.
• Audit and Compliance: Collaborate closely with Cybersecurity Professionals to compile and maintain RMF-compliant documentation, system security plans, and configuration management logs. Certificate Management: Implement and troubleshoot Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Single Sign-On (SSO) configurations.
• Scripting, Automation & Network Support (10%)
• Automation: Develop and refine administrative scripts using PowerShell, Bash, or Ansible to automate recurring tasks, patching schedules, and security configuration baselines. Network Troubleshooting: Provide configuration and basic troubleshooting support for enterprise switches (e.g., Cisco), firewalls, and secure local area network (LAN) connections.
• User Support & Professional Collaboration (10%)
• Ticketing System: Familiarization and experience with support ticketing system such as ServiceNow to actively management customer requests and system projects. Tier II/III Support: Deliver advanced technical troubleshooting, end-user training, and incident resolution for escalated helpdesk requests. Documentation: Draft and maintain system administrator manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and system architecture diagrams using tools like Microsoft Visio.

Education and Background

• Required Education & Experience Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related STEM field. Appropriate experience can be accepted in lieu of Degree.
• Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of relevant systems administration experience.

Years of Experience

Minimum 5 years of relevant system administration experience.

Required Skills

Required Technical Competencies

• Proven experience managing virtual environments (VMware ESXi, vSphere, or vCenter).
• Strong working knowledge of Windows Server administration, Active Directory, and GPOs. Hands-on experience administering Linux environments (specifically RHEL or Ubuntu).
• Demonstrated experience with vulnerability scanners (ACAS, Nessus, SCAP Compliance Checker).
• Familiarity with patch management software (WSUS, Tanium, or Ansible).

Preferred Skills

• Preferred (Desired) Qualifications Direct experience supporting the US military and agency programs in Huntsville, AL.
• Experience with containerization technologies such as Red Hat OpenShift, Kubernetes, or Docker.
• Experience with Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) environments and tools (Gitlab, Ansible Automation, Jenkins, or Azure DevOps). Active Server certifications: Server+.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• On-site Status: 100% on-site in Huntsville, AL
• Work Hours: Standard business hours; however, systems are operational 24x7. Candidates must have the flexibility to participate in an on-call rotation or periodic work outside standard hours to perform system patching/upgrades.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and rack standard IT equipment (up to 35-40 lbs), work under raised floor environments, and navigate typical laboratory and server room spaces.
• Travel: Minimal domestic travel (up to 10%) may be required to support secondary contractor sites or exercise events.