System Administrator

Job Title: System Administrator

Location: Gaithersburg, MD

Clearance Required: Active Top Secret (TS) with ability to obtain TS/SCI with Polygraph

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead system administration for Linux and Windows-based systems in secure, mission-critical environments
• Architect and manage server, storage, and virtualization infrastructure (VMware, KVM)
• Perform OS installation, configuration, hardening, and patching in compliance with DoD STIGs and agency policies
• Monitor and optimize system performance; conduct root cause analysis and resolve complex issues
• Design and support backup, disaster recovery (DR), and continuity of operations (COOP) strategies
• Develop and maintain automation scripts and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) (Ansible, PowerShell, Bash)
• Maintain system documentation, configuration baselines, and support CM/RM processes
• Lead deployment of system enhancements and modernization initiatives (Chinook program)
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, networking, and software teams to ensure compliance and performance
• Participate in security audits, incident response, and operational readiness
• Provide Tier 2/3 support, including troubleshooting escalated issues and minimizing downtime

Basic Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship (required per contract)

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s + 8–12 years of relevant experience OR
• Master’s + 6–10 years of relevant experience
• Additional experience may substitute for a degree
• Active Top Secret clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI with Polygraph
• DoD 8570 IAT Level II or III certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CASP+, CISSP)

Technical Skills

• Cloud platforms: AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, hybrid environments
• OS administration: Linux (RHEL/CentOS) and Windows Server
• Virtualization: VMware, KVM
• Scripting/Automation: Ansible, Bash, PowerShell, Python
• Security & Compliance:
• STIGs, system hardening
• ACAS scans
• RMF processes
• Strong understanding of:
• Enterprise networking
• Identity & access management (IAM)
• Storage systems

Core Competencies

• Advanced troubleshooting and documentation
• Ability to lead projects independently
• Experience supporting DoD or IC classified environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting GEOINT or similar mission areas
• Familiarity with DevOps tools and pipelines (Git, Jenkins, Docker)
• Knowledge of:
• Enterprise backup solutions
• DNS, DHCP
• Active Directory
• Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

To discover more about this opportunity! Feel free to reach out at urhan@unitycompass.com