SAR/SCI Systems Administrator - Advanced 1

Do you love solving complex technical problems in customized IT environments?

Are you passionate about providing advanced system administration support for unique, mission-critical projects?

Do you like contributing to innovative projects that directly impact national security?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a talented Tier 3 Systems Administrator to expertly manage, secure, and maintain customized Windows and Linux environments supporting specialized project and program needs. As a valued member of our team, you'll work closely with a collaborative group of technical specialists and cybersecurity professionals dedicated to delivering bespoke IT solutions to meet the distinctive requirements of our sponsors. Our team values technical excellence, collaboration, continuous learning, and adaptability in a dynamic, non-enterprise, custom-focused IT environment.

As a Tier 3 Systems Administrator...

Your primary responsibility will be managing complex, non-enterprise IT systems, while also providing technical expertise for other technology areas tailored specifically to project and program needs. You will diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve advanced technical issues, ensure compliance with security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and collaborate closely with cybersecurity and technical teams.

You will:

• Provide advanced system administration for customized Windows and Linux environments, including OS installation, configuration, hardening, and optimization.
• Build, implement, and maintain tailored technical solutions (NetAPP. VMware, Hyper-V, Slurm) that meet unique project specifications.
• Lead complex troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and resolution of intricate software, hardware, and network issues.
• Apply security policies, perform vulnerability assessments, implement system patches, and maintain robust cybersecurity posture aligned with compliance standards.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, engineering, and project management teams to optimize infrastructure performance, resilience, and compliance.
• Mentor junior staff, providing technical guidance and expertise on best practices in systems administration and cybersecurity.
• Generate detailed documentation such as system configuration documents, Security Controls Traceability Matrices, and contribute to System Security Plans.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you:

• Possess a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical field.
• Have 7+ years of experience administering specialized Windows environments and at least 3 years working within Linux systems.
• Are skilled in virtualization and Storage technologies (NetAPP, VMware, Hyper-V), system security hardening, and applying STIGs to operating systems and applications.
• Have hands-on experience with security tools (e.g., Splunk, Tenable/ACAS, McAfee, Ivanti).
• Possess excellent troubleshooting, organizational, and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with technical and non-technical staff.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you:

• Have a Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical field.
• Hold professional certifications such as CISSP, Security+, MCSA/MCSE, or Linux certifications (RHCSA/RHCE).
• Possess expertise in scripting or automation tools (PowerShell, Bash, Python, Ansible).
• Have experience managing SAN or NetApp storage systems.
• Are experienced with endpoint protection solutions and manually configuring advanced physical and virtualized system environments.
• Maintain familiarity with Intelligence Community Directives (ICD) or other specialized compliance frameworks.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

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 athttp://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contactAccommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with 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. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.