SMX is seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Azure Cloud Systems Administrator to join our team supporting the Missile Defense Agency Information Management and Software Services (AIMSS) program.
This is a deeply technical role focused on the daily administration, management, and operational health of our hybrid-cloud infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in traditional system administration with proven, hands-on experience in a cloud environment. This position is located at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Perform day-to-day administration of cloud and on-premise servers, including provisioning, configuration, and maintenance of virtual machines (VMs).
- Utilize Terraform to automate the provisioning and management of cloud resources, ensuring consistent and repeatable deployments.
- Create, manage, and monitor Azure storage solutions (Blob, File, Queue). Implement and maintain robust backup and disaster recovery procedures.
- Configure and manage virtual networks, subnets, and network security groups to ensure secure and efficient traffic flow.
- Harden systems according to DISA STIGs. Manage security controls, including data encryption, access management with Microsoft Entra ID and Azure Key Vault, and implement Azure Group Policies.
- Install, configure, and manage ADS/Azure DevOps Server repositories and support the migration of on-premise applications to the cloud.
- Proactively monitor system performance and availability. Provide direct technical support to developers, cyber teams, and end-users to troubleshoot and resolve infrastructure-related issues.
- Manage and maintain Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) clusters for containerized application deployment, scaling, and orchestration.
- Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for system architecture, configurations, and operational procedures.
Required Skills/Experience:
- Clearance Required: Secret
- Bachelor's degree and 6+ years of hands-on experience in system administration, with a significant portion in a cloud environment
- 4 additional years of experience may be substituted for the degree requirement
- Strong understanding of storage, backup, and disaster recovery principles.
- Experience using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and creating alert rules.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Entra ID and RBAC.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Defender for Cloud.
- Experience with Azure Cost Management + Billing
- Hands-on experience with Azure Update Management.
- Must have (or be able to obtain before starting):
- CompTIA Security+ CE, or other approved 8570 IAT Level II certification.
- One of the following: Azure Administrator Associate, Azure Security Engineer Associate, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Developer, CCSP, or GCSA.
- Must reside within a 75-mile radius of Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville AL or be willing to relocate prior to starting date
Desired Skills/Experience:
- Proficiency in scripting with PowerShell or Azure CLI.
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps or Jenkins.
- Knowledge of advanced Azure networking concepts (e.g., VNet peering, VPN Gateway, ExpressRoute).
- Experience with AWS.
- Hands-on experience with Terraform for infrastructure automation
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The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.
At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.
We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.
SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.
Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.
SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).
Skills Required
- Active Secret security clearance (or ability to obtain)
- Bachelor's degree or 4 additional years of relevant experience plus 6+ years system administration experience (cloud-focused)
- Hands-on experience administering Azure cloud and on-prem servers, including VM provisioning and configuration
- Experience using Terraform for provisioning and managing cloud resources
- Experience managing Azure storage solutions (Blob, File, Queue) and backup/disaster recovery
- Experience configuring and managing virtual networks, subnets, and network security groups
- Experience hardening systems to DISA STIGs and managing security controls (encryption, RBAC)
- Experience with Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and creating alert rules
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) and RBAC
- Familiarity with Microsoft Defender for Cloud
- Experience with Azure Cost Management and Azure Update Management
- Must have or be able to obtain: CompTIA Security+ CE or other approved 8570 IAT Level II certification
- Must have one of: Azure Administrator Associate, Azure Security Engineer Associate, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Developer, CCSP, or GCSA
- Must reside within a 75-mile radius of Redstone Arsenal or relocate prior to start
- Experience managing Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) clusters for deployment, scaling, and orchestration
- Proficiency scripting with PowerShell or Azure CLI
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps or Jenkins
- Knowledge of advanced Azure networking (VNet peering, VPN Gateway, ExpressRoute)
- Hands-on experience with AWS (multi-cloud familiarity)
- Experience installing/configuring ADS/Azure DevOps Server and supporting migrations to cloud
SMX Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SMX and has not been reviewed or approved by SMX.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Salary ranges are publicly listed on many postings and a pay transparency statement clarifies how location, contract, and credentials influence offers. This visibility helps set clear expectations around compensation.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — About four weeks of PTO plus 11 paid federal holidays are highlighted in careers materials. Paid military leave on some roles further expands time‑off coverage.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with a dollar‑for‑dollar match on the first 5% and immediate vesting is called out in role descriptions. Traditional and Roth options support long‑term savings.
SMX Insights
What We Do
SMX is a global technology and advanced engineering provider specializing in Cloud Solutions, C5ISR, and Advanced Engineering / IT. Our tradition of delivering innovative, technical solutions dates back to 1995, however, you may know us better by one of our legacy company names: Trident Technologies, Smartronix, Datastrong, or C2S Consulting Group. With the support of OceanSound Partners, our private equity investment sponsor, we began operating as one business starting in 2019 and became SMX in 2021. We operate in close proximity to our clients around the globe and have core locations in Alabama, California, the DC Metro, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Today, as SMX, we are one team and together empower government and commercial enterprises to become more effective, innovative, and resilient, no matter what challenges they face. SMX offers competitive benefits, excellent work environments, and growth opportunities for our employees while continuing to expand operations and support our communities. We have more than 25 years of rapid and consistent growth with continuous recognition as an employer-of-choice technology company. In addition, we have earned coveted industry quality and business certifications; have a strong commitment to business partnerships, ethics, compliance, and sustainability; and have a multitude of premier contracting vehicles. The combination of these attributes allows us to provide sound, repeatable business solutions yet remain flexible and agile to quickly adapt to specific customer requirements. Committed to ensuring the highest levels of customer satisfaction, SMX is structured around the programs and technologies we support to provide optimal and seamless operations. We have maintained a reputation for excellence, helping to assure the missions of our Department of Defense, Public Sector, Fortune 1000, and other Government and commercial customers.
