***Due to NSA requirements for this role, all candidates must be US citizen or greencard holder and located in Naperville/Chicago area. This position may require availability outside standard business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to support 24/7 operational demands as needed***
The NSA Hybrid System Administrator is responsible for the secure design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of critical IT infrastructure supporting National Security Agency (NSA) operations. This role requires expertise in managing both traditional on-premises systems and cloud-based platforms, ensuring high availability, performance, and strict adherence to NSA policies and compliance standards.
ResponsibilitiesKey Responsibilities:
Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Windows/Linux servers, monitor performance/health, and perform patching and vulnerability remediation per NSA guidelines.
Provide end‑user support by diagnosing issues and translating them into technical solutions.
Administer and optimize cloud environments (AWS/Azure/GCP), including IaaS, PaaS, serverless, networking, and access controls; maintain IaC with Terraform.
Manage virtualization platforms (VMware/Hyper‑V) and deploy/operate containerized applications using Docker and Kubernetes.
Implement security policies, manage access controls, protect data, analyze logs, and support incident response activities.
Maintain storage systems (SAN/NAS/object) and oversee backup and disaster recovery across hybrid environments.
Automate tasks and system provisioning using PowerShell, Bash, Python, and configuration management tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef.
Manage monitoring tools, documentation, NSA compliance, audit activities, and cover Data Center Manager duties including vendor coordination, capacity planning, physical security, and hardware lifecycle management.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in IT/CS or equivalent hands‑on experience.
Experience in system administration in hybrid on‑prem/cloud environments.
Strong experience with Windows Server, Linux, virtualization (VMware/Hyper‑V), and at least one major cloud platform.
Solid understanding of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, routing, firewalls).
Proficiency in scripting (PowerShell, Bash, Python) and familiarity with security frameworks (NIST, RMF).
Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills.
Desired Qualifications:
Preferred: Certifications (Security+, CCNA, AWS/Azure/Kubernetes), configuration management tools, containerization, enterprise monitoring tools, and ITIL knowledge.
Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Our recruitment process
We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.
If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.
The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia.
- Corporate Retirement Savings Plan
- Health and dental benefits
- Short-term disability, and long-term disability
- Life insurance, and AD&D – Company paid 2x base pay
- Optional or Supplemental life and AD&D insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
- Paid time off for holidays and Vacation
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Tuition Assistance Plan
- Adoption assistance
- Employee Assistance Program/Work Life Resource Program
Nokia Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Nokia and has not been reviewed or approved by Nokia.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity programs include a global employee share purchase plan with company matching and multi‑year share awards. These mechanisms broaden participation and tie rewards to long‑term outcomes.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes major medical plans with supplementary options such as vision, legal services, and care navigation. The range of offerings indicates comprehensive support for medical needs.
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Parental & Family Support — A global policy grants paid leave for new parents regardless of gender and provides structured return‑to‑work support. Company‑paid life insurance further strengthens family protection across regions.
Nokia Insights
What We Do
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. As a trusted partner for critical networks, we are committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. We create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. Adhering to the highest standards of integrity and security, we help build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable and inclusive world.
