SMX is seeking an experienced Senior, Systems Administrator to support enterprise infrastructure, systems engineering, and development operations within a mission-focused Department of Defense (DoD) environment at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD.
This position supports a technical environment that brings together traditional systems administration, virtualization, containerized applications, infrastructure automation, and cybersecurity compliance. The selected candidate will be responsible for maintaining secure and reliable infrastructure while supporting development, integration, and operational requirements across multiple platforms.
The ideal candidate brings a strong background in Windows and Linux administration, experience supporting development and testing environments, and the ability to balance operational security requirements with the need for efficient technical delivery. This role requires someone who can independently troubleshoot complex infrastructure challenges, identify opportunities for automation, and collaborate with developers, engineers, and cybersecurity personnel to maintain mission readiness.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Administer, maintain, and troubleshoot Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) environments, including core infrastructure services such as Active Directory, IDM, Group Policy, DNS, and DHCP
- Support enterprise virtualization, cloud infrastructure, and containerized applications using technologies such as VMware, OpenStack, Docker, Podman, and Kubernetes
- Perform system provisioning, configuration management, patching, upgrades, and maintenance to ensure infrastructure availability, security, and performance
- Develop and maintain automation solutions using PowerShell, Python, Bash, and other scripting technologies to streamline administrative processes and reduce manual effort
- Support development, integration, testing, and simulation environments, working closely with engineering and development teams to address infrastructure requirements and technical challenges
- Implement and maintain DoD cybersecurity requirements, including STIG compliance, system hardening, vulnerability management, and ACAS findings remediation
- Support RMF and ATO activities through security documentation, continuous monitoring, configuration validation, and coordination with cybersecurity personnel
- Perform hardware and software troubleshooting, system imaging, backup and recovery, and incident resolution across physical and virtual infrastructure
- Collaborate with infrastructure, development, and cybersecurity teams to implement technical solutions that balance operational requirements, system security, and mission objectives
- Maintain technical documentation, support infrastructure improvements, and identify opportunities to improve system reliability, automation, and operational efficiency
Required Skills & Experience
- Clearance required: Top Secret
- Security+ CE certification or equivalent DoD 8570/8140 qualification
- Advanced experience administering Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) environments
- Strong knowledge of Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and enterprise networking. Experience with virtualization, cloud infrastructure, and container technologies such as VMware, OpenStack, Docker, Podman, or Kubernetes
- Proficiency in scripting and automation using PowerShell, Python, Bash, or similar tools
- Experience with DoD cybersecurity requirements, including STIGs, ACAS, RMF, and ATO processes
- Experience supporting system patching, troubleshooting, configuration management, and backup/recovery operations
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills, particularly in development and mission-critical environments
Desired Skills & Experience
- Experience administering OpenStack environments and advanced VMware virtualization infrastructure. Hands-on experience with Kubernetes orchestration and container management
- Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Ansible, Terraform, and Git. Experience supporting DevSecOps pipelines, automated deployments, and software development environments
- Knowledge of DoD RMF processes, eMASS, NIST SP 800-53, and POA&M management
- Experience supporting enterprise storage, networking, and distributed infrastructure
- Familiarity with system imaging, disaster recovery, and infrastructure modernization initiatives
- Previous experience supporting DoD, Navy, or other government IT environments
#cjpost #LI-ONSITE
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
- Top Secret security clearance
- Security+ CE certification or equivalent DoD 8570/8140 qualification
- Advanced experience administering Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments
- Strong knowledge of Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and enterprise networking
- Experience with virtualization, cloud infrastructure, and container technologies such as VMware, OpenStack, Docker, Podman, or Kubernetes
- Proficiency in scripting and automation using PowerShell, Python, Bash, or similar tools
- Experience with DoD cybersecurity requirements, including STIGs, ACAS, RMF, and ATO processes
- Experience with system patching, troubleshooting, configuration management, and backup/recovery operations
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills in development and mission-critical environments
- Experience administering OpenStack environments and advanced VMware virtualization infrastructure
- Hands-on experience with Kubernetes orchestration and container management
- Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code tools such as Ansible and Terraform, and Git
- Experience supporting DevSecOps pipelines, automated deployments, and software development environments
- Knowledge of DoD RMF processes, eMASS, NIST SP 800-53, and POA&M management
- Experience supporting enterprise storage, networking, and distributed infrastructure
- Familiarity with system imaging, disaster recovery, and infrastructure modernization initiatives
- Previous experience supporting DoD, Navy, or other government IT environments
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.
