Senior Systems Administrator

Job Description:

Competitive Range partners with the government to plan and deploy complex, IT-enabled, and mission-essential capabilities. Our goal is to help you develop and expand your professional capabilities while working on challenging, exciting projects in a collaborative, congenial environment. 

We are seeking a Senior System Administrator to lead the management, operations, and maintenance of complex DoD systems and networks. This role requires expertise in high-volume, high-availability environments, with the ability to prioritize critical issues, allocate resources effectively, and manage teams of system administrators to ensure optimal system performance and security compliance.

• Create and implement plans for effective management, operations, and maintenance of DoD systems and networks.
• Lead and manage teams of system administrators, prioritizing tasks and resolving high-risk critical issues.
• Maintain extensive knowledge of diverse IT systems and network architectures, including high-volume/high-availability infrastructures.
• Ensure system reliability, security, and compliance with DoD cybersecurity protocols and federal regulations.
• Allocate resources efficiently, ensuring smooth operations and incident resolution across DoD environments.
• Conduct system performance assessments, implementing optimizations and security enhancements.
• Oversee software patching, configuration management, and proactive system monitoring.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, supporting IT strategy, cyber defense, and infrastructure improvements.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior system administrators, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Required Qualifications:

• Active Secret Clearance: TS preferred. 

• Education:
  • Associate’s degree in IT, Engineering, or equivalent discipline.
• Experience:
  • 1-3 years of specialized project experience or formal training in system administration, network security, or IT operations.
• Skills:
  • Strong technical expertise in system management, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
  • Ability to work within classified DoD environments, ensuring secure system operations.
  • Proficiency in network security frameworks, risk assessment, and IT governance policies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with classified defense networks and DoD IT operations.
• Familiarity with AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, and secure cloud infrastructures.
• Certifications such as Security+, CISSP, or DoD-approved system administration credentials.