The Leidos Intel Sector combines technology-enabled services and mission software capabilities in the areas of cyber, logistics, security operations, and decision analytics to support our defense and intel customers’ mission to defend against evolving threats around the world. Our team’s focus is to ensure our customers have the right tools, technologies, and tactics to keep pace with an ever-evolving security landscape and succeed in their pursuit to protect people and critical assets.
The Chinook Program is currently seeking a Senior Systems Administrator. As a senior member of our IT operations team, you will play a key role in managing, supporting, securing, and optimizing high-performance, mission-critical systems that directly affect our customers’ intelligence and geospatial initiatives.
This position requires deep technical expertise, proactive leadership, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, classified environment. You will lead systems operations, mentor junior admins, and ensure availability, reliability, and security of infrastructure supporting geospatial analytics, software development, and data services.
Position may be performed in the following locations below. Please note Gaithersburg, MD is the program’s primary work location.
- Gaithersburg, MD
- Alexandria, VA
- Englewood, CO
- St. Louis, MO
- Tucson, AZ
Top Secret with the ability to obtain SCI, as well as a Polygraph.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Lead system administration for Linux and Windows-based systems in secure, mission-critical environments.
- Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and end-user technical issues while serving as a primary IT support contact, managing support tickets through resolution, and delivering responsive customer service.
- Architect and manage complex server, storage, and virtualization infrastructure (VMware, KVM).
- Perform OS installation, configuration, hardening, and patching in compliance with DoD STIGs and agency policies.
- Monitor and tune system performance, conduct root cause analysis, and resolve complex issues quickly and efficiently.
- Support backup/recovery strategies, disaster recovery plans, and continuity of operations.
- Oversee and maintain automation scripts and infrastructure as code (Ansible, PowerShell, Bash, etc.).
- Maintain system documentation, configuration baselines, and support CM and RM activities.
- Lead and support deployment of system enhancements and modernization initiatives for Chinook program.
- Collaborate with cybersecurity, network engineering, and software development teams to ensure system compliance and performance.
- Participate in security audits, incident response, and operational readiness activities.
Basic Qualifications:
- US citizenship is required per contract.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related discipline and 8-12 years of prior relevant experience or Master’s with 6-10 years of prior relevant experience.
- DoD 8570 IAT Level II or III certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CASP+, CISSP).
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government) and hybrid cloud environments.
- Experience with Linux (Red Hat Enterprise Linux or CentOS) and Windows Server platform system administration.
- Proficiency with virtualization platforms (VMware, KVM) and management tools.
- Experience with automation and scripting (Ansible, Bash, PowerShell, Python).
- Familiarity with STIG compliance, system hardening, ACAS scans, and RMF processes.
- Strong understanding of enterprise networking, identity/access management, and storage concepts.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot, document, and lead systems-related projects independently.
- Experience supporting IC or DoD classified environments.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience supporting our customer or GEOINT missions.
- Familiarity with DevOps tools and pipelines (Git, Jenkins, Docker, etc.).
- Knowledge of enterprise backup solutions, DNS, DHCP, Active Directory, and PKI.
#Chinook
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:June 24, 2026For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
Skills Required
- US citizenship is required per contract.
- Top Secret clearance with ability to obtain SCI and Polygraph.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related and 8-12 years relevant experience (or Master's with 6-10 years).
- DoD 8570 IAT Level II or III certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CASP+, CISSP).
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government) and hybrid cloud environments.
- Experience with Linux (Red Hat Enterprise Linux or CentOS) and Windows Server system administration.
- Proficiency with virtualization platforms and management tools (VMware, KVM).
- Experience with automation and scripting (Ansible, Bash, PowerShell, Python).
- Familiarity with STIG compliance, system hardening, ACAS scans, and RMF processes.
- Strong understanding of enterprise networking, identity/access management, and storage concepts.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot, document, and lead systems-related projects independently.
- Experience supporting IC or DoD classified environments.
- Experience with backup/recovery strategies, disaster recovery, and continuity of operations.
Leidos Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Leidos and has not been reviewed or approved by Leidos.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, with multiple plan options, low office-visit copays in some plans, and access to mental health and wellness support tools. The availability of HSA/FSA options and employer contributions is positioned as a meaningful part of the total package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are framed as a strong component of total rewards, highlighted by a 401(k) match and immediate vesting in the standard package. The Employee Stock Purchase Plan is also presented as an additional long-term wealth-building feature.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle supports extend beyond core insurance, including wellness programs, fitness-related stipends, and assistance resources. Work flexibility and related perks are also included as part of the broader rewards experience.
Leidos Insights
What We Do
We Are Leidos For 50 years we have been tackling some of the biggest problems that face our nation and our world. OUR MISSION Through our culture of innovation and history of performance, we develop deep customer trust built on integrity and create enduring solutions that improve our world. Leidos is a science and technology solutions leader working to address some of the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and healthcare markets. The company’s 43,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Va., Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $11.09 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2020. Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®. Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the newly launched Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos. Your most important work is ahead.
