Systems Administrator, Senior- Red Hat Linux & Windows (Top Secret w/SCI eligibility)
AMERICAN SYSTEMS, a 100% employee-owned federal contracting company, is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator with strong Red Hat Linux CLI and Windows administration experience to support a Special Access Program in Washington, DC.
This role focuses on owning and optimizing enterprise Linux & Windows infrastructure across multiple datacenters, partnering with cybersecurity and engineering teams, and providing Tier III support for systems that cannot fail.
Role includes a $5,000 sign-on bonus in addition to a generous compensation package!
ResponsibilitiesAs a Sr. Systems Administrator, you will:
- Support on-premises Linux (80%) and Windows (20%) infrastructure and applications.
- Support on-premises vSphere infrastructure across multiple datacenters.
- Provide Tier III support for production and development environments, managing ticket submission and tracking.
- Monitor resource availability to meet customer requirements, ensuring sufficient hardware, software, and throughput.
- Review and optimize system performance to ensure peak efficiency and reliability for mission-critical applications
- Analyze system resource usage and apply corrective actions when necessary
- Review system and application logs, ensuring completion of scheduled tasks and backups
- Create and manage user accounts, groups, and permissions; maintain local repositories in a RHEL-based environment
- Support on-prem and remote Linux-based Oracle database appliances
- Develop and maintain administrative bash scripts for system maintenance and automation
- Proficient in DNS administration
- Document and implement system administration solutions to meet business requirements
- Active TOP SECRET clearance with SCI eligibility required; Program Access Request (PAR) submission required after hire
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline (or additional years of relevant experience considered in lieu of degree)
- 8-10 years of IT Systems Administration that includes 3-5 years of Linux CLI administration
- DoD 8140 IAT Level II cert (e.g., Security+ CE or equivalent)
- Experience designing and maintaining secure, scalable cloud/on-prem platforms (IL5–IL6+)
- Knowledge of STIGs, RMF, and DoW cybersecurity standards
- Knowledge of containerization (Docker/Podman), Ansible for automation, and OpenLDAP
- Experience with virtualization (VMware)
- Strong CLI and Bash scripting experience
NOTE: U.S. Citizenship Required for the purposes of obtaining/holding a U.S. security clearance
#LI-PRK1
Pay Transparency StatementAMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $150,000.00/Yr. - USD $175,000/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance. EEO StatementEEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran StatusSkills Required
- Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility; Program Access Request submission required after hire
- U.S. citizenship for obtaining or holding a security clearance
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline, or additional relevant experience in lieu of degree
- 8–10 years of IT systems administration experience
- 3–5 years of Linux CLI administration experience
- DoD 8140 IAT Level II certification, such as Security+ CE or equivalent
- Experience designing and maintaining secure, scalable cloud and on-premises platforms at IL5–IL6 or higher
- Knowledge of STIGs, RMF, and DoD cybersecurity standards
- Knowledge of Docker or Podman containerization
- Knowledge of Ansible automation
- Knowledge of OpenLDAP
- Experience with VMware virtualization
- Strong CLI and Bash scripting experience
AMERICAN SYSTEMS Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about AMERICAN SYSTEMS and has not been reviewed or approved by AMERICAN SYSTEMS.
-
Equity Value & Accessibility — The ESOP provides an ownership stake that adds long-term financial value and complements base pay. This employee-ownership structure stands out within the overall package.
-
Retirement Support — A 401(k) with automatic enrollment and broad investment options, alongside the ESOP, strengthens retirement pathways beyond salary. These features are presented as competitive within the defense contracting space.
-
Fair & Transparent Compensation — Base pay is considered fair or comparable to industry peers, particularly for technical roles. Starting compensation is described as solid for areas like cybersecurity, systems administration, and IT engineering.
AMERICAN SYSTEMS Insights
What We Do
AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned government services contractor that delivers professional, technical, information technology, engineering, analysis, testing, evaluation, and training solutions for complex national-priority programs. Based in McLean, Virginia, the company supports federal customers—particularly defense and other Department of Defense missions—with mission-essential and information engineering, digital engineering, systems integration, cybersecurity, cloud, data, and lifecycle IT services across critical public-sector environments.
