Senior Systems Administrator (Windows & Linux) (5801)

SMX•Patuxent River, MD, MD

10d•$130,000 - $185,000•Onsite

About The Position

SMX is seeking an experienced Senior Systems Administrator to support enterprise infrastructure, systems engineering, and development operations in a mission-focused Department of Defense environment at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. The role combines traditional systems administration with virtualization, containerized applications, infrastructure automation, and cybersecurity compliance. The administrator will maintain secure, reliable infrastructure and support development, integration, testing, and operational requirements across multiple platforms. The successful candidate will administer Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments, troubleshoot complex infrastructure issues, and work with developers, engineers, and cybersecurity personnel. The role also includes automating administrative processes, maintaining security and compliance, and supporting mission readiness. A Top Secret clearance and Security+ CE certification or equivalent DoD 8570/8140 qualification are required.

Requirements

Top Secret clearance.
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.

Nice To Haves

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, 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.

Responsibilities

Administer, maintain, and troubleshoot Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) environments, including 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 support infrastructure availability, security, and performance.
Develop and maintain automation using PowerShell, Python, Bash, and other scripting technologies.
Support development, integration, testing, and simulation environments in collaboration with engineering and development teams.
Implement and maintain DoD cybersecurity requirements, including STIG compliance, system hardening, vulnerability management, and remediation of ACAS findings.
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 solutions balancing operational requirements, security, and mission objectives.
Maintain technical documentation, support infrastructure improvements, and identify opportunities to improve reliability, automation, and operational efficiency.