Senior Systems Administrator

Syms Strategic Group, LLC (SSG)•Bethesda, MD

2d•$85,389 - $116,975•Remote

About The Position

Syms Strategic Group (SSG) is seeking a talented Senior Systems Administrator for a full-time, remote position within the Veterans Affairs (VA) department. This role requires a minimum of 8+ years of professional experience, with a focus on managing and maintaining complex Amazon Web Services (AWS) environments. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with both Windows and Linux/Unix operating systems, and a strong understanding of large-scale, high-availability, and scalable cloud architecture. A Public Trust (MBI) security clearance is required. Military Veterans are highly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

A proven track record of managing and maintaining complex Amazon Web Services (AWS) environments
Hands-on experience with both Windows and Linux/Unix operating systems
Experience with large-scale, high-availability, and scalable cloud architecture
Strong proficiency in core AWS services such as Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), Simple Storage Service (S3), Relational Database Service (RDS), Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), Lambda, Identity and Access Management (IAM), CloudFormation, CloudWatch, and Route 53
Experience with AWS security practices and services including AWS IAM, AWS Shield, and AWS Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Experience designing, deploying, and managing scalable and secure AWS cloud infrastructure
Proficiency in setting up and managing AWS networking components like VPCs, subnets, security groups, and Network Access Control Lists (NACLs)
Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, Bash, PowerShell, or NodeJS for automation
Experience with Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) tools like AWS CloudFormation, Terraform, or AWS Cloud Development Kit (CDK)
Experience with AWS monitoring or logging tools such as CloudWatch, CloudTrail, and AWS Config
Experience in performance optimization and troubleshooting AWS resources
An ability to troubleshoot and optimize AWS instances and services for performance
A strong understanding of AWS security best practices and compliance frameworks (e.g., Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and System and Organization Controls 2 (SOC 2))
Experience implementing encryption, key management, and data protection mechanisms within AWS
Experience with AWS database services such as Amazon RDS, DynamoDB, Aurora, and Redshift
Familiarity with CI/CD tools and practices (e.g., AWS CodePipeline, AWS CodeBuild, and AWS CodePipeline)
Experience with containerization and orchestration tools like Docker, Kubernetes, Elastic Container Service (ECS), and Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS)
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot complex cloud-related issues
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
Skilled in prioritizing tasks, managing time effectively, and meeting deadlines
Strong attention to detail to ensure system stability, security, and data integrity
Capability to mentor and provide technical guidance to junior administrators and IT staff
An ability to lead technical projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams
A willingness to be on-call for emergency support and maintenance when required
Strong documentation skills for creating and maintaining system configurations, processes, and procedures
An ability to manage and contribute to multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and quality results
A commitment to staying current with emerging AWS technologies and industry trends
8+ years of professional experience
8+ years of experience in system administration, with a focus on cloud infrastructure

Nice To Haves

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator
AWS Certified Solutions Architect
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer
Edifecs certification
Deep hands-on EDIFECS experience in Electronic Data Interchange X.12 (EDI) Transactions Standards involving key X12 workflows involving the following transactions: X.12 medical claims (837, 834, 835, 277, etc), 270/271 and 278 transactions, 999 transactions
Knowledge of HIPAA compliance requirements in cloud data architecture
Experience with healthcare payer/PBM systems, clearinghouses, or pharmacy operations
Experience with Edifecs

Responsibilities

Perform high-level, day-to-day operational maintenance, support, and upgrades for complex operating systems and server hardware
Develop solutions to routine technical problems of limited scope
Follow standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained
Coordinate, direct, and perform complex software installations and upgrades to operating systems and layered software packages
Schedule installations and upgrades and maintain them in accordance with established Information Technology (IT) procedures
Continually monitor and tune multiple systems to achieve optimum performance levels
Ensure data/media recoverability by developing and implementing a schedule of system backups and database archive operations
Plan and implement the modernization of servers
Develop, implement, and promote standard operating procedures (SOPs) and schedules
Conduct hardware and software audits of workstations and servers to ensure compliance with established standards, policies, and configuration guidelines
Develop and implement new standards, policies, and procedures
Work closely with Network and System Analysts to help determine and develop the systems that will be implemented