Senior Systems Administrator
About The Position
The Senior Systems Administrator leads the administration, security, reliability, and modernization of enterprise server and computing infrastructure supporting Parallax Advanced Research corporate operations, research laboratories, data centers, and government-sponsored programs. The role is the senior technical escalation point for server and infrastructure issues, leads infrastructure projects, shares expertise with less experienced administrators, and partners with cybersecurity and engineering staff to protect sensitive systems and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This is an individual contributor position with no supervisory responsibilities. The position is based on-site at Parallax HQ in Beavercreek, Ohio, or Huntsville, Alabama (location TBD). It is full-time and exempt, reports to the Director, Information Technology System, and has an effective date of November 1, 2026. The role includes office, laboratory, and data center work, scheduled after-hours maintenance and on-call support for critical incidents, and travel up to 10 percent, which may vary during projects.
Requirements
- U.S. citizenship.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
- 8 or more years of progressively responsible enterprise systems administration experience, including leading complex infrastructure initiatives.
- Advanced hands-on Windows Server and Active Directory/Group Policy administration, with demonstrated Linux server support experience.
- Experience with VMware or Hyper-V, physical servers, enterprise storage, backup and recovery, system monitoring, and infrastructure troubleshooting.
- Working knowledge of networking fundamentals, DNS/DHCP, identity security, access controls, patch management, and system hardening.
- Scripting and automation experience with PowerShell, Bash, or Python.
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects, document solutions, and coordinate across teams.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance as required by assigned programs.
- Availability for scheduled after-hours maintenance and on-call support for critical incidents.
Nice To Haves
- Microsoft Windows Server Hybrid Administrator, VMware VCP, RHCSA, Security+, or equivalent advanced systems credentials.
- DoD 8140 qualification, such as Security+ CE, for privileged access to DoD systems.
- Experience supporting DoD or federal programs, CUI environments, classified systems, research laboratories, or high-performance computing.
- Familiarity with CMMC Level 2, NIST SP 800-171/800-53, RMF, DISA STIGs, vulnerability assessments, and audit preparation.
- Experience with Entra ID, Microsoft 365, Azure hybrid infrastructure (including GCC High), enterprise backup tools, and secure enclaves.
- Active Secret clearance or higher.
Responsibilities
- Lead deployment, administration, and lifecycle management of Windows Server and Linux systems across physical, virtual, and isolated research environments.
- Administer Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, identity services, file permissions, certificates, and secure authentication; support Entra ID and hybrid identity.
- Maintain VMware vSphere/ESXi, vCenter, Hyper-V, or comparable platforms, including clustering and high availability.
- Manage enterprise storage, SAN/NAS connectivity, server hardware, and backup and replication platforms.
- Regularly test restores and disaster recovery procedures and keep recovery plans current.
- Lead operating system patching, firmware upgrades, configuration management, vulnerability remediation, and secure baseline implementation.
- Implement system security controls for CUI protection, NIST SP 800-171, CMMC Level 2, and applicable federal and contract requirements.
- Partner with cybersecurity staff on logging, endpoint protection, access reviews, incident response, and STIGs.
- Provide documentation and evidence for internal audits, customer reviews, and compliance assessments.
- Serve as the senior escalation point for critical server incidents and lead root cause analysis and fixes.
- Automate administration and standard deployments using PowerShell, Bash, Python, Ansible, or comparable tools; maintain monitoring and alerting.
- Follow change management procedures for planned changes and maintenance windows, including after-hours work.
- Lead infrastructure refreshes and capacity planning; maintain diagrams, inventories, and procedures.
- Evaluate products, work with vendors, and manage server hardware and software lifecycle, warranties, and licensing.
- Share technical expertise with less experienced administrators.
- Follow all requirements for handling CUI and classified information and systems.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
