Systems Administrator – Advanced 1 (Senior)

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

19h

About The Position

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to support mission-critical systems in highly classified environments. This hands-on position combines deep Linux expertise with broad infrastructure responsibilities. The administrator will resolve complex issues, lead technical improvements, mentor other administrators, and help deliver secure, reliable services. The role values strong fundamentals, practical judgment, curiosity, collaboration, and the ability to learn across technologies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field, or 10+ years of equivalent practical experience.
8+ years of progressively responsible systems administration experience, including substantial production Linux administration.
Broad experience in at least three adjacent areas, such as Windows administration, virtualization, enterprise storage, networking, automation, HPC, cloud, or cybersecurity.
Experience troubleshooting complex infrastructure issues and implementing sustainable corrective actions.
Experience supporting classified, regulated, or other security-controlled environments.
Ability to communicate technical information clearly and work effectively across technical, security, and program teams.
Active Top Secret clearance and ability to obtain SCI access.
U.S. citizenship.
IAT Level II certification, such as Security+ CE, or ability to obtain one within the required timeframe.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or 10+ years of equivalent professional experience.
Advanced Linux expertise, particularly with RHEL, including hardening, troubleshooting, performance tuning, and lifecycle management.
Certifications such as RHCE, VMware VCP, NetApp, cloud, or advanced cybersecurity credentials.
Experience using Ansible, Python, PowerShell, or similar tools to automate builds, configuration, compliance, and routine administration.
Knowledge of enterprise networking, multi-site connectivity, VPNs, load balancing, HPC, or specialized cloud environments.
Experience leading technical projects, mentoring administrators, or coordinating work across teams.
Record of evaluating emerging technologies and turning practical improvements into secure, reliable operational capabilities.

Responsibilities

Serve as a senior escalation point for complex issues involving operating systems, virtualization, storage, networking, hardware, and security.
Provide advanced Linux administration across RHEL-based systems, including services, authentication, permissions, package management, performance, scripting, and hardening.
Administer and integrate Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS/DHCP, VMware, Hyper-V, NetApp, enterprise storage, and HPC or cloud platforms.
Plan and execute patches, upgrades, migrations, technology refreshes, and lifecycle management activities with minimal operational disruption.
Monitor system performance, capacity, availability, and security; lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
Configure and troubleshoot network connectivity, VLANs, switch ports, uplinks, and segmentation in coordination with network engineers.
Implement STIGs, remediate vulnerabilities, and support RMF, ATO, audit, and continuous-monitoring activities.
Improve reliability and efficiency through automation using Ansible, Python, PowerShell, or similar tools.
Mentor administrators, lead small technical initiatives, and maintain clear runbooks, configuration records, and status updates.