Systems Administrator - T1

Acuity INC•Beltsville, MD

2d•$60,000 - $80,000

About The Position

Acuity is hiring an early-career Tier 1 Systems Administrator to support a mission-focused federal technology environment. The position provides hands-on experience supporting enterprise systems and users, and is suited to recent graduates, transitioning military professionals, and other early-career technologists interested in developing a career in systems administration, cloud, infrastructure, or cybersecurity. Candidates are expected to learn quickly, troubleshoot logically, communicate professionally, take initiative, and own issues through resolution, while being comfortable asking questions, researching unfamiliar problems, and accepting feedback. The role supports Windows-based systems and applications and related Microsoft enterprise technologies. The administrator responds to user incidents and service requests, documents and troubleshoots issues, performs routine maintenance and configuration work, and escalates complex issues with complete troubleshooting information. The role also involves following security and operational procedures, working with technical and government teams, and developing familiarity with enterprise platforms and tools. The position offers overnight shift schedules: front end nights from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and every other Wednesday; or back end nights from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and every other Wednesday. The posted salary range is USD $60,000–$80,000 per year. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain the U.S. Government security clearance required for the program; Acuity is willing to sponsor the required clearance for qualified candidates.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Engineering, or another related technical discipline; recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
Foundational knowledge of computer systems, operating systems, networking, or systems administration gained through coursework, internships, military experience, certifications, labs, help desk experience, or other hands-on technical experience.
Familiarity with Microsoft Windows operating systems.
Basic understanding of one or more of the following: Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, Microsoft 365, Azure, SharePoint, networking concepts, virtualization, or PowerShell or other scripting languages.
Demonstrated technical aptitude and ability to learn new technologies quickly.
Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Professional, customer-service-oriented approach when working with users and teammates.
Ability to clearly explain technical information to technical and nontechnical users.
Self-motivated, willing to ask questions and seek answers, and able to take initiative.
Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a technical team.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to completing tasks accurately.
Reliability, accountability, and willingness to take ownership of assigned work.
Ability and willingness to continuously learn and develop technical skills.
Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible to obtain and maintain the U.S. Government security clearance required for the program; Acuity is willing to sponsor the required clearance for qualified candidates.

Nice To Haves

Internship, military, help desk, technical support, systems administration, networking, cloud, or cybersecurity experience.
Hands-on experience from a university lab, home lab, certification program, or personal technical projects.
Exposure to Windows Server administration.
Experience with Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, or user-account administration.
Exposure to Microsoft Azure or Microsoft 365.
Familiarity with SharePoint, SQL Server, SCCM/Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, or Intune.
Basic PowerShell, Python, Bash, or other scripting experience.
Familiarity with VMware, Hyper-V, Proxmox, or other virtualization technologies.
Experience using ServiceNow, Remedy, Jira, or another ticketing/ITSM platform.
Exposure to system patching, vulnerability scanning, endpoint security, or cybersecurity practices.
CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Microsoft, Azure, or similar certifications.
Currently holding or having previously held a U.S. Government security clearance.

Responsibilities

Provide Tier 1 technical and systems administration support in a federal enterprise environment.
Assist with administration, monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Windows-based systems and applications.
Support user accounts, permissions, password resets, and access management using Microsoft Active Directory and related tools.
Assist with Windows Server, Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Azure, and other Microsoft enterprise technologies.
Troubleshoot basic hardware, software, operating system, network connectivity, and application issues.
Respond to user incidents and service requests in a timely, professional, customer-focused manner.
Document issues, troubleshooting steps, and resolutions in the program's ticketing or IT service management system.
Escalate complex technical issues to senior administrators or engineering teams with complete and accurate troubleshooting information.
Assist with system patching, software installation, configuration, vulnerability remediation, and routine maintenance.
Support workstation, server, and application configuration activities as assigned.
Follow established security, configuration management, change management, and operational procedures.
Develop familiarity with enterprise technologies such as Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Azure, SCCM and endpoint management tools, virtualization, and scripting.
Participate in technical training and develop systems administration skills.
Collaborate with engineers, administrators, cybersecurity personnel, service desk teams, and government customers.
Identify opportunities to improve processes, documentation, and customer support.
Take ownership of assigned tasks and follow them through to completion.