Advanced Systems Administration Specialist

APR Consulting, Inc.; Pittsfield (MA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

APR Consulting, Inc. is seeking an Advanced Systems Administration Specialist to support secure IT infrastructure in a defense domain.

This on‑site role in Pittsfield, MA requires DoD Secret clearance and strong Linux/Windows server expertise. The role covers administration, patching, backups, and security compliance within classified environments, with a focus on STIGs, NIST controls, and virtualization platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years’ relevant experience or Master’s with 3+ years.
• Equivalent combination of experience and certifications may be considered.
• Advanced knowledge of Red Hat Linux and Windows Server administration.

Responsibilities

• Manage administration, security, and performance of secure physical and virtual infrastructures.
• Troubleshoot complex issues, perform vulnerability assessments, and apply system remediation.
• Support design, deployment, testing, and operation of enterprise systems in classified environments.

Skills

Red Hat Linux

Windows Server

VMware vSphere

Hyper‑V

Keen security focus

STIGs/CIS Benchmarks

NIST SP 800-171

CMMC

PowerShell

Python

Bash

DoD 8570 IAT‑II

Security+

Education

Bachelor’s degree +5 years

Master’s degree +3 years

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

GitLab

Docker

Ansible

Python

PowerShell

Bash

Nessus

Splunk

ACAS

ESS

Job description

Our DoD/Aerospace Client is seeking an Advanced Systems Administration Specialist to support secure and mission‑critical IT infrastructure environments. This role offers the opportunity to administer, maintain, and enhance complex physical and virtual systems supporting advanced defense and cybersecurity initiatives.

The position is based in Pittsfield, MA and is 100% on‑site.

Location: Pittsfield, MA
Position: Advanced Systems Administration Specialist
Contract Length: 12-24 months with possibility of going direct
Pay: $55.36/hour
Education/Experience: Bachelor’s Degree plus 5+ years of experience or Master’s Degree plus 3+ years of experience
Schedule: Full‑Time, On‑Site
Clearance Requirement: Active or Obtainable DoD Secret Clearance

Position Overview

As the Advanced Systems Administration Specialist, you’ll be responsible for the administration, maintenance, security, and performance of multiple secure physical and virtual infrastructures. You will support the design, deployment, testing, and ongoing operation of enterprise systems while ensuring compliance with security requirements and industry best practices.

Working as part of a collaborative engineering support team, you will troubleshoot complex technical issues, conduct vulnerability assessments, implement system remediation activities, and maintain secure operating environments. You will also perform operating system and software patching, manage backups, monitor system performance, and support evolving cybersecurity initiatives.

This role serves as a key technical resource supporting users, infrastructure modernization efforts, system availability, and security compliance across classified environments.

What You Bring to the Table

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; OR Master’s degree and 3 years of relevant experience
• Equivalent combination of experience and applicable certifications may be considered
• Advanced knowledge of Red Hat Linux environments
• Advanced knowledge of Windows Server administration
• Experience with VMware vSphere and Hyper‑V virtualization platforms
• Experience architecting, deploying, and maintaining secure, reliable infrastructure solutions
• Experience implementing Linux and Windows security controls
• Knowledge of STIGs and CIS Benchmarks
• Experience maintaining compliance with NIST SP 800‑171 and NIST SP 800‑53 requirements
• Familiarity with Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements
• Experience supporting System Security Plans (SSPs)
• Experience performing vulnerability remediation and system hardening
• Experience working within formal change management processes
• Strong understanding of networking concepts and infrastructure
• Experience with backup solutions and disaster recovery strategies
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex hardware, software, and network issues
• U.S. Citizenship required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance
• Must meet DoD 8570.1 IAT‑II certification requirements or higher
• CompTIA Security+ certification required within six months of hire

What Sets You Apart

• Experience with JIRA, Confluence, GitLab, Docker, Ansible, Python, PowerShell, and Bash
• Experience supporting DevOps and infrastructure automation initiatives
• Familiarity with Tenable Nessus vulnerability management tools
• Experience using Splunk for monitoring and analysis
• Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS) experience
• Endpoint Security Solution (ESS) experience
• Strong security‑first systems engineering mindset
• Ability to rapidly learn and adopt emerging technologies
• Experience supporting users with varying levels of technical expertise
• Strong multitasking, organizational, and attention‑to‑detail skills
• Exceptional analytical and problem‑solving capabilities
• Experience identifying opportunities to leverage AI for operational improvements and innovation

About Our Client

Our client is a mission‑critical DoD/Aerospace defense contractor developing solutions that lead, serve, and protect our nation. Our client develops strategic systems supporting defense, civil government, intelligence, and cyber missions worldwide.

About APR

Since 1980 APR Consulting, Inc. has provided professional recruiting and contingent workforce solutions to a diverse mix of clients, industries, and skill sets nationwide.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.