Classified Windows System Administrator

The Aerospace Corporation; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 75,300 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is hiring for a Classified Windows System Administrator responsible for deploying and maintaining our enterprise-grade Windows server infrastructure, both on‑premise and in cloud environments. You will work within the Computational Services team to secure mission-critical assets and support remote access solutions for distributed teams.

Requirements include 3+ years of Windows administration, 2+ years of virtualization experience (VMware/Hyper-V), strong communication,

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is not stated; see requirements for senior roles.
• Minimum (3) years of enterprise Windows administration experience with provisioning, configuration, troubleshooting, and security hardening for classified/unclassified environments.
• Minimum (2) years of virtualization experience with VMware or Hyper-V.
• Ability to articulate ideas clearly in writing and speaking to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong time management and task prioritization skills.
• Willingness to obtain DoD 8570.01‑m IAT Level II (CompTIA Security+).
• Active TS/SCI clearance and U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deploy enterprise-grade Windows server systems for high-demand environments.
• Oversee and optimize virtual server environments for efficiency and scalability.
• Implement security hardening and continuous monitoring for compliance.
• Apply security updates and remediate vulnerabilities promptly.
• Provide support for remote access solutions (Citrix, Windows Terminal Server).
• Install and maintain server hardware and storage and ensure robust IT foundation.

Skills

Windows administration

Virtualization

Security hardening

DoD 8570 IAT II

TS/SCI clearance

Clear communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering/Information Systems/Technology

Tools

VMware ESXi

vCenter

Hyper-V

Windows Admin Center

Puppet

PowerShell DSC

Ansible

Bash

PowerShell

Terraform

Python

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Join The Aerospace Corporation as a Classified Windows System Administrator (Systems Administration Staff II/III) and play a pivotal role in securing and advancing critical national space assets.

In this dynamic role, you will deploy, operate, and maintain our enterprise-scale corporate server infrastructure as part of the high-performing Computational Services team. You will oversee thousands of enterprise and high-performance computing systems across both on-premise and cloud environments, collaborating closely with world‑class rocket scientists and engineers to develop cutting‑edge solutions to complex challenges in the space enterprise. In your day‑to‑day work, you will manage both virtual and physical server infrastructures, ensuring robust system security and adherence to operational best practices.

Our team thrives on a shared sense of responsibility and ownership, emphasizing collaboration across diverse, cross‑functional groups. If you are passionate about innovative technology, eager to contribute to mission‑critical projects, and ready to advance your career in a supportive, forward‑thinking work environment, we invite you to apply and join us at the forefront of aerospace innovation.

The selected candidate will be required to work full‑time, on‑site at our facility in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Expertly manage and deploy enterprise‑grade Windows server systems, ensuring robust performance and reliability in high-demand environments.
• Oversee and optimise virtual server environments and infrastructure operations to maximise efficiency and scalability.
• Implement rigorous system hardening measures and continuous monitoring to maintain optimal security posture and compliance with industry standards.
• Apply critical security updates and remediate system vulnerabilities promptly, safeguarding infrastructure against evolving threats.
• Provide comprehensive support for remote access solutions such as Citrix and Windows Terminal Server, ensuring secure and seamless connectivity for distributed teams.
• Install, operate, and maintain high‑performance server hardware and storage solutions, reinforcing a stable and resilient IT foundation.

What You Need To Be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Systems Administration Staff II:

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Minimum (3) years of experience in enterprise Windows administration including provisioning, configuration, troubleshooting, performance tuning, and security hardening for classified and unclassified enterprise environments is required.
• Minimum (2) year of enterprise virtualization experience with either VMware or Hyper‑V is required.
• Proven ability to articulate ideas clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats, facilitating seamless collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated expertise in time management and task prioritization, ensuring efficient execution of responsibilities even in high‑pressure environments.
• Ready to embrace change and excel in dynamic work environments, quickly adjusting to evolving organizational needs and challenges.
• A committed professional who takes pride in delivering outstanding customer service while upholding the highest standards of personal and professional integrity.
• Ability to obtain DoD 8570.01‑m requirements for IAT Level II personnel such as CompTIA Security+ certification is required.
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required.

Minimum Requirements for Systems Administration Staff III:

• Minimum (4) years in enterprise Windows administration including provisioning, configuration, troubleshooting, performance tuning, and security hardening for classified and unclassified enterprise environments is required.
• Minimum (3) years of experience supporting an enterprise‑scale Windows environment that includes NFS or Windows file system shares and Active Directory integration is required.

How You Can Stand Out

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Information Systems/Technology is highly desirable, or an equivalent level of practical experience demonstrating advanced problem‑solving capabilities in enterprise IT environments, is preferred.
• Proven experience in automating repetitive tasks using modern DevOps and scripting tools such as Puppet, PowerShell DSC, Ansible, Bash, PowerShell, Terraform, or Python, ensuring efficient system management and operational excellence.
• Demonstrated knowledge and hands‑on experience with critical Windows environments, including:
  • MS SQL Always‑On Clustering: Expert in implementing and managing high‑availability SQL Server clusters.
  • Virtualization Platforms: Proficient with VMware ESXi, vCenter, and associated high‑availability services, as well as Hyper‑V and Windows Admin Center for robust virtualization management.
• Experience deploying and maintaining Windows systems in air‑gapped environments is preferred, highlighting your ability to manage and secure isolated network infrastructures.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade‑based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$75,300.00 - $113,000.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation