Cloud System Administrator

Nightwing; Sterling, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

Nightwing is seeking an Entry-Level Cloud Systems Administrator to support cloud infrastructure operations for critical intelligence and defense missions. You will gain hands-on experience with enterprise cloud platforms, system administration, and automation while collaborating with senior engineers.

This mission-focused role offers exposure to Terraform, Ansible, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines. A hybrid work arrangement is available with periodic on-site tasks in Sterling, VA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, Cybersecurity, or related field (or graduation within 10 months)
• Ability to obtain and maintain DHS Public Trust security clearance
• Basic understanding of cloud computing concepts (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
• Fundamental knowledge of Windows and Linux operating systems
• Basic network knowledge (TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls)
• Strong foundation in at least one programming language (Java, Python, C++, or JavaScript)
• Basic understanding of software development principles and data structures
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team‑oriented environment
• Eagerness to learn new technologies in a fast‑paced environment

Responsibilities

• Cloud Infrastructure Support: Administer and maintain Windows and Linux servers and applications running on the server.
• Develop and maintain task sequences, packages, and application deployments.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and support for Windows and Linux Server environments
• Perform server builds, configurations, upgrades, and migrations.
• Monitor system performance, diagnose issues, and implement solutions to ensure high availability.
• Documentation of processes and procedures.
• Linux package and dependency management
• Administer user accounts, permissions, and security configurations.
• Implement patching, hardening, and compliance measures for Linux systems.
• Write scripts to automate build out and tasks
• Execution of O/M of malware analysis applications
• Administration of Kubernetes PODs and POD management via various applications such as ArgoCD and Kubernetes console
• Clone, commit and push code to GITHUB
• Push code via Jenkins Pipeline to various namespaces (TEST, DEV, UAT and PRD )
• Build out environments using Terraform or ansible

Skills

Python

PowerShell

Linux basics

Windows basics

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

Kubernetes

Jenkins

GitHub

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Nightwing is seeking an Entry-Level Cloud Systems Administrator to support cloud infrastructure operations for critical intelligence and defense missions. This role offers hands‑on experience with enterprise cloud platforms, system administration, and automation while working alongside experienced engineers. Ideal for recent graduates eager to build expertise in cloud technologies and DevOps practices in a mission-focused environment..

Key Responsibilities

• Cloud Infrastructure Support: Administer and maintain Windows and Linux servers and applications running on the server.
• Develop and maintain task sequences, packages, and application deployments.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and support for Windows and Linux Server environments
• Perform server builds, configurations, upgrades, and migrations.
• Monitor system performance, diagnose issues, and implement solutions to ensure high availability.
• Documentation of processes and procedures.
• Linux package and dependency management
• Administer user accounts, permissions, and security configurations.
• Implement patching, hardening, and compliance measures for Linux systems.
• Write scripts to automate build out and tasks
• Execution of O/M of malware analysis applications
• Administration of Kubernetes PODs and POD management via various applications such as ArgoCD and Kubernetes console
• Clone, commit and push code to GITHUB
• Push code via Jenkins Pipeline to various namespaces (TEST, DEV, UAT and PRD )
• Build out environments using Terraform or ansible

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or related field (or graduation within 10 months)
• Ability to obtain and maintain DHS Public Trust security clearance
• Basic understanding of cloud computing concepts (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
• Fundamental knowledge of Windows and Linux operating systems
• Basic network knowledge (TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls)
• Strong foundation in at least one programming language (Java, Python, C++, or JavaScript)
• Basic understanding of software development principles and data structures
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team‑oriented environment
• Eagerness to learn new technologies in a fast‑paced environment

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field) or equivalent experience.

Experience

• Less than 2 years of prior relevant experience.

Desired Certifications

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
• AWS Certified Developer – Associate
• Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE Programmer
• CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+)
• Software development methodology certification (e.g. SCRUM Master) highly desired
• GitHub or GitLab Certifications

Additional Information

This is a hybrid position, and the selected candidate will be required to periodically work at our Nightwing Location (Sterling, VA).

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with version control systems (Git/GitHub)
• Exposure to scripting languages (Python, PowerShell, Bash)
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Familiarity with software development tools and methodologies
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Knowledge of software configuration management tools and quality standards is a plus
• Understanding of containerization concepts (Docker, Kubernetes basics)
• Prior internship or work experience in IT support or system administration

ESS-3625 Salary & Benefits

• The salary associated with this position ($55,000-$106,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise.
• Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.
• Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.

Equal Opportunity

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

About Nightwing

Previously part of a leading Fortune 100 company and headquartered in Dulles, VA; Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation’s most mission impactful initiatives. When we formed Nightwing, we brought a deep set of credentials and an unfaltering commitment to the mission. For over four decades, our team has been providing some of the world’s most technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence support services to the U.S. government on its most important missions. At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.