Cloud Windows Systems Administrator

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Derex Technologies Inc is seeking a Cloud & Infrastructure Systems Administrator to manage and optimize a hybrid cloud environment. You will handle design, deployment, and ongoing maintenance of servers and VMs, with a focus on automation and reliability.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years of enterprise systems experience, proficiency in Azure/AWS, and hands-on work with Terraform, Docker, Kubernetes, and VMware vSphere.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a systems administration role within an enterprise environment.
• Hands-on with Azure and AWS cloud platforms.
• Strong automation and scripting with PowerShell and Python.
• Experience with IaC tools such as Terraform and virtualization (VMware vSphere).
• Familiarity with AIOps concepts and CI/CD pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Administer and optimize hybrid cloud infrastructure across Azure and AWS.
• Develop automation scripts using PowerShell, Python, and Terraform.
• Apply AIOps monitoring with Splunk and Azure Monitor.
• Manage containers with Docker and orchestrate with Kubernetes for scalability.
• Ensure security, IAM, data protection, and compliance across platforms.
• Collaborate in a DevOps/DevSecOps culture and mentor junior staff.
• Support DR/BC planning and disaster recovery testing.

Skills

Cloud platforms

Automation scripting

IaC (Terraform)

VMware vSphere

Docker & Kubernetes

AIOps & monitoring

Identity management

CI/CD

Networking basics

Windows Server

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field

Tools

Terraform

Splunk

Azure Monitor

Docker

Kubernetes

VMware vSphere

PowerShell

Python

Job description

Derex Technologies Inc specializes in providing IT consulting, staffing solutions and software services. Globally headquartered in Harrison New Jersey since 1996 Derex delivers the highest quality technology professionals and an array of customized IT talent solutions designed to improve productivity and drive results to global clients throughout North America.

With over two decades of unparalleled experience, Derex provides supports to its clientele, across such industries as Systems Integration, Banking and Finance, Telecommunications, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, Energy, Healthcare, Technology, Transportation, and local and federal Government agencies.

Job Description

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)

Summary

Our Team is looking for a Cloud & Infrastructure Systems Administrator to manage and optimize our hybrid cloud environment. This role is for a forward-thinking IT professional who is passionate about infrastructure, automation, and leveraging modern cloud and AI platforms to drive efficiency and reliability. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the full lifecycle of our server and virtual environments, from initial design and deployment to ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

Cloud and Hybrid Infrastructure Management: Administer, configure, and maintain Microsoft Azure and AWS environments. This includes managing virtual machines, networking, storage, and identity services across both cloud and on-premises infrastructure.

Automation and Scripting: Develop and maintain automation scripts using tools like PowerShell, Python, and Terraform to provision infrastructure, automate routine tasks, and enforce configuration consistency. Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles to manage infrastructure efficiently.

AI for Operations (AIOps): Utilize AI-powered monitoring and log analysis platforms such as Splunk and Azure Monitor to proactively detect system anomalies, predict potential failures, and automate incident response.

Containerization and Orchestration: Deploy and manage containerized applications using Docker and orchestrate them with Kubernetes to ensure scalability and high availability.

Security and Compliance: Enforce security policies across all platforms. This includes managing identity and access controls with Azure Active Directory and modern IAM solutions, ensuring data encryption, and conducting regular security audits.

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Design, implement, and test modern disaster recovery and business continuity plans for both cloud-native and on-premise systems to ensure minimal downtime and data loss.

Virtualization and Server Administration: Administer VMware vSphere and Windows Server environments, ensuring they are patched, secure, and configured for optimal performance.

Collaboration and Improvement: Work closely with development and security teams in a DevOps and DevSecOps culture to streamline workflows and implement continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines. Provide technical expertise and mentorship to junior staff.

System Intelligence and Machine Learning: Collaborate with data science teams to integrate intelligent agents and machine learning models for infrastructure optimization, capacity planning, and automated resource allocation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in a systems administration or similar role within an enterprise environment.
• Proven expertise in managing and administering cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure and/or Amazon Web Services (AWS).
• Strong experience with automation and scripting, particularly with PowerShell and/or Python.
• Experience with Microsoft Azure Entra ID, API Management, Front Door, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, Application Proxy Gateway, Data Gateway.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform.
• Hands-on experience with virtualization technologies, specifically VMware vSphere.
• Experience with containerization and orchestration platforms like Docker and Kubernetes.
• Familiarity with AIOps tools and principles for predictive analysis and automated monitoring.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365, Power Platform, Intune, MECM/SCCM.
• A foundational understanding of machine learning concepts, intelligent agents and their practical application in an IT infrastructure context.
• Solid understanding of modern networking concepts, including hybrid cloud connectivity, security groups, and load balancing.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory and modern identity management.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues and provide effective solutions.
• Relevant certifications are a strong plus, especially Azure Administrator Associate, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator, or VMware Certified Professional (VCP).
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience and certifications.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.