Computer Systems Engineer

Institute for Defense Analyses; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

Institute for Defense Analyses in the United States is seeking an experienced IT Systems Engineer to design, administer, and maintain multiple IT systems and servers. The role requires solving complex problems and ensuring security, availability, and performance across deployments.

You will mentor junior staff, document procedures, and coordinate with security directives. The position may require after-hours coverage and flexible scheduling to support critical operations.

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science or related field with 6+ years IT experience including systems administration.
• Or a high school diploma with 10+ years IT experience including systems administration.
• Experience designing, administering, and supporting computer systems and software.

Responsibilities

• Lead IT initiatives, provide project management docs, and mentor junior staff.
• Analyze systems and plan integration for new software with current infra.
• Build new physical and virtual servers per design specs.
• Ensure systems meet business and security requirements per directives.
• Prepare technical documentation, SOPs, and processes.
• Coordinate resources to resolve complex problems and outages.
• Administer and maintain classified/unclassified systems and services.
• Stay current with IT trends and suggest improvements.
• Communicate outages and issues to leadership and after-hours support as needed.

Skills

Advanced IT knowledge

SCCM

Windows deployment

Scripting

Project management

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

High school diploma + 10 years IT exp

Tools

Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager

Windows Deployment Server

PXE

McAfee EPO

Job description

With minimal supervision, this position designs, administers, and maintains multiple IT systems, servers and software. The incumbent is a seasoned professional, able to solve a diverse range of complex problems within their function. Responsibilities include maintaining systems functionality, availability, security, and performance, as well as scheduling, planning, and execution of system deployments and upgrades. Manages program and project implementations that make a significant contribution to the directorates goals and objectives. Partners with Lead Systems Engineers when multiple technologies are deployed. Mentors junior IT staff on system operations, ensuring compatibility and configuration standards are maintained. Ensures adherence to IT best practices and corporate IT practices and security policy. Due to the nature of this position, and the requirement for extended coverage, this position may be required to work hours outside of a regular schedule.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Manages the implementation of IT technology initiatives. Provides formal project management documentation and partners with junior staff to ensure the successful deployment and transition of operational support to junior administrators.
2. Conducts systems analyses and research to develop integration plans for new systems and software in order to ensure compatibility with the current IT infrastructure and changing technologies. Builds new physical and virtual servers to design specifications.
3. Ensures all systems meet of exceed the business and security requirements in accordance with IDA, DOW, NSA, DISA and DSS directives and guidelines.
4. Mentors junior staff on work assignments to ensure project schedules are maintained.
5. Prepares technical documentation, to include standard operating procedures and processes.
6. Develops resolutions to a diverse range of complex problems. Coordinates resources to resolve problems when necessary.
7. Administers and maintains classified and unclassified systems and services to ensuring optimum performance, availability, security and functionality.
8. Maintains technical proficiency in new IT technologies; keeps abreast of industry trends, and makes recommendations to improve or advance services and system performance.
9. Communicates all computer network, system and service problems and outages immediately to the Systems Engineering Supervisor and/or EITO Manager.
10. Responds to critical after hours support issues.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science or related field coupled with six years minimum experience in Information Technology, which includes at least four years in systems administration OR high school diploma with ten years minimum experience in Information Technology, which includes at least four years in systems administration.

• Possess advanced knowledge in designing, administering, and supporting computer systems, and software, preferably the Microsoft suite of enterprise software.
• Experience with Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager, Windows Deployment Server, PXE, Patch Management, application life cycle support, McAfee Enterprise Policy Orchestrator, McAfee endpoint products, HBSS, and scripting languages desired.
• Must be organized, self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form and with all levels of employees; possess good interpersonal skills.
• Project management experience desired
• * Must be willing to work hours outside of a regular schedule.
• * US citizenship is required
• Ability to obtain and maintain appropriate security clearances.
• This position requires that you have the ability to obtain and maintain the current DOW 8140 and/or 8570 certification or obtain relevant education substitution within 6 months of employment.

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $100,556 - $160,890. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.

U.S. Citizenship is required

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required

IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair recruiting process and working environment free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

IDA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/compliance-assistance/self-id-forms-video