Infrastructure Engineer SME

Akima, LLC; Vandenberg AFB (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Lead IT Infrastructure Engineer to support the U.S. Space Force's mission-critical IT infrastructure. This role involves strategic leadership in designing and implementing secure infrastructure solutions, ensuring compliance with DoD cybersecurity standards and enhancing operational readiness. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in IT infrastructure within high-security environments and a strong technical background.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in IT infrastructure engineering or systems administration.
• Experience in DoD or highly secure, mission-critical environments.
• DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical authority for IT infrastructure architecture and cloud environments.
• Design and implement scalable infrastructure solutions for USSF.
• Manage virtualization platforms ensuring high availability.

Skills

Windows Servers

Linux Servers

Virtualization

Cybersecurity Compliance

Infrastructure Monitoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology

Job description

Lead and support the design, deployment, and sustainment of mission-critical IT infrastructure in support of the United States Space Force (USSF). The SME will provide expert-level guidance on enterprise systems, virtualization, storage, server management, and cloud integration within classified and unclassified environments. This role requires a deep understanding of modern infrastructure technologies, DoD cybersecurity compliance, and the ability to operate in fast-paced, mission-driven environments supporting national security space operations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical authority for IT infrastructure architecture, including servers, virtualization platforms, storage systems, cloud environments, and data center operations.
• Design and implement scalable, secure, and resilient infrastructure solutions that support USSF command-and-control systems, satellite operations, and mission support environments.
• Lead the planning and execution of system upgrades, technology refreshes, and infrastructure modernization efforts aligned with USSF objectives.
• Manage virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, Nutanix) and ensure high availability of virtual environments.
• Oversee storage systems (SAN/NAS), backup solutions, and disaster recovery architecture to support mission assurance.
• Support hybrid cloud or on-prem-to-cloud transitions involving platforms such as Azure, AWS, or DoD-specific cloud environments.
• Ensure infrastructure systems are compliant with DoD cybersecurity policies, including STIGs, RMF, IAVAs, and endpoint security standards.
• Collaborate with network, cybersecurity, comms, and software teams to support full lifecycle system integration and secure operations.
• Create and maintain system documentation, including architecture diagrams, SOPs, CM records, and system baselines.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership to cross-functional teams during deployments, incident response, and mission exercises.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Systems Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• TS/SCI with eligibility for Special Access Programs (SAP) and Special Access Requirements (SAR).
• 7+ years of experience in IT infrastructure engineering or systems administration, with at least 3 years in a lead or SME role
• Expert knowledge of Windows and/or Linux servers, virtualization, enterprise storage, and infrastructure monitoring
• Experience in DoD or highly secure, mission-critical environments
• DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification required. This ensures compliance with DoD Information Assurance workforce requirements for managing and protecting DoD IT systems. Acceptable certifications include:
  • CompTIA Security+ CE
  • CSA+
  • GSEC (GIAC Security Essentials Certification)
  • SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner)
  • Other certifications recognized by the DoD as meeting IAT Level II under DoD Directive 8570.01-M

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications such as:
  • VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
  • AWS Certified SysOps Administrator
  • CompTIA Linux+, Server+, or ITIL v4
  • Experience supporting USSF, USAF Space Command, or Space Operations Command (SpOC)

Job ID

2025-16658
Work Type

On-Site
Pay Range

$155,687 - $250,000
Company Description

Work Where it Matters

Akima Systems Engineering (ASE), an Akima company, is not just another federal systems support contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.

At ASE, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.

For our shareholders, ASE provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.

For our government customers, ASE delivers solutions in maritime IT, systems engineering, and integration across the Department of Defense and stands ready to help improve operational performance at a reasonable and sustainable cost.

As an ASE employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.