Junior Systems Administrator/Tier II Helpdesk Technician

APTNEXUS; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

APTNEXUS is seeking a Junior Systems Administrator / Tier II Helpdesk Technician for our on-site team in Rosslyn, VA. The role supports a Federal Government environment with a growth mindset and cross-system capabilities.

You will handle tickets, device provisioning, account administration, and basic security tooling while learning new enterprise tools. Onsite 5 days per week with Secret clearance required.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Information Systems/Computer Science/related field required or equivalent work/military experience.
• Security+ certification required; Microsoft certifications desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Respond to help desk tickets and provide technical assistance to end-users.
• Install, configure, and maintain hardware and software on end-user devices and peripherals.
• Image and configure new workstations and perform periodic refresh activities.
• Identify hardware problems and coordinate repairs.
• Manage user and system accounts in hybrid Active Directory/Entra ID environments with MFA.
• Learn and support tools like CrowdStrike, Qualys, PatchMyPC, and Microsoft 365 suite.
• Provide training and support to customers on hardware/software usage.
• Keep detailed records of support activities in SolarWinds Service Desk.
• Maintain inventory of hardware and software assets and ensure they are up to date.

Skills

Active Directory

Azure/Entra ID

Microsoft 365

End-user support

Troubleshooting

Customer service

Security awareness

Education

BS/BA in Information Systems/Computer Science/related field

Security+ certification

Tools

ManageEngine ADManager Plus

Okta

Intune

PIV/CAC

Microsoft 365 Admin Center

Job description

About APTNEXUS

Since our founding 2012, APTNEXUS has empowered federal agencies and commercial enterprises to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape. As a quality-driven small business, we specialize in the seamless delivery of IT modernization and elite cybersecurity solutions. We help our clients modernize and fortify their technology stacks —ensuring their most critical data and assets remain resilient, optimized, and secure in an evolving threat environment.

Clearance:

• Active Secret Clearance Required

Location:

• Rosslyn, VA

Work Schedule:

• Onsite 5 Days per week – Mandatory and not negotiable.

Position Overview:

As a Junior Systems Administrator / Tier II Helpdesk Technician, you will be a key member of our IT services contract team supporting a Federal Government Customer environment. This is a small team, and we are looking for a candidate with a growth mindset who is willing and able to learn and work across multiple systems and platforms. This team provides a wide range of services including help desk and deskside support along with account administration, workstation provisioning, and system maintenance. Your duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Respond to help desk tickets, troubleshoot hardware and software issues, and provide technical assistance to end-users.
• Install, configure, and maintain hardware and software on end-user devices such as laptops, printers, mobile devices, and other peripherals.
• Image and configure new workstations for new employees and periodic refresh activities along with complete office setup.
• Identify hardware problems and coordinate necessary repairs, such as replacing hard drives, motherboards, and memory.
• Create, manage, and troubleshoot issues related to user and system accounts in a hybrid Active Directory/Entra ID environment using tools such as ManageEngine ADManager Plus, to include management of mailboxes in Microsoft 365. This includes provisioning and troubleshooting Multi-Factor Authentication using PIV/CAC cards and other common methods (e.g., Okta, Microsoft Authenticator, Duo, etc.)
• Support and grow into working knowledge of additional enterprise security and endpoint management tools, including CrowdStrike, Qualys, and PatchMyPC, as well as the broader Microsoft 365 suite (Intune, Teams, Defender, etc.); prior hands-on experience with these specific tools is not required, but a willingness and ability to learn them is essential.
• Provide training and support to customers on how to use hardware and software effectively.
• Keep detailed records of support activities, including issues resolved, hardware and software installed, and troubleshoot steps taken via the SolarWinds Service Desk ticketing system.
• Maintain an inventory of all hardware and software assets and ensuring that they are up to date.

Education:

• BS/BA in Information Systems/Computer Science/related field. Equivalent work or military experience in technical field acceptable.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience with on-premise and cloud-based Microsoft products such as Azure/Entra ID, Exchange Admin Center for Mailbox Provisioning, Windows 11, InTune, Endpoint Manager, etc.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience with Active Directory and creation/management of end user accounts
• Minimum of 3 years of experience with Microsoft 365
• Experience with Active Directory account administration tools such as ManageEngine ADManager Plus, and familiarity with identity and MFA platforms such as Okta
• Demonstrated growth mindset and willingness to learn new tools and systems (e.g., CrowdStrike, Qualys, PatchMyPC); candidates who do not fully meet the experience minimums above but show strong aptitude and eagerness to learn are encouraged to apply
• Data center experience is a plus
• Federal government experience is mandatory
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask
• Certification:
• Security+ (required)
• One or both of the following current Microsoft certifications are desirable, but not required:
• Excellent, independent troubleshooting, research, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbal
• Excellent professionalism and customer service skills

The pay range for this role is:

75,000 - 90,000 USD per year (Arlington, VA)