Network Administrator I (SDA)

Trace Systems Inc.; Scott Air Force Base (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Trace Systems Inc. is seeking a Network Administrator I (SDA) to support Scott AFB, IL in a 24/7 NOC role. You will monitor, troubleshoot, and restore network services across SDA/DISA environments, performing failovers and coordinating with leadership and customers during outages.

The ideal candidate has an active Secret clearance, DoD-8570 IAT II certification, and at least 1 year of networking experience, with Cisco/Juniper expertise and DWDM knowledge.

Qualifications

• Active in-scope US Government-issued Secret clearance with the ability to obtain Top-Secret clearance.
• US Citizenship is required.
• Minimum 1 year of networking experience.
• DoD-8570 IAT Level II baseline certification required at start.
• Ability to work in a 24/7 operational environment with rotating shifts.
• Experience in network monitoring, troubleshooting, and service restoration.
• Experience in alarm surveillance, fault management, LAN maintenance or performance monitoring.
• Proficiency with routers, switches, routing protocols, Cisco, Juniper, MPLS.
• Understanding of IP and DWDM environments.

Responsibilities

• Execute network operations, including monitoring, troubleshooting, and analysis of traffic for SDA/DISA.
• Perform real-time failovers and normalization during outages to ensure service continuity.
• Provide incident detection, correlation, escalation, and resolution support.
• Maintain situational awareness and communicate interruptions to leadership and customers.
• Support change management and configuration tasks including upgrades and patching.
• Document incident lifecycles and maintain CMDB accuracy.
• Mentor junior staff and drive process improvements within the NOC.
• Apply expertise in routers, switches, VPNs, firewalls, IDS/IPS, and related platforms.

Skills

Network monitoring

Troubleshooting

Incident management

CMDB

Routers

Cisco

Juniper

MPLS

Education

High school diploma

DoD-8570 IAT Level II certification

Job description

Job Overview

Job Title: Network Administrator I (SDA)

Job Location: Scott AFB, IL

Job Responsibilities

Trace Systems is actively recruiting for an experienced and cleared Network Administrator to join our team on-site at Scott AFB, IL. This position supports the Space Defense Agency (SDA) and Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), providing 24/7/365 technical and operational support as part of a high‑visibility, mission‑critical Network Operations Center (NOC).

• Execute network operations, including monitoring, troubleshooting, and analysis of customer traffic across transport and IP infrastructures supporting SDA and DISA operations.
• Perform real‑time failovers and normalization of services and circuits during outages and maintenance windows to ensure service continuity.
• Provide incident detection, correlation, escalation, and resolution support in accordance with Tier I and Tier II NOC responsibilities.
• Maintain situational awareness and proactively communicate service interruptions and status updates to leadership, customers, and partner organizations.
• Support change management and configuration tasks including software upgrades, patching, hardware replacement, and ASI implementation.
• Use incident management and configuration management systems to document all incident lifecycle phases and maintain CMDB accuracy.
• Provide mentorship and training to junior staff, contribute to documentation updates, and drive process improvements within the NOC.
• Apply expert knowledge in one or more of the following technical areas: routers, switches, routing protocols, DWDM, video services, cryptographic devices, VPN, network taps, firewalls, IDS/IPS, Promina, MSPP, and Cisco/Juniper platforms.

The anticipated annualized compensation range for this role is $60,000 to $80,000, based on a full‑time schedule. Actual compensation within this range will be determined based on job‑related factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Minimum Qualifications

• Active, in‑scope US Government‑issued Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a Top‑Secret clearance.
• Due to the nature of the work and US Government requirements, US Citizenship is required.
• Minimum 1 year of networking experience.
• Must possess a DoD‑8570 IAT Level II baseline certification (e.g., Security+ CE or equivalent) at the time of start.
• Ability to work in a 24/7 operational environment, including rotating shifts.
• Demonstrated experience in network monitoring, troubleshooting, and service restoration.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: alarm surveillance, fault management, LAN maintenance, or performance monitoring.
• Proficiency in at least one of the following: routers, switches, routing protocols, Cisco, Juniper, MPLS.
• General understanding of network and transport topologies, including IP and DWDM environments.

Desired Qualification

• Experience in a Tech Control Facility (TCF) or Cyber Transport environment.
• Background in circuit actions and coordination with telecom vendors.
• Familiarity with IP architecture and network design principles.
• Experience working in a Telco Network Operations Center (NOC), including inside and outside plant operations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Outlook, Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Additional certifications are a plus, including:
• CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
• JNCIA‑Junos (Juniper Networks Certified Associate)
• F5 Networks Certified Technical Specialist
• ITILv4 (Information Technology Infrastructure Library, Version 4)

Education

• High school diploma

EEO Statement

Trace Systems is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.