Network Administrator (SDA)

Trace Systems Inc.; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Trace Systems Inc. seeks an experienced Network Administrator (SDA) to support on-site operations at Scott AFB, IL. The role requires an active US Government secret clearance and a DoD-8570 IAT Level II certification.

You will monitor, troubleshoot, and restore services across transport and IP networks, perform real-time failovers, and support incident management within a high-visibility NOC. You will mentor junior staff, maintain CMDB accuracy, and participate in change management and

Qualifications

• Active secret clearance with ability to obtain Top-Secret.
• US Citizenship is required.
• DoD-8570 IAT Level II certification 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, Cisco/Juniper, MPLS.
• General understanding of IP and DWDM networks.

Responsibilities

• Execute network operations: monitor, troubleshoot, and analyze traffic across transport and IP networks.
• Perform real-time failovers and service restoration during outages.
• Provide incident detection, correlation, escalation, and resolution support.
• Maintain situational awareness and communicate interruptions to leadership and customers.
• Support change management and configuration tasks: upgrades, patches, hardware replacements, ASI.
• Record incident lifecycle in CMDB and use management systems for documentation.
• Mentor junior staff and drive process improvements within the NOC.
• Apply expert knowledge in routers, switches, MPLS, DWDM, VPN, firewalls, and Cisco/Juniper.

Skills

Network monitoring

Troubleshooting

Service restoration

24/7 operations

Mentorship

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Cisco

Juniper

MPLS

DWDM

Firewalls

IDS/IPS

VPN

Promina

MSPP

Job description

Job Overview

Job Title: Network Administrator (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 Development 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).

Responsible for performing and training team members on the following duties:

• Execute network operations, including monitoring, troubleshooting, and analysis of customer traffic across transport and IP infrastructures supporting MDA 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 $54,000 to $85,000, 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.
• 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.

Trace Systems

Trace Systems Inc. was founded to support and defend our nation's security interests at home and abroad––whenever and wherever. We provide enterprise IT, engineering, full life-cycle communications, cybersecurity, cloud and virtualization services and solutions to the United States Department of Defense and other federal agencies.

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