Secure Cloud Systems Administrator – Cyber Defense Ops

Nightwing; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Nightwing in Arlington, Virginia is seeking a Cloud Systems Administrator to manage engagement kits for secure cloud-based operations. This role requires hands-on expertise to ensure system availability and performance, directly supporting cybersecurity initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience with cloud systems, especially AWS, and must possess U.S. Citizenship along with an active TS/SCI clearance.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship and active TS/SCI clearance required.
• 3+ years of experience administering cloud-based systems.
• Strong knowledge of Linux/Unix and Windows server administration.

Responsibilities

• Deploy and configure engagement kits following government approval.
• Apply updates, patches, and security configurations.
• Monitor system health and performance metrics.

Skills

Cloud-based systems administration

Linux/Unix administration

Windows server administration

Networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, VPN)

Problem-solving and troubleshooting

Documentation abilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or related field

Tools

AWS services (EC2, S3, RDS, VPC, CloudWatch)

Monitoring and logging tools

Job description

Arlington, VA

Full time

JR101665

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Nightwing is supporting a U.S. Government customer to provide rapid deployment and management of secure cloud-based engagement kits for cyber incident response and threat hunting operations. As part of the Engagement Support Services (ESS) contract, this program enables analysts to quickly access the tools and environments they need to investigate cyber threats affecting federal agencies, state and local governments, and critical infrastructure. Working on this team means directly supporting the nation's cybersecurity defenders by ensuring they have reliable, scalable, and secure cloud infrastructure available within hours of a cyber incident—helping protect America's digital infrastructure when it matters most.

Cloud Systems Administrators will manage day-to-day operations, maintenance, and health monitoring of Bespin cloud engagement kits. These positions require hands-on technical expertise to ensure system availability, security, and performance while providing real-time support to operational teams during critical missions.

Responsibilities:

• Deploy and configure engagement kits within required timelines following government approval

• Apply updates, patches, and security configurations to cloud infrastructure

• Monitor system health, performance metrics, and resource utilization

• Perform real-time troubleshooting and remediation during active operations

• Manage cloud resources including compute, storage, networking, and security services

• Ensure verified functionality of all tools, services, and environments per engagement parameters

• Maintain system documentation and configuration records

• Coordinate secure decommissioning and termination of engagement kits

• Support data archival processes and engagement closeout procedures

• Implement and maintain continuous monitoring solutions

• Respond to service outages and coordinate recovery efforts

• Manage user access, permissions, and identity management

Required Skills :

• U.S. Citizenship

• Musthavean activeTS/SCI clearance

• Must be able to obtain DHS Suitability

• 3+ years of experience administering cloud-based systems, preferably AWS

• Strong knowledge of Linux/Unix and Windows server administration

• Experience with AWS services including EC2, S3, RDS, VPC, and CloudWatch

• Understanding of networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, VPN, firewalls)

• Familiarity with security best practices and compliance requirements

• Experience with monitoring and logging tools

• Ability to work in fast-paced, mission-critical environments

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills

• Excellent documentation abilities

Desired Skills :

• Experience supporting incident response or cybersecurity operations

• Knowledge of configuration management tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef)

• Scripting experience (Python, Bash, PowerShell)

• Experience with backup and disaster recovery procedures

• Familiarity with ITIL or similar service management frameworks

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field,or High School diploma and 7+ years of directly relevant experience

Desired Certifications:

• AWS Certified SysOps Administrator or similar certification

Syndeo: ESS-3411, ESS-3412

Salary & Benefits

The salary associated with this position ($99,000-$206,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.

Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

Previously part of a leading Fortune 100 company and headquartered in Dulles, VA; Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation’s most mission impactful initiatives.

When we formed Nightwing, we brought a deep set of credentials and an unfaltering commitment to the mission. For over four decades, our team has been providing some of the world’s most technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence support services to the U.S. government on its most important missions.

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.