Senior AWS Windows Systems Administrator

VTG Defense; Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

VTG Defense seeks a Senior Windows Systems Administrator to deliver and support a COTS platform for a government customer in Springfield, VA. You will install and manage Windows servers within an AWS cloud, ensuring secure, high-availability operations.

Key duties include implementing security requirements with the ISSO, scripting for automation, troubleshooting Tier 2/3 issues, and maintaining backups and disaster recovery on a mission-critical platform.

Qualifications

• Senior-level Windows sysadmin experience with enterprise-scale COTS applications.
• Active Security+ or SecurityX certification.
• Scripting/automation experience in AWS environments.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with CI polygraph or eligibility.
• Experience with EC2, S3, IAM, VPC, CloudWatch and AD/DNS/DHCP concepts.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and manage Windows servers hosting the COTS platform.
• Administer Windows servers in the customer's AWS environment for availability and security.
• Implement security requirements with the ISSO and translate directives to configuration.
• Provide troubleshooting and support across Tier 2/3 for hosting environment.
• Develop automation scripts to optimize operational efficiency.
• Manage backups, disaster recovery, and security patching.
• Perform regular security assessments to stay compliant with federal frameworks.

Skills

Windows Server Administration

AWS Cloud

Security+ or SecurityX

TS/SCI clearance with CI polygraph

Scripting / Automation

Active Directory & DNS/DHCP

Problem-solving & analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related

Tools

AWS

CloudFormation

EC2

S3

IAM

VPC

CloudWatch

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Windows Systems Administrator to join our project team delivering and supporting a COTS platform for our government customer in Springfield, VA. This pivotal role focuses on the end-to-end installation, management, and optimization of the Windows-based servers hosting this platform within a secure Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud environment. The ideal candidate will ensure the platform's stability and performance through expert administration, proactive monitoring, and advanced Tier 2 and Tier 3 troubleshooting in a mission-critical setting.

What will you do?

• Support the installation, configuration, and management of the Windows servers specifically dedicated to hosting the delivered COTS platform.
• Administer and maintain Windows servers hosted within the customer's AWS environment, ensuring availability and secure operations for the COTS application.
• Collaborate closely with the Project Team ISSO to implement defined security requirements and translate security directives into technical configurations for the platform's hosting environment.
• Provide comprehensive support for the implementation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of the COTS platform and its supporting IT systems.
• Manage the platform's infrastructure and all associated processes, including configuration, security, and day-to-day operations.
• Monitor system health, resolve platform-specific operational problems, and conduct performance tuning to optimize COTS application efficiency.
• Serve as an escalation point for Tier 2 and Tier 3 problem identification, diagnosis, and resolution for the hosting environment.
• Install and load operating systems, the specific COTS software package and all required supporting software components.
• Isolate and resolve complex hardware and software problems involving the COTS application, operating systems, and cloud infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot, maintain integrity, and configure network components to enhance platform reliability and performance.
• Escalate issues and communicate platform status updates effectively to program management and customers.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts for routine administrative tasks to improve the operational efficiency of the platform.
• Implement and manage backup operations and disaster recovery plans.
• Conduct regular security assessments and apply necessary patches to ensure the platform remains compliant with federal security frameworks.

Do you have what it takes?

Required Qualifications

• Senior-level experience performing system administration tasks on Windows servers, specifically supporting enterprise-scale COTS applications.
• Active Security+ or SecurityX certification.
• Proven experience scripting or automating tasks within AWS cloud environments.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with CI polygraph (or eligible for polygraph).
• Experience with core AWS services including EC2, S3, IAM, VPC, and CloudWatch.
• Strong knowledge of Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, and DHCP as they relate to application hosting.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with security leads and support the A&A process and meet rigorous compliance and protection standards.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills specifically focused on complex software integrations.

Desired Experience and Qualifications

• Familiarity with configuration management tools like CloudFormation for automated platform deployment.
• Experience supporting DevOps processes for software delivery teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
• Experience performing system administration or IT-related tasks with US Intelligence Community customers.