Senior System Administrator

Socket.dev; California (MO); On-site; USD 97,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

Inversion seeks an experienced System Administrator to support mission-critical IT infrastructure within a defense contracting setting. The role emphasizes cloud services, Windows and Linux administration, and secure, compliant operations in controlled environments.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in virtualization, containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and strong networking knowledge, with the ability to follow structured change processes and pursue robust security practices.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in defense, federal, or other highly secure environments.
• Expertise in virtualization technologies and cloud platforms.
• Strong knowledge of networking protocols, routing, switching, and secure network design.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles, secure configuration, and compliance standards common in defense contracts.
• Proficiency in Windows and Linux administration.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work within structured processes and controlled change environments.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Manage cloud services (AWS, Azure, or GCP) including provisioning, monitoring, and cost control aligned with program requirements.
• Experience managing, maintaining, and optimizing Windows and Linux (RHEL preferred) environments.
• Experience with containerized environments i.e. Docker and Kubernetes
• Configure, maintain, and secure network devices, firewalls, VPNs, and segmented networks used in controlled environments.
• Conduct system patching, updates, hardening, and continuous monitoring to meet security and compliance standards.
• Implement and maintain technical controls aligned with ITAR, NIST, DFARS frameworks.
• Assist with identity and access management, including privileged access workflows.
• Troubleshoot system, network, and application issues to ensure continuity of operations.
• Support disaster recovery planning, contingency procedures, and backup strategies for mission assurance.
• Collaborate with security, compliance, and engineering teams to ensure system readiness.

Skills

5+ years experience

Defense/federal environment

Virtualization

Cloud platforms

Networking design

Cybersecurity basics

Windows & Linux admin

Troubleshooting & documentation

Structured change processes

U.S. government security clearance

Tools

PowerShell

Bash

Ansible

Terraform

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth

Who We Are:

Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space. Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform — one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach. Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds. Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space-based defense and logistics.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced System Administrator to support mission‑critical IT infrastructure within a defense contracting environment. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in cloud technologies relevant to a regulated environment. Having a strong comprehension of security, compliance, and operational requirements common to defense and government settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage cloud services (AWS, Azure, or GCP) including provisioning, monitoring, and cost control aligned with program requirements.
• Experience managing, maintaining, and optimizing Windows and Linux (RHEL preferred) environments.
• Experience with containerized environments i.e. Docker and Kubernetes
• Configure, maintain, and secure network devices, firewalls, VPNs, and segmented networks used in controlled environments.
• Conduct system patching, updates, hardening, and continuous monitoring to meet security and compliance standards.
• Implement and maintain technical controls aligned with frameworks commonly used in defense contracting (e.g., ITAR, NIST, DFARS)
• Assist with identity and access management, including privileged access workflows.
• Troubleshoot system, network, and application issues to ensure continuity of operations.
• Support disaster recovery planning, contingency procedures, and backup strategies required for mission assurance.
• Collaborate with security, compliance, and engineering teams to ensure system readiness and adherence to program requirements.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• 5 plus years of experience in comparable environments
• Professional experience supporting systems within defense, federal, or other highly secure environments.
• Expertise in virtualization technologies and cloud platforms.
• Strong knowledge of networking protocols, routing, switching, and secure network design.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles, secure configuration, and compliance standards common in defense contracts.
• Proficiency in Windows and Linux administration.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work within structured processes and controlled change environments.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting systems tied to government programs or regulated technical environments.
• Familiarity with automation tools such as PowerShell, Bash, Ansible, or Terraform.
• Relevant certifications such as AWS Dev Ops, AWS Solutions Architect, Google Professional Cloud Architect, Azure DevOps, Azure Solutions Architect.
• Relevant security certifications would be a plus.

Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.

California annual base salary for this role is currently $97,000 - $154,000. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job‑related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.

ITAR Compliance:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Inversion collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a US Job Applicant see the CCPA Privacy Policy Notice for further details.