Senior System Administrator

AV; Maryland; On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company matching

Paid holiday shutdown

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

AV is seeking a skilled System Administrator III to lead IT infrastructure management, ensuring high availability and security. The ideal candidate has extensive experience, particularly in large enterprises, and an active TS/SCI clearance.

This role involves hands-on design and implementation of server systems while mentoring junior staff and overseeing complex incident responses. Strong scripting skills in PowerShell or Python are a plus, allowing for process automation and system improvements.

AV offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits including medical and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 10–15 + years of experience in system administration.
• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph.
• Experience in large enterprise environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain IT infrastructure.
• Ensure security compliance and conduct audits.
• Provide Tier 3 operational support for incident resolution.
• Develop scripts for automation and improvement.

Skills

Server administration

Windows/Linux environments

Security compliance

Automation scripting (PowerShell, Python)

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

VMware

Bash

Python

Job description

Job Description

The System Administrator III is a senior technical contributor responsible for designing, implementing, securing, and maintaining the organization’s core IT infrastructure. This role provides Tier 3 support for complex incidents, leads infrastructure projects, mentors junior staff, and ensures high availability, performance, and security of critical systems.

Worker Type

Regular

Position Responsibilities

Infrastructure Design & Administration

• Design, install, configure, and maintain servers, virtualization platforms, storage, and core services (e.g., AD, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy).
• Manage and optimize virtualization environments (e.g., VMware, Nutanx, Hyper‑V, or similar) and related storage solutions (SAN/NAS).
• Administer Windows and/or Linux server environments, including patching, hardening, and lifecycle management.
• Implement and maintain monitoring, alerting, and logging systems to ensure reliability and performance.

Security & Compliance

• Implement and maintain security controls (OS hardening, access controls, patch management, endpoint security).
• Collaborate with security teams to support vulnerability management, incident response, and audits.
• Ensure systems comply with relevant standards and policies (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST, internal IT policies).
• Maintain backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies; perform regular DR tests.

Operational Support (Tier 3)

• Serve as the highest internal escalation point for complex infrastructure incidents and problems.
• Troubleshoot advanced issues involving servers, storage, virtualization, networking interactions, and authentication services.
• Perform root‑cause analysis for major incidents and implement long‑term corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, runbooks, and standard operating procedures.

Automation & Continuous Improvement

• Develop scripts and automation (e.g., PowerShell, Bash, Python, or configuration management tools) to streamline deployment, configuration, and maintenance.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies, tools, and processes to improve reliability, security, and efficiency.
• Lead or contribute to infrastructure modernization initiatives (e.g., cloud migration, identity modernization, endpoint management).

Collaboration & Leadership

• Lead and/or serve as technical SME on cross‑functional projects, upgrades, and new system implementations.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to System Administrator I/II and other IT staff.
• Collaborate closely with application, network, and security teams to deliver end‑to‑end solutions.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 10–15 + years of progressively responsible experience in system administration, with significant experience in medium to large enterprise environments.
• Demonstrated experience operating as a Tier 3 resource for complex infrastructure issues.
• An active TS/SCI with Polygraph.

Salary Range

$170,000 – $250,000. The AV pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors including, but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract‑specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity as well as alignment with market data.

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Regulation Act (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). Applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. 120.15 Some positions will require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown.

EEO Statement

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.