Senior System Administrator - Defense Cloud & Security

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

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.