Senior Systems Administrator (4521)

SMX; Patuxent Highland (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator in Patuxent Highland, MD. The role requires strong experience in network configuration, troubleshooting, and system administration. Qualified candidates must have over 10 years in relevant duties and a Top Secret clearance. The position offers a salary range of $105,000 to $175,000 USD and supports onsite operations at Patuxent River NAS.

Qualifications

• 10+ years performing the functional duties for this position.
• Interim Top Secret clearance required.
• Experience with Linux OS.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and support LAN, WAN, and Internet systems.
• Monitor network to ensure availability to users.
• Diagnose software and hardware failures.

Skills

Network configuration

Troubleshooting

System administration principles

Security measures implementation

Linux OS

Education

BS or BA degree in a Technical Discipline

Operating System certificate (Linux)

Tools

COMPTIA Security +

Job description

SMX is looking for a highly motivated Senior Systems Administrator with demonstrated experience to maintain the various systems used in a Software Development program. This position will provide onsite support at Patuxent River NAS in southern Maryland.

As the Systems Administrator, you will join a team of highly-driven, supportive, and skilled professionals engaged in supporting program management, technical, or business case analysis across the NAVAIR community.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and support an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system.
• Monitor network to ensure network availability to all system users.
• Assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination.
• Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems.
• Perform maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.
• Oversee the efforts of less senior staff and/or be responsible for the efforts of all staff assigned to a specific job.
• Optimize the functionality and performance of hardware and software systems.
• Implement and maintain backup and disaster recovery plans and capabilities.
• Plan for authorized service interruptions and outages.
• Respond to unexpected or unauthorized service interruptions and outages.
• Diagnose software and hardware failures to resolution.
• Implement and ensure security preventive measures are fully functioning.
• Test operating system and software upgrades, patches, and hot fixes.

Required Skills and Experience

• Clearance Required: Top Secret (An interim TS is required to start; will consider upgrading candidate from Secret).
• BS or BA degree in a Technical Discipline (High school diploma and 6 years’ additional experience within these functional duties; or an associate's degree and 4 additional years may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree).
• 10+ years performing the functional duties for this position.
• Operating System certificate (Linux) and COMPTIA Security + or other DOD INST 8570 compliant qualification.
• Knowledge of system administration principles, theories, and concepts.
• Experience with Linux OS.

Application Deadline: 12/8/2025

The proposed salary for this position is: $105,000 USD - $175,000 USD.

SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.

Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).