Senior Systems Administrator/Helpdesk Engineer

Jobtailor; Arizona; On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in the United States is seeking a senior system administrator to lead Linux and Windows environments in secure, mission-critical settings.

You will architect complex virtualization, implement DoD STIGs, and drive automation using Ansible, PowerShell, and Bash, while coordinating with cybersecurity and network teams to ensure compliance and performance.

Qualifications

• Lead system administration for Linux and Windows-based systems in secure, mission-critical environments.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and end-user issues while serving as primary IT support contact, managing support tickets through resolution.
• Architect and manage complex server, storage, and virtualization infrastructure (VMware, KVM).
• Perform OS installation, configuration, hardening, and patching in compliance with DoD STIGs and agency policies.
• Monitor and tune system performance, conduct root cause analysis, and resolve complex issues quickly and efficiently.
• Support backup/recovery strategies, disaster recovery plans, and continuity of operations.
• Oversee and maintain automation scripts and infrastructure as code (Ansible, PowerShell, Bash, etc.).
• Maintain system documentation, configuration baselines, and support CM and RM activities.
• Lead and support deployment of system enhancements and modernization initiatives for Chinook program.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, network engineering, and software development teams to ensure system compliance and performance.
• Participate in security audits, incident response, and operational readiness activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead system administration for Linux and Windows-based systems in secure, mission-critical environments.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and end-user issues while serving as primary IT support contact, managing support tickets through resolution.
• Architect and manage complex server, storage, and virtualization infrastructure (VMware, KVM).
• Perform OS installation, configuration, hardening, and patching in compliance with DoD STIGs and agency policies.
• Monitor and tune system performance, conduct root cause analysis, and resolve complex issues quickly and efficiently.
• Support backup/recovery strategies, disaster recovery plans, and continuity of operations.
• Oversee automation scripts and infrastructure as code (Ansible, PowerShell, Bash).
• Maintain system documentation, baselines, CM/RM activities.
• Lead deployment of system enhancements and modernization for Chinook program.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, network engineering, and software teams to ensure compliance and performance.
• Participate in security audits, incident response, and operational readiness.

Skills

Linux System Administration

Windows Server Administration

Virtualization

Automation and Scripting

DoD 8570 Certification

Cloud Platforms

Enterprise Networking

Identity/Access Management

Storage Concepts

Root Cause Analysis

Backup and Recovery

Incident Response

Security Audits

Troubleshooting

Customer Service

Project Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related discipline

Master's degree in a related field

Job description

• Lead system administration for Linux and Windows-based systems in secure, mission-critical environments


• Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and end-user technical issues while serving as a primary IT support contact, managing support tickets through resolution, and delivering responsive customer service


• Architect and manage complex server, storage, and virtualization infrastructure (VMware, KVM)


• Perform OS installation, configuration, hardening, and patching in compliance with DoD STIGs and agency policies


• Monitor and tune system performance, conduct root cause analysis, and resolve complex issues quickly and efficiently


• Support backup/recovery strategies, disaster recovery plans, and continuity of operations


• Oversee and maintain automation scripts and infrastructure as code (Ansible, PowerShell, Bash, etc.)


• Maintain system documentation, configuration baselines, and support CM and RM activities


• Lead and support deployment of system enhancements and modernization initiatives for Chinook program


• Collaborate with cybersecurity, network engineering, and software development teams to ensure system compliance and performance


• Participate in security audits, incident response, and operational readiness activities.

Requirements

• US citizenship is required per contract


• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related discipline and 8-12 years of prior relevant experience or Master's with 6-10 years of prior relevant experience


• DoD 8570 IAT Level II or III certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CASP+, CISSP)


• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government) and hybrid cloud environments


• Experience with Linux (Red Hat Enterprise Linux or CentOS) and Windows Server platform system administration


• Proficiency with virtualization platforms (VMware, KVM) and management tools


• Experience with automation and scripting (Ansible, Bash, PowerShell, Python)


• Familiarity with STIG compliance, system hardening, ACAS scans, and RMF processes


• Strong understanding of enterprise networking, identity/access management, and storage concepts


• Proven ability to troubleshoot, document, and lead systems-related projects independently


• Experience supporting IC or DoD classified environments.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in system administration for Linux and Windows environments, with a strong focus on compliance with DoD STIGs and effective management of virtualization infrastructure. Proficient in automation and scripting, ensuring system performance and security in mission-critical settings.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Linux System Administration


• Windows Server Administration


• Virtualization (VMware, KVM)


• Automation and Scripting (Ansible, PowerShell, Bash)


• DoD 8570 IAT Level II or III Certification

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• System Hardening


• OS Installation and Configuration


• Root Cause Analysis


• Backup and Recovery Strategies


• Cloud Platforms (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government)


• Enterprise Networking


• Identity/Access Management


• Storage Concepts


• Incident Response


• Security Audits

Soft Skills

• Customer Service


• Problem Solving


• Project Leadership


• Collaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

• Security+ CE


• CASP+


• CISSP

Industry Keywords

• DoD Compliance


• STIG Compliance


• RMF Processes


• IC Environments


• Mission-Critical Systems

Tools & Technologies

• Ansible


• PowerShell


• Bash


• VMware


• KVM