Senior Systems Administrator/Helpdesk Engineer

Leidos; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator/Help Desk Engineer to support the Chinook Agile software development program for an Intelligence Community customer. The role focuses on stability, security, and performance of Linux/Windows environments, virtualization, automation, and collaboration with DevSecOps and cybersecurity teams.

The position requires Top Secret/SCI clearance, DoD STIG/RMF experience, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, classified environment, with shifts starting

Qualifications

• US citizenship required.
• Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering/IT with 8–12 years of relevant experience or Master’s with 6–10 years.
• 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 (RHEL/CentOS) and Windows Server administration.
• Proficiency with virtualization (VMware, KVM) and management tools.
• Experience with automation and scripting (Ansible, Bash, PowerShell, Python).
• Familiarity with STIG, RMF, and security processes.
• Strong understanding of enterprise networking, identity/access management, and storage concepts.
• Experience in IC or DoD classified environments.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Linux administration

Windows Server

VMware

KVM

Ansible

PowerShell

Bash

Python

STIG/RMF compliance

Cloud capabilities (Gov)

Automation

Scripting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering/IT

Master’s degree

Tools

Docker

Git

Jenkins

Job description

Are you ready to be the technical backbone of a mission that matters? Leidos is seeking a highly motivated Senior Systems Administrator/Help Desk Engineer to support a cutting-edge Agile software development program, Chinook, for an Intelligence Community customer. In this critical role, you’ll ensure the stability, security, and performance of the environments that enable mission users and Agile teams to deliver capabilities that directly support national security. As a trusted technical expert, you’ll do more than troubleshoot systems, you’ll solve complex challenges, optimize infrastructure, support cloud and on-premises environments, and provide exceptional customer service to users operating in fast-paced, mission-critical settings. Working side-by-side with software engineers, DevSecOps specialists, cybersecurity professionals, and customer stakeholders, you’ll play a key role in maintaining reliable operations while continuously improving the user experience. If you’re energized by solving technical problems, collaborating with high-performing Agile teams, and making a tangible impact through technology, you’ll find an exciting opportunity to grow your career while supporting some of the nation’s most important missions. This position requires deep technical expertise, proactive leadership, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, classified environment. You will lead systems operations, and ensure availability, reliability, and security of infrastructure supporting geospatial analytics, software development, and data services. Candidate will need to commit to covering the morning shift starting at 6 AM EST or covering the evening shift working until 10 PM EST. Position may be performed in the following locations below. Please note Gaithersburg, MD is the program’s primary work location.

• Gaithersburg, MD
• Alexandria, VA
• Chantilly, VA
• Englewood, CO
• St. Louis, MO
• Tucson, AZ

Clearance Level Required

Active Top Secret/SCI with the ability to successfully pass a Polygraph examination.

Primary Responsibilities

• 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.

Basic Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting our customer or GEOINT missions.
• Familiarity with DevOps tools and pipelines (Git, Jenkins, Docker, etc.).
• Knowledge of enterprise backup solutions, DNS, DHCP, Active Directory, and PKI.

#Chinook

#NSBA

Pay Range

Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.