Senior Windows Server Administrator

Archer; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Archer, in collaboration with Planet Technologies, seeks a Windows Server & Database Administrator for an on-site role in Albuquerque, NM. The senior- level position requires TS/DOE Q clearance and extensive Windows Server, AD, and SQL Server expertise to support highly secure environments.

The role encompasses design, deployment, and ongoing operations across enterprise infrastructure, virtualization, and cybersecurity hardening, with leadership responsibilities and collaboration with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering with 10+ years in Windows Server/admin and enterprise infra support.
• Minimum of 5 years of enterprise database administration experience.
• Experience in secure, government, or energy-sector environments is preferred.
• Active Top Secret clearance and DOE Q clearance at time of hire are required.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, administer, and maintain enterprise Windows Server environments.
• Manage Active Directory services including GPOs, DNS, DHCP, and certificates.
• Configure and maintain Windows Server OS for performance and security.
• Administer server environments across security domains and perform patching/lifecycle management.
• Develop and enforce server hardening per federal cybersecurity requirements.

Skills

Windows Server

Active Directory

Group Policy

DNS/DHCP

Microsoft SQL Server

PowerShell

Backup & Recovery

virtualization

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IS/Engineering

Job description

Archer is collaborating with Planet Technologies to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role. Planet Technologies, the Nation’s leading Microsoft services provider to the public sector, is looking for a highly motivated individual to join our growing team as Windows Server & Database Administrator. In this role, you will be supporting impactful projects that make a difference for our country. This position serves as senior technical resource responsible for the design, implementation, administration, security, performance, and maintenance of Windows-based server environments and enterprise database systems. It requires deep expertise in Microsoft Windows Server technologies, Active Directory, virtualization platforms, database administration, cybersecurity best practices, and systems integration within classified environments. The ideal candidate will possess strong troubleshooting capabilities, the ability to lead complex technical initiatives, and experience supporting highly available and secure enterprise systems. This position is based on site, full time in Albuquerque, NM.

Responsibilities

Windows Server Administration

• Design, implement, administer, and maintain enterprise Windows Server environments.
• Manage Active Directory services, including Group Policy Objects (GPOs), DNS, DHCP, Federation Services, and certificate services.
• Configure, monitor, and maintain Windows Server operating systems, ensuring optimal system performance and availability.
• Administer Microsoft Windows Server environments across multiple security domains.
• Perform server installations, upgrades, patching, and lifecycle management activities.
• Develop and maintain server hardening standards in accordance with federal cybersecurity requirements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve advanced operating system, network, and application issues.
• Implement and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity solutions.

Database Administration

• Install, configure, administer, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server and other enterprise database platforms as required.
• Monitor database performance and implement tuning strategies to optimize system efficiency.
• Develop and execute backup, recovery, and disaster recovery plans.
• Perform database security administration, including user access controls, permissions management, and auditing.
• Conduct database migrations, upgrades, and patch management activities.Monitor database health and proactively mitigate performance and availability risks.
• Ensure database environments comply with applicable security and governance requirements.

Infrastructure & Security Management

• Support enterprise virtualization environments utilizing VMware, Hyper‑V, or similar technologies.
• Implement and maintain cybersecurity controls consistent with NIST, DoD, DOE, and federal security requirements.
• Perform vulnerability remediation, security hardening, and compliance reporting activities.
• Manage system monitoring tools and perform root cause analysis on infrastructure events.
• Support incident response, forensic investigations, and system recovery efforts when necessary.
• Maintain secure system configurations and documentation for classified and sensitive environments.

Technical Leadership

• Serve as a senior technical advisor for infrastructure modernization and optimization initiatives.
• Lead system deployments, upgrades, migrations, and integration efforts.
• Develop architecture recommendations and strategic infrastructure roadmaps.
• Mentor junior administrators and provide technical guidance to project teams.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, networking, application, and engineering teams to ensure mission success.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, standard operating procedures, and system diagrams.

Qualifications

• Ability to hold and maintain an active Top Secret (TS) clearance and DOE Q Clearance at time of hire.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, with 10 years of progressively responsible experience in Windows Server administration and enterprise infrastructure support.
• Minimum of 5 years of database administration experience supporting enterprise-class environments.
• Expert-level knowledge of:
  • Microsoft Windows Server
  • Active Directory
  • Group Policy
  • DNS/DHCP
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • PowerShell scripting
  • Enterprise backup and recovery solutions
• Experience supporting secure government, defense, national security, or energy-sector environments.
• Experience implementing cybersecurity controls and security hardening practices.
• Strong understanding of virtualization technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex system, database, and infrastructure issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DoD), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), or other federal agencies.
• Experience operating in classified computing environments.
• Experience with cloud technologies including Microsoft Azure Government or hybrid architectures.
• Knowledge of Storage Area Networks (SAN), enterprise storage platforms, and high-availability solutions.
• Experience with configuration management and automation tools.
• Familiarity with Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and federal compliance frameworks.

Preferred Certifications

• Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• Microsoft Certified: SQL Server Certification
• CompTIA Security+
• CISSP
• VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
• ITIL Foundation

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Advanced systems administration expertise
• Advanced database administration skills
• Exceptional analytical and troubleshooting capabilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently within highly secure environments
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders