Service Desk Systems Administrator / Space Programs

Peraton; New Mexico; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is seeking a Service Desk Systems Administrator to support NASA’s SENSE contract. You will install, configure, and maintain Windows, Linux, and macOS systems, manage user accounts and permissions, and assist with security and network troubleshooting on government systems at White Sands/NM.

The role requires DoD Secret clearance eligibility, US citizenship, and the ability to access government worksites.

Qualifications

• Education/Experience - degree in engineering, CS, IT or related technical discipline with related experience in Information Security/IT infra.
• Basic knowledge of Windows, Linux, or macOS operating systems.
• Familiarity with Active Directory, user account management, permissions.
• Basic knowledge of virtual machines and hypervisors (ESXi/Hyper-V).
• Experience with hardware setup, troubleshooting, and basic IT support.
• Basic knowledge of cyber security concepts.
• Some scripting experience (PowerShell, Bash, Python) is a plus.
• US citizenship and DoD Secret clearance eligibility.
• Must be able to access government worksite.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS).
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, and network issues.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, and password resets.
• Support basic network troubleshooting (DNS, DHCP, VPN, firewall rules).
• Assist with data backup and recovery processes; monitor logs.
• Maintain documentation for system configurations and procedures; contribute to knowledge base.
• Provide first-level IT support and collaborate with senior staff.
• Pursue training and certifications to stay current with technology.

Skills

Windows

Linux

macOS

Active Directory

Virtualization

Scripting

US Citizenship

Security concepts

Education

DoD Secret clearance

Bachelor's degree in engineering/CS/IT

IT certifications (A+/Network+/Microsoft)

Tools

Ansible

PDQ

BigFix

Nessus

WSUS

Linux Repositories

Job description

Required Experience:

• Education/Experience - degree required in engineering, computer science, information technology or other related technical discipline and directly related experience Information Security and/or IT infrastructure as follows: BS/BA degree and 0 years’ experience, or AS/AA and 2 years’ experience.
• Basic knowledge of Windows, Linux, or macOS operating systems.
• Familiarity with Active Directory, user account management, and permissions.
• Basic knowledge of virtual machines and management of hypervisors: ESXi and/or Hyper-V.
• Experience with hardware setup, troubleshooting, and basic IT support.
• Basic knowledge of working with cyber (IT) security concepts.
• Some experience with scripting (PowerShell, Bash, or Python) is a plus.
• Security clearance - this position requires the candidate to be able to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance and to maintain the clearance thereafter.
• You must be a US Citizen and show proof of citizenship.
• Must be able to maintain ability to access government worksite.

Desired Experience:

• Active SECRET security clearance.
• Prior NASA experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience managing smartcard login on Windows or Linux systems.
• understanding of SSL/TLS certification management and implementation.
• Experience with automation tools such as Ansible, PDQ, or BigFix.
• Familiarity with Tenable Nessus tools
• Experience implementing or maintaining local WSUS and/or Linux Repositories servers.
• Any relevant IT certifications (CompTIA A+, Network+, Microsoft Certifications) are a plus but not required.

Peraton is seeking a Service Desk Systems Administratorto support NASA’s Space Exploration Network Services and Evolution (SENSE) contract. This position is located at the NASA White Sands Complex (WSC) inLas Cruces, NM.

Peraton is the prime contractor for NASA at the White Sands Complex (WSC) near Las Cruces, New Mexico. Operating here are two functionally identical satellite ground terminals: The White Sands Ground Terminal, and the Second TDRSS Ground Terminal. These ground terminals ensure uninterrupted communications between various ground stations, NASA’s orbiting fleet of Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS), customer spacecraft (satellites), and the computer systems that support such spacecraft. WSC serves as an interface for distributing satellite data to control centers and scientists who then use the daily influx of data to expand our ever-growing knowledge of the Earth and the universe.

This position will be responsible for:

• System Maintenance & Support: Assist in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS). Perform routine system updates, patches, and software installations. Troubleshoot hardware, software, and network-related issues.
• User Account Management: Create, modify, and manage user accounts, permissions, and access levels. Assist with password resets and account lockouts.
• Network & Security Support: Monitor system performance and network connectivity. Support basic network troubleshooting (DNS, DHCP, VPN, firewall rules). Ensure security compliance by following company policies and procedures.
• Backup & Recovery: Assist in data backup and recovery processes. Monitor system logs for issues and report incidents as needed.
• Documentation & Process Improvement: Maintain accurate documentation for system configurations and procedures. Help improve IT processes and contribute to knowledge base updates.
• Technical Support: Provide first-level support for internal employees regarding IT-related issues. Work closely with senior IT staff to resolve complex problems.
• Learning & Development: Stay up to date with emerging technologies and industry best practices. Participate in training sessions and gain relevant IT certifications.