Sr. Systems Administrator

Aqua IT; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Aqua IT in Gaithersburg, MD seeks a senior System Administrator to lead Linux/Windows administration in secure DoD environments. You will diagnose issues, manage tickets, and architect complex virtualization and storage infrastructures with VMware and KVM.

You will install, harden, and patch OSs in line with STIGs, monitor performance, and drive DR planning. Collaborating with cyber, network, and development teams, you will contribute to security audits, incident response, and operational

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance required and US citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree 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 clouds.
• Experience with Linux and Windows Server administration.
• Proficient in virtualization (VMware, KVM) and management tools.
• Automation and scripting experience (Ansible, Bash, PowerShell, Python).
• Familiarity with STIG, RMF, ACAS, and enterprise networking.

Responsibilities

• Lead system administration for Linux and Windows-based systems in secure environments.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and end-user issues while managing support tickets.
• Architect and manage complex 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 complex issues.
• Support backup/recovery strategies, DR plans, and continuity of operations.
• Oversee automation scripts and infrastructure as code (Ansible, PowerShell, Bash).
• Maintain system documentation, baselines, and CM/RM activities.
• Lead deployments of system enhancements and modernization for Chinook program.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, network, and software teams to ensure compliance.

Skills

System administration

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Engineering/Information Technology

DoD 8570 IAT Level II or III certification

Tools

VMware

KVM

Ansible

PowerShell

Bash

Python

AWS GovCloud

Azure Government

ACAS

RMF

STIG

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.

Basic Qualifications:

• US citizenship is required per contract with an ACTIVE TS/SCI clearance.
• 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.