Sr. Systems Administrator

Aqua IT; Gaithersburg, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Aqua IT is seeking a senior systems administrator to lead and support secure Linux/Windows environments for DoD missions in Gaithersburg, MD. You will manage complex virtualization, automation, and patching per STIGs, while ensuring uptime and compliance.

The role requires active TS/SCI clearance, 8+ years of relevant experience or 6+ with a Master’s, and proficiency in Ansible, PowerShell, Bash, Python, and cloud Gov platforms.

Qualifications

• Requires US citizenship and active TS/SCI clearance for contract work.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, IT or related field with 8–12 years of 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 and Windows Server administration.
• Proficient with virtualization platforms (VMware, KVM) and management tools.
• Experience with automation and scripting (Ansible, Bash, PowerShell, Python).
• Familiarity with STIG compliance, system hardening, RMF processes, and ACAS scans.
• Strong enterprise networking, IAM, and storage concepts.
• Proven ability to lead systems projects and document outcomes.
• Experience supporting IC or DoD classified environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead system administration for Linux and Windows in secure, mission-critical environments.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and end-user issues while managing support tickets to resolution.
• Architect and manage complex server, storage, and virtualization infrastructure (VMware, KVM).
• Perform OS installation, configuration, hardening, and patching per DoD STIGs and agency policies.
• Monitor performance, perform root-cause analyses, and resolve complex issues quickly.
• 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 deployment of system enhancements and modernization for Chinook program.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, network, and software teams for compliance and performance.
• Participate in security audits, incident response, and operational readiness.

Skills

Linux admin

Windows admin

VMware

KVM

Ansible

PowerShell

Bash

Python

Security/STIG

RMF

Cloud GOV

Automation

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering/IT

Master’s degree (optional)

Tools

VMware

KVM

Git

Jenkins

Docker

ACAS

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.