Supervisor, Computer Systems Administration

Institute for Defense Analyses; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 133,000 - 213,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Diverse health insurance options

10% retirement contribution

20 days paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is seeking a Supervisor of Computer Systems Administration located at its Center for Communications Research in Princeton, New Jersey. This role involves managing computing systems operations and overseeing a team of IT professionals. Responsibilities include ensuring system security, facilitating upgrades, and performing performance appraisals.

IDAs offers competitive salary and benefits including 100% paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement, emphasizing a mission-oriented work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in UNIX and Windows system administration.
• Experience supervising a team including performance reviews and coaching.
• Expertise in installing, configuring, and upgrading Linux and Windows operating systems.
• Familiarity with NIST 800-37 and 800-53.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of computing systems.
• Coordinate software and hardware upgrades for computing systems.
• Develop and ensure compliance with security requirements.
• Oversee IT personnel and conduct performance appraisals.

Skills

UNIX and Windows system administration

LAN and WAN configuration

shell programming

Python

Perl

HTML

interpersonal communication

Education

BS in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Overview

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) has an immediate career opening for a Supervisor of Computer Systems Administration. This position is located at IDA's Center for Communications Research in Princeton, New Jersey (CCR‑P). The role involves managing day‑to‑day operations of computing systems, evaluating, updating, and maintaining CCR‑P’s computing systems, overseeing systems administration, troubleshooting, and user support.

Primary Responsibilities

• Participate with the IT Manager and Network Supervisor in evaluating and defining the overall CCR‑P computing systems and network environment considering user requirements, cost, and security implications to ensure high availability and usability of all CCR‑P computing systems; provide input for computer systems budget planning.
• Plan for, identify, and coordinate the integration of software and hardware upgrades to CCR‑P computing systems; work with and advise management on ordering new servers and system configurations; develop test and implementation plans for new hardware or software; ensure configurations are compatible with existing systems, networking, remote access capabilities, and configuration management guidelines; coordinate installations of new research and administrative systems.
• Work closely with the ISSM to develop, maintain, and ensure compliance with security requirements, and compatibility with configuration management and disaster recovery procedures for mission‑critical business applications; maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of computer security requirements.
• Oversee the research and response to problem reports; work closely with Systems Administrators to resolve them.
• Review and revise procedures for IT personnel relating to software configuration and shutdown/reboot procedures.
• Plan for and coordinate appropriate staffing levels and schedule assignments to ensure coverage as needed to support computer users; supervise the systems administration group of the IT staff.
• Conduct annual performance appraisals of direct reports; interview and recommend candidates for hire in those areas.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Minimum Requirements / Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in UNIX and Windows system administration.
• BS in Computer Science or related field.
• Experience supervising a team (performance reviews, coaching, counseling, and disciplining).
• Extensive experience with LAN and WAN configuration and performance analyses.
• High competence in shell programming, Python, Perl, and HTML.
• Experience installing, configuring, and upgrading Linux and Windows operating systems.
• Familiarity with NIST 800‑37 and 800‑53.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all levels of personnel.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all levels of personnel.
• Ability to obtain necessary security clearances; U.S. citizenship is required.

Why Work at IDA?

Competitive salary and benefits, including diverse health insurance options, a generous 10% contribution to retirement, 6 weeks 100% paid parental leave, and 20 days paid time off. Mission‑oriented work at a non‑profit that supports and protects our Nation’s warfighters; non‑profit employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL). Professional development includes tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings.

Compensation

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data‑driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $133,000–$213,000. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.

IDA is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to a fair recruiting process and a discrimination‑free workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. IDA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If a medical condition or disability requires an accommodation for any part of the application process or to perform essential functions of the position, please indicate your request in an email to [e-mail].