System Administrator

Independent Software, Inc.; Ellicott City (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing training and mentorship

Generous benefits

Work-life balance

Job summary

Independent Software, Inc. is looking for a Systems Administrator in Ellicott City, MD. This role supports secure, mission-critical infrastructure in mixed Linux and Windows environments. Responsibilities include deploying and managing Linux systems, automation with tools like Ansible, and supporting cloud infrastructure. Candidates should have experience in Linux system administration and hold a bachelor’s degree in a technical field. A DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification is required. Enjoy competitive compensation and benefits in a collaborative culture.

Qualifications

• Experience with scripting and automation tools.
• Understanding of SSP compliance and requirements.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Deploy, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux systems.
• Support containerized environments and virtualization.
• Administer and maintain KVM virtualization environments.
• Develop automation solutions using Ansible and scripting languages.
• Troubleshoot system and infrastructure-related issues.

Skills

Administering Linux systems

Scripting and automation using Bash, Perl, Python

Supporting enterprise storage management

KVM virtualization technologies

Configuration management and automation tools such as Ansible or SALT

Supporting cloud infrastructure and AWS environments

FreeIPA administration and integration

Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills

Written and verbal communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline

Job description

What You Will Do

At Independent Software, as a Systems Administrator, all levels, you will support secure, mission‑critical infrastructure across Linux and mixed Linux/Windows enterprise environments. This role supports a wide range of operational systems including virtualized infrastructure, containerized platforms, cloud‑hosted environments, and automated system administration solutions supporting DoD and Intelligence Community missions.

Depending on experience level, you will assist with or lead system administration, troubleshooting, automation, virtualization, compliance support, and operational sustainment activities across complex enterprise environments. This position is ideal for candidates who enjoy working hands‑on with Linux systems, automation tools, virtualization platforms, and secure operational environments while supporting highly available mission systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Deploy, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux‑based enterprise systems
• Support containerized environments and virtualization platforms
• Support enterprise storage management and operational sustainment activities
• Administer and maintain KVM virtualization environments
• Develop and maintain automation solutions using Ansible, SALT, and scripting languages such as Bash, Perl, or Python
• Support cloud‑hosted infrastructure and AWS‑based environments
• Configure and maintain FreeIPA within enterprise Linux environments
• Support system hardening, patching, upgrades, and lifecycle management activities
• Maintain compliance with SSP documentation and STE/STN security requirements
• Troubleshoot system, application, network, virtualization, and infrastructure‑related issues
• Support operational monitoring, system reliability, and performance optimization
• Develop and maintain technical documentation and operational procedures
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and security teams to support mission requirements
• Participate in on‑call support and maintenance activities as required

Required Skills And Qualifications

• Experience administering Linux systems in enterprise or operational environments
• Experience with scripting and automation using Bash, Perl, Python, or similar languages
• Experience supporting enterprise storage management solutions
• Experience with KVM virtualization technologies
• Experience with configuration management and automation tools such as Ansible or SALT
• Experience supporting cloud infrastructure and AWS environments
• Experience with FreeIPA administration and integration
• Understanding of SSP compliance and STE/STN support requirements
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within operational teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Education And Experience

• Level 0 (SA0): No demonstrated Systems Administrator experience is required. Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of Systems Administrator experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.
• Level 1 (SA1): Five (5) years of experience as a Systems Administrator supporting programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required. Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of additional Systems Administrator experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.
• Level 2 (SA2): Ten (10) years of experience as a Systems Administrator supporting programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required. Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of additional Systems Administrator experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.
• Level 3 (SA3): Fifteen (15) years of experience as a Systems Administrator supporting programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required. Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of additional Systems Administrator experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting secure DoD or Intelligence Community systems
• Experience supporting highly available enterprise Linux environments
• Experience supporting operational or mission‑critical infrastructure
• Experience with enterprise monitoring and performance tuning
• Experience supporting mixed‑platform enterprise environments

Certifications

• A DoD 8570 IAT Level II baseline certification is required

Clearance Requirement

• Must possess an active TS SCI with appropriate Polygraph to be considered for this role

Why Choose Independent Software

At Independent Software, our people are the mission. We’ve built a company around collaboration, integrity, and innovation and we make sure our team has the tools and support to grow, succeed, and thrive.

When You Join Us, You Will

• Support critical national security missions that matter
• Be part of a close‑knit, employee‑first culture where your voice is heard
• Expand your skills through ongoing training, mentorship, and career development
• Enjoy competitive compensation, generous benefits, and work‑life balance

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.