System Administrator

Nextgenfed; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Nextgenfed is seeking a highly skilled System Administrator to support programs with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) in Fort Meade, Maryland. This role involves providing engineering and operational support for mission-critical systems and enterprise infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with VMware and Linux, cloud environments, and automation tools while holding an active DOD Secret Clearance. Join a dynamic team working on high-availability solutions in a secure environment.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in systems engineering or enterprise infrastructure.
• 2+ years managing VMware vSphere environments.
• Understanding of RMF, STIGs, and DoD cybersecurity policies.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain enterprise systems infrastructure.
• Administer VMWare and Linux server environments.
• Support cloud-based platforms and ensure compliance with security requirements.

Skills

VMware management

Linux systems administration

Cloud environments (AWS, Azure)

Automation and scripting

Systems monitoring and performance management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or related field

Tools

PowerShell

Bash

Python

Ansible

Kubernetes

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled System Administrator to support a program with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). The ideal candidate will provide engineering, integration, administration, and operational support for enterprise infrastructure and mission‑critical systems in a secure environment.

This role requires a proactive engineer with experience in multiple of the following areas: systems architecture, virtualization, automation, cybersecurity compliance, and enterprise operations. The selected candidate will work closely with government stakeholders, cybersecurity teams, network engineers, and mission partners to ensure high availability, performance, and security across the environment.

Clearance: This position requires an active DOW/DoD Secret Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, maintain, and optimize enterprise systems infrastructure supporting software factory/environment operations
• Engineer and administer VMWare and Linux server environments in classified (IL6) and unclassified (IL5) networks
• Support cloud‑based platforms including AWS and Azure
• Develop and maintain system documentation, architecture diagrams, SOPs, and operational procedures
• Perform systems monitoring, troubleshooting, performance tuning, and root‑cause analysis
• Support patch management, STIG compliance, vulnerability remediation, and RMF activities
• Collaborate with cybersecurity personnel to ensure compliance with DoD security requirements
• Automate system administration and operational tasks using PowerShell, Bash, Python, or Ansible
• Support backup, disaster recovery, continuity of operations, and high‑availability solutions
• Participate in system upgrades, migrations, and technology refresh initiatives
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical strategy and process improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 4+ years of systems engineering or enterprise infrastructure experience supporting DOW/DoD or federal government environments
• 2+ years managing VMware vSphere environments, including ESXi hosts, vCenter, clusters, and VMs; familiarity with vMotion, Storage vMotion, HA, DRS, VM provisioning, snapshots, performance troubleshooting, and core VMware networking and storage concepts such as VMFS, VLANs, and distributed virtual switches
• Strong experience with:
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux
  • AWS and/or Azure cloud environments
  • Enterprise storage and backup technologies
  • Automation and scripting tools
  • Systems monitoring and performance management
• Understanding of RMF, STIGs, ACAS, and DoD cybersecurity policies
• Active Security+ CE or equivalent DoD 8570/8140 certification
• Active Secret clearance required
• Microsoft, Red Hat, VCP, or AWS certifications
• Experience with hybrid cloud environments and automation frameworks
• Knowledge of Kubernetes, containers, or modern platform engineering concepts
• Familiarity with DevSecOps methodologies and Infrastructure‑as‑Code
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently in fast‑paced mission environments
• Strong customer engagement and stakeholder coordination experience
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and operational deadlines

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities.