System Administrator

Cryptic Vector; Springboro (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Bonus

401(k) contribution

Paid time off

Flexible hours

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Cryptic Vector is seeking a hands-on System Administrator to support mission-critical, classified programs. You will manage Linux/Windows, Docker services, virtualization, GitLab, and Azure, while ensuring security and compliance in air-gapped environments.

The role requires a TS clearance with SCI eligibility, experience with containerized systems, and strong scripting abilities. This on-site position offers competitive pay and benefits in the Washington, DC area and surrounding regions.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience managing Docker-based applications in production.
• Strong Linux and Windows system administration skills.
• Current TS security clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Experience administering air-gapped classified networks.
• Hands-on Bash, Python, and PowerShell scripting.
• Experience configuring Kerberos and enterprise IAM/security.
• Familiarity with SSH and secure configuration practices.
• Security+ certification or ability to obtain it.

Responsibilities

• Manage Docker-based services and containerized apps in secure production environments.
• Deploy, patch, monitor, and troubleshoot virtualized systems in classified environments.
• Maintain and monitor service health; proactively identify issues.
• Plan monthly OS, app, and infra patching with minimal mission impact.
• Develop and test backup/recovery strategies for critical systems.
• Administer GitLab repos, access, CI/CD pipelines, runners, and health.
• Maintain Azure environments and integration points across SDLC.
• Perform auditing, logging, and compliance monitoring for security requirements.
• Support high-side mission systems and air-gapped networks.
• Collaborate with users to understand objectives and resolve issues.
• Stay current with DevSecOps practices and automation improvements.

Skills

Docker-based apps

Linux admin

Windows admin

Scripting (Bash, PowerShell, Python)

Network administration

TS security clearance

Air-gapped networks

PKI/cryptography concepts

Kerberos

SSH/IAM/Safe configs

Security+ certification

Tools

GitLab

Azure

Job description

Description

At Cryptic Vector, we are dedicated to mission success. We take the time to understand our customers' needs, delivering products that perform when our nation needs them most. We understand that properly supporting the most unique missions of the United States government requires the nation’s best. Our focus is on creating a culture where the best and brightest want to grow, learn, and stay. If coming up with out-of-the-box solutions is your specialty, then you’ll feel right at home at Cryptic Vector.

We are solving the country’s most unique problems in an environment where problem solvers and hard workers thrive. We've replaced corporate red tape with transparency and servant leadership. Honestly, it’s hard not to love this culture!

System Administrator

Cryptic Vector is seeking a sharp, hands-on System Administrator to support mission-critical applications for classified programs. You will play a key role in keeping high-stakes, high-side systems reliable and secure — managing Linux and Windows servers, virtualization platforms, Docker-based services, directory services, networking infrastructure, and endpoint compliance — so our teams can execute mission-essential classified programs without interruption or compromise.

We need an organized, proactive team player who thrives on taking full ownership of complex, secure environments. If you excel in fast-paced, high-security settings and want real responsibility supporting national defense programs, this role is for you.

Responsibilities

• Manage Docker-based services and containerized applications across secure production environments.
• Deploy, administer, patch, monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot virtualized applications and systems across classified environments.
• Maintain system services and monitor service health, proactively identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving availability, performance, and reliability issues.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute monthly operating system, application, and infrastructure patching and maintenance activities while minimizing impact to mission operations.
• Develop, implement, execute, and monitor backup and recovery strategies for mission-critical systems and applications, including validating backup integrity and supporting restoration and disaster recovery activities.
• Administer and maintain GitLab environments, including repositories, user access and permissions, CI/CD pipelines, runners, integrations, upgrades, and platform health.
• Administer and maintain Azure environments, including GitLab repositories, pipelines, access controls, integrations, and supporting services used throughout the secure software development lifecycle.
• Perform system- and application-level auditing, logging, and compliance monitoring to meet customer security requirements.
• Support high-side mission systems and air-gapped classified networks in secure environments.
• Work hands-on with users to understand objectives, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate on effective technical solutions.
• Stay current with system administration, automation, security, and DevSecOps technologies and implement improvements that enhance the performance, reliability, maintainability, and security of program systems and applications.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience managing Docker-based applications and containerized environments in production.
• Strong Linux and Windows system administration skills.
• Current active Top Secret (TS) security clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Experience administering and supporting air-gapped classified networks and systems.
• Hands-on experience with Ubiquiti and Cisco networking equipment and associated network management software.
• Proficiency with Bash, Python, PowerShell, and other scripting or automation languages.
• Working knowledge of PKI and cryptographic principles, with hands-on experience implementing and maintaining PKI-based security solutions.
• Experience configuring, administering, and troubleshooting Kerberos authentication in enterprise environments.
• Familiarity with SSH, access control policies, identity and access management, and secure configuration best practices.
• Security+ certification or ability to obtain certification.

Benefits & Perks

As an Employee First company, we offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package:

• 100% company-paid medical insurance for employees
• 100% company-paid dental and vision insurance
• Competitive salary and bonus
• 25% 401(k) company contribution
• Generous PTO, parental leave, bereavement leave, and volunteer time
• Flexible work hours

Tuition reimbursement, training allowance, and internal mobility opportunities

This role requires use of technical data subject to U.S. Government contract restrictions, therefore this posting is only for U.S. Citizens.

Cryptic Vector is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.