System Administrator (Azure)

Expression Networks; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k matching

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Education reimbursement

Life insurance

Generous PTO and holidays

Onsite gym access

Commuter Benefits Plan

Job summary

Expression Networks is seeking an experienced Systems Administrator to support Azure cloud operations for NTIA spectrum systems. The role requires handling Secret and Unclassified environments, with Hybrid on-site work in Washington, DC.

The ideal candidate holds an Azure Expert-level certification, DoD DNI credentials, and a strong background in STIGs, SIEM, and cross-domain data transfers. Collaboration in an Agile environment is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 10+ years in systems administration.
• Azure Expert-level certification or equivalent.
• DoD 8140 IAT Level II requirements.
• Experience with Azure monitoring, Log Analytics, SIEM.
• STIG compliance and security hardening experience.
• ATO/POA&M documentation experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain day-to-day Azure operations for Secret and Unclassified spectrum systems.
• Patch, backup validation, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Implement and maintain STIGs and remediate findings.
• Monitor Azure dashboards and Log Analytics for health and performance.
• Support ATO documentation and POA&M remediation.

Skills

Azure operations

Automation scripting

SIEM experience

Cost analysis

Incident response

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Azure Entra ID

Log Analytics

STIGs

POA&M remediation

Cross-Domain data transfer tool

SIPR networks

Job description

Expression is seeking an experienced Systems Administrator with expertise on Azure Cloud Operations to support the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Federal Spectrum Data Systems (FSDS) program within the Department of Commerce.

NTIA's Office of Spectrum Management manages electromagnetic spectrum use for the Federal Government and operates national security and unclassified systems used to assign frequencies, maintain spectrum-use databases, review Federal telecommunications systems, and perform spectrum engineering assessments. The FSDS program supports NTIA's modernization of its spectrum-management systems through improved technologies, architectures, automation, and interoperability.

The Systems Administrator will provide Azure cloud operations and maintenance support for Secret and Unclassified spectrum IT systems, helping maintain their security, availability, performance, recoverability, and operational functionality. The position will work across Azure Commercial, Government, and Secret cloud environments and support NTIA's transition of additional systems into production.

Clearance: Active Secret clearance required

Location: Hybrid/on-site up to 3 days per week, or as required for classified work, at the Herbert C. Hoover Building, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform day-to-day operations and maintenance of Azure environments supporting NTIA Secret and Unclassified spectrum systems.
• Perform system and application patching, backup validation and testing, account troubleshooting, licensing activities, scripting, and routine system administration.
• Implement and maintain applicable Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and support remediation of identified security findings.
• Monitor Azure dashboards to identify infrastructure health issues, application or system performance degradation, and site-wide alerts.
• Configure and maintain Azure Log Analytics Workspaces to support centralized log aggregation, alerting, dashboards, operational reporting, and troubleshooting.
• Support security-focused implementations and technical initiatives across Azure environments.
• Assist the Task Order security team with technical information and updates required to maintain Authority to Operate (ATO) documentation.
• Support POA&M remediation activities and resolution of identified vulnerabilities and security deficiencies.
• Utilize SIEM capabilities to collect, correlate, monitor, and analyze security events supporting threat detection, troubleshooting, and incident response.
• Apply cloud networking knowledge to troubleshoot connectivity and performance issues and support infrastructure enhancements.
• Operate and maintain authentication and authorization infrastructure, including Microsoft Entra ID, conditional access policies, Virtual Networks, and associated service infrastructure.
• Support Azure environment enhancements and configuration changes.
• Maintain data backups and recovery procedures for mission-critical systems and periodically validate recoverability.
• Support database and data-management activities associated with operational systems.
• Support operations across Azure Commercial, Government, and Secret cloud environments.
• Support data movement across security domains using the Azure Data Transfer Cross-Domain tool.
• Support classified systems and SIPR network operations as required.
• Conduct periodic Azure environment cost analysis and develop recommendations for cost optimization.
• Maintain operational functionality and availability for critical NTIA applications, including Spectrum XXI, IRACnet, FMRS, EL-CID Online, FWDP, and IQLink.
• Work independently and collaboratively within an Agile/Scrum environment to resolve incidents, implement changes, and sustain production services.
• Maintain accurate operational, configuration, security, and technical documentation.
• Contribute to required contractual reporting and technical deliverables.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a relevant field and 10+ years of systems administration experience.
• 5+ years of database and data-management experience.
• Azure Expert-level certification, such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated expertise supporting Azure Commercial, Government, and Secret cloud environments.
• Demonstrated expertise with the Azure Data Transfer Cross-Domain tool.
• Experience supporting SIPR networks and classified systems operations.
• Experience administering Microsoft Azure infrastructure and services.
• Experience with Microsoft Entra ID, authentication, authorization, conditional access, Virtual Networks, and related Azure service infrastructure.
• Experience with Azure monitoring, logging, alerting, and Log Analytics Workspaces.
• Experience performing patching, backup/recovery, vulnerability remediation, system troubleshooting, and security hardening.
• Experience implementing and maintaining STIG-compliant systems.
• Experience using SIEM technologies for security monitoring, event analysis, and incident-response support.
• Experience supporting ATO documentation and POA&M remediation activities.
• Experience with cloud networking and troubleshooting.
• Experience with scripting and systems-administration automation.

Certifications:

• Must satisfy DoD 8140 IAT Level II requirements.
• CompTIA Security+ certification required.
• Azure Expert-level certification, such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or equivalent.

Program Deliverables

The Systems Administrator may support preparation, maintenance, and technical inputs for:

• Weekly Activity Reports (WARs)
• Contract Monthly Reports (CMRs)
• Monthly Risk Matrix
• Interim Progress Review (IPR) briefing materials
• Monthly Vulnerability Scan Reports
• Quarterly Authentication/Authorization System Status Reports
• Monthly Configuration Management Logs from Git repositories
• Monthly System Availability & Reliability Reports
• Quarterly Environment Cost Analysis Reports with recommendations

Benefits:

Expression offers competitive salaries and benefits, such as:

• 401k matching
• PPO and HDHP medical/dental/vision insurance
• Education reimbursement
• Complimentary life insurance
• Generous PTO and holiday leave
• Onsite office gym access
• Commuter Benefits Plan

About Expression:

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Washington DC, Expression provides data fusion, data analytics, AI/ML, software engineering, information technology, and electromagnetic spectrum management solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of State, and national security community. Expression’s culture focuses on creating immediate and sustainable value for our clients via agile delivery of tailored solutions built through constant engagement with our clients. Expression was ranked #1 on the Washington Technology 2018's Fast 50 list of fastest-growing small business Government contractors and a Top 20 Big Data Solutions Provider by CIO Review.

We make sure to provide everyone with the tools and opportunities to grow while working on some of the newest technologies in the industry. We get excited about celebrating our professionals' milestones, accomplishments, promotions, overcoming challenges, and many other aspects that make an engaging collaborative environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Expression is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please submit your request to our Human Resources department through the application portal.