System Administrator- Contingent

Ares Enterprise; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Ares Enterprise, LLC is seeking an experienced Advanced System Administrator to support Air Force Sensitive Compartmented Information (AFSCI) intelligence operations. You will lead full-lifecycle systems administration across sensitive networks and infrastructure to ensure high availability and mission success.

Ideal candidates will have DoD 8140/8570 baseline certifications, Top Secret/SCI clearance, and hands-on expertise with VMware, Windows Server, Active Directory, and STIG enforcement.

Qualifications

• Experience administering secure, classified enterprise networks.
• Ability to configure and troubleshoot AFSCI servers and endpoints.
• Experience with RMF artifact collection and STIG enforcement.
• Proven track record delivering high availability systems (99.9%).
• Active Top Secret / SCI clearance required before start date.
• DoD 8140/8570 baseline certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CASP+, CISSP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, configure, and troubleshoot AFSCI servers, workstations, switches, routers, and peripheral equipment.
• Ensure 99.9% monthly system and service availability across AFSCI networks and enclaves.
• Enforce STIGs and secure configuration baselines across systems.
• Support RMF processes by collecting, generating, and maintaining security artifacts.
• Provide Tier 2/3 incident support and account management for AFSCI users.

Skills

System administration

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field

Tools

VMware

Windows Server

Active Directory

Switch/Router administration

Job description

Description

We are seeking an experienced Advanced System Administrator to support Air Force Sensitive Compartmented Information (AFSCI) intelligence and threat analysis operations. In this role, you will lead and perform full-lifecycle systems administration, operations, and maintenance across sensitive networks, servers, workstations, and network infrastructure to ensure high availability, compliance, and mission success.

Requirements

• System Operations & Maintenance: Maintain, configure, and troubleshoot AFSCI servers, workstations, switches, routers, and peripheral equipment.
• System Availability: Ensure 99.9% monthly system and service availability across supported AFSCI networks and enclaves.
• Patching & Compliance: Execute server and client management, regular OS and software patching, Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) enforcement, and secure configuration baselines.
• RMF & Artifact Collection: Support the Risk Management Framework (RMF) process by collecting, generating, and maintaining technical artifacts required for security accreditation packages and future IT modernization projects.
• Issue Resolution: Interface with external organizations, government leads, and vendor support teams to resolve complex technical issues outside local control.
• End-User & Field Support: Provide Tier 2/Tier 3 technical support, incident troubleshooting, and account management for AFSCI users.

Minimum Requirements

• Clearance: Active Top Secret / SCI clearance prior to start date.
• DCWF Role Alignment: Meets qualifications for DCWF System Administrator (451) – Advanced.
• Certifications:
• Active DoD 8140 / 8570 baseline certification for privileged access (e.g., Security+ CE, CASP+, CISSP, or equivalent).
• Technical computing environment certification (e.g., VMware Certified Professional, Microsoft Certified/Windows Server, or Red Hat Enterprise Linux).
• Experience:
• Proven experience administering secure, classified enterprise networks and infrastructure.
• Hands-on experience with STIG implementation, vulnerability management, and RMF artifact generation.
• Strong expertise with server virtualizations (VMware), Windows Server environments, Active Directory, and network switch/router administration.
• Education: Relevant Bachelor's degree with combined years of specialized systems administration experience (or equivalent combination of education, technical training, and experience).

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced experience with virtualization platforms (VMware Horizon / VDI), storage networks (SAN/NAS), and backup recovery systems.
• Familiarity with DoD/Air Force cybersecurity compliance systems (e.g., eMASS, ACAS).
• Prior experience supporting public sector, defense, or intelligence agency operational environments.

About Ares Enterprise

Ares Enterprise, LLC is a Woman-Owned Small Business delivering innovative information technology solutions and professional services to Federal Government customers. Our capabilities include enterprise IT operations, cybersecurity, cloud modernization, application development, IT service management, and mission-focused technology solutions.

We seek experienced professionals who combine technical expertise, leadership, accountability, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to our government customers.

Ares Enterprise is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment in accordance with applicable employment laws.