System Administrator II

Socket.dev; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

401(k) + Benefits

Competitive compensation

Training & development

Office snacks

Collaborative culture

Work-life balance

Job summary

Trace3 is hiring a System Administrator II for its Federal/State/Local practice in Colorado Springs. The role ensures availability and security of IT infra across on-prem and cloud environments, supporting Windows/Linux, AD, virtualization, storage, backups, and cloud services.

You will work with engineering and cybersecurity teams in regulated settings to sustain mission-critical operations. The position requires a BS in IT/CS or equivalent, 3–5 years’ hands-on sysadmin experience, Security+

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of hands-on system administration experience supporting Windows and/or Linux environments.
• Experience supporting enterprise infrastructure (Active Directory, VMware, cloud services, storage, backups, etc.).
• Knowledge of cybersecurity practices, STIG/SCC tools, and vulnerability remediation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance (Secret or higher as required).
• Security+ Certification required.
• Experience supporting federal, state, local, or DoD client environments.
• Familiarity with RMF, NIST 800-53, CMMC, or FedRAMP compliance frameworks.
• Microsoft, VMware, AWS, or Azure technical certifications (MCSA/MCSE, VCP, AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator, etc.).
• Experience with automation/scripting (PowerShell, Bash, Python).
• Experience with configuration management (Ansible, SCCM/MECM, Chef, or Puppet).

Responsibilities

• Administer, configure, and maintain Windows and/or Linux servers in production, staging, and development environments.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting of system, network, and application issues.
• Monitor system performance, availability, and capacity; recommend and implement optimizations.
• Manage patching, updates, and server lifecycle tasks according to government security and compliance requirements.
• Support Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and identity management.
• Administer virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware vSphere/ESXi, Hyper-V).
• Manage storage systems, backup/recovery tools, and disaster recovery procedures.
• Support cloud environments (Azure, AWS, GCC High) including provisioning, monitoring, and policy enforcement.
• Implement and maintain security baselines, STIGs, IAVA updates, and hardening activities.
• Conduct vulnerability scanning, remediation, and documentation as required by client compliance frameworks.
• Assist with audit preparation and continuous monitoring under NIST, FedRAMP, CMMC, RMF, or agency-specific controls.
• Ensure proper logging, encryption, access controls, and incident response support.
• Provide Tier II/III support for escalated service desk tickets and operational issues.
• Create and maintain system documentation, runbooks, and standard operating procedures.
• Support onboarding of new systems, services, and technologies.
• Collaborate with network engineering, cybersecurity, and cloud engineering teams to resolve cross-functional issues.
• Participate in technical planning and deployment of infrastructure improvement projects.
• Interface with government clients, program managers, and stakeholders to gather requirements and provide status updates.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies, tools, and automation opportunities to improve environments.

Skills

System administration

Windows/Linux

Security practices

US government clearance

Security+ Certification

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS

Tools

VMware vSphere/ESXi

Hyper-V

Azure

AWS

Job description

Who is Trace3?

Trace3 is a leading Transformative IT Authority, providing unique technology solutions and consulting services to our clients. Equipped with elite engineering and dynamic innovation, we empower IT executives and their organizations to achieve competitive advantage through a process of Integrate, Automate, Innovate.

Our culture at Trace3 embodies the spirit of a startup with the advantage of a scalable business. Employees can grow their career and have fun while doing it!

Trace3 is headquartered in Irvine, California. We employ more than 1,200 people all over the United States. Our major field office locations include Denver, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, Lexington, Los Angeles, Louisville, Texas, San Francisco.

Ready to discover the possibilities that live in technology?

Come Join Us!

Street-Smart - Thriving in Dynamic Times

We are flexible and resilient in a fast-changing environment. We continuously innovate and drive constructive change while keeping a focus on the “big picture.” We exercise sound business judgment in making high-quality decisions in a timely and cost-effective manner. We are highly creative and can dig deep within ourselves to find positive solutions to different problems.

Juice - The “Stuff” it takes to be a Needle Mover

We get things done and drive results. We lead without a title, empowering others through a can-do attitude. We look forward to the goal, mentally mapping out every checkpoint on the pathway to success, and visualizing what the final destination looks and feels like.

Teamwork - Humble, Hungry and Smart

We are humble individuals who understand how our job impacts the company's mission. We treat others with respect, admit mistakes, give credit where it’s due and demonstrate transparency. We “bring the weather” by exhibiting positive leadership and solution-focused thinking. We hug people in their trials, struggles, and failures – not just their success. We appreciate the individuality of the people around us.

JOB SUMMARY:

The System Administrator II provides advanced system administration, maintenance, and support for government clients within Trace3’s Federal, State, and Local practice. This role ensures the availability, performance, and security of IT infrastructure across on-premises and cloud environments. The administrator will manage and troubleshoot systems, implement security controls, support compliance requirements, and collaborate with engineering and cybersecurity teams to sustain mission-critical operations. This position requires strong technical expertise, customer engagement skills, and the ability to work within regulated environments.

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Systems Administration & Maintenance

• Administer, configure, and maintain Windows and/or Linux servers in production, staging, and development environments.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting of system, network, and application issues.
• Monitor system performance, availability, and capacity; recommend and implement optimizations.
• Manage patching, updates, and server lifecycle tasks according to government security and compliance requirements.

Infrastructure Operations

• Support Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and identity management.
• Administer virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware vSphere/ESXi, Hyper-V).
• Manage storage systems, backup/recovery tools, and disaster recovery procedures.
• Support cloud environments (Azure, AWS, GCC High) including provisioning, monitoring, and policy enforcement.

Security & Compliance

• Implement and maintain security baselines, STIGs, IAVA updates, and hardening activities.
• Conduct vulnerability scanning, remediation, and documentation as required by client compliance frameworks.
• Assist with audit preparation and continuous monitoring under NIST, FedRAMP, CMMC, RMF, or agency-specific controls.
• Ensure proper logging, encryption, access controls, and incident response support.

Operational Support

• Provide Tier II/III support for escalated service desk tickets and operational issues.
• Create and maintain system documentation, runbooks, and standard operating procedures.
• Support onboarding of new systems, services, and technologies.
• Collaborate with network engineering, cybersecurity, and cloud engineering teams to resolve cross-functional issues.

Project & Customer Engagement

• Participate in technical planning and deployment of infrastructure improvement projects.
• Interface with government clients, program managers, and stakeholders to gather requirements and provide status updates.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies, tools, and automation opportunities to improve environments.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of hands‑on system administration experience supporting Windows and/or Linux environments.
• Experience supporting enterprise infrastructure (Active Directory, VMware, cloud services, storage, backups, etc.).
• Knowledge of cybersecurity practices, STIG/SCC tools, and vulnerability remediation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance (Secret or higher as required).
• Security+ Certification required.
• Experience supporting federal, state, local, or DoD client environments.
• Familiarity with RMF, NIST 800‑53, CMMC, or FedRAMP compliance frameworks.
• Microsoft, VMware, AWS, or Azure technical certifications (MCSA/MCSE, VCP, AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator, etc.).
• Experience with automation/scripting (PowerShell, Bash, Python).
• Experience with configuration management (Ansible, SCCM/MECM, Chef, or Puppet).

EDUCATION: Bachelors with 5+ or Master with 3+ Years of Experience

LOCATION: Full Time/ On-Site in Colorado Springs, CO

CLEARANCE REQUIRMENT: Secret

DOD 8570 REQUIREMENT: IAT - Level II

SALARY RANGE: $110,000 to $120,000

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Operate a computer, keyboard, and other office equipment using hands and fingers.
• Communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and through electronic means.
• Occasionally move about the office to access files, office equipment, and meeting spaces.
• Lift and/or move up to 15 pounds as needed.
• Maintain specific vision abilities, including close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position is performed within a secure, classified workspace. Employees must comply with all applicable security protocols and access control procedures, including restrictions on personal electronic devices and the handling of sensitive information.

Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors, including location, experience, skill set, performance, licensure and certification, and business needs. The range for this position in other geographic locations may differ. Certain positions may also be eligible for variable incentive compensation, such as bonuses or commissions, that is not included in the base salary.

Estimated Pay Range

$110,000 — $120,000 USD

The Perks

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match, 529 College Savings Plan, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability
• Competitive Compensation
• Training and development programs
• Major offices stocked with snacks and beverages
• Collaborative and cool culture
• Work-life balance and generous paid time off

Our Commitment

At the core of Trace3's DNA is our people. We are a diverse group of talented individuals who understand the importance of teamwork and demonstrating leadership, character, and passion in all that we do.

We’re committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to grow. We recognize that embracing diversity drives innovation, improves outcomes, fosters collaboration, boosts teammate satisfaction, and builds a more inclusive culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Trace3 bases all employment decisions based on individual qualifications, merit, and business requirements. We do not engage in discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Any demographic information provided is strictly voluntary, kept confidential in accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations, and will not be used in employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, or mentorship programs. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process or participate in an interview, please email [e-mail].