System Administrator, Level 1

Independent Software; Maryland; On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing training and mentorship

Competitive compensation

Generous benefits

Work-life balance

Job summary

Independent Software is seeking a System Administrator Level 1 to support mission-critical Linux environments for the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. This role involves maintaining and troubleshooting Linux systems while ensuring compliance with security requirements.

The ideal candidate will have experience in cloud platforms, containers, and enterprise security solutions. A Bachelor's degree plus five years' experience is required, or ten years of experience may substitute for education.

Qualifications

• Experience administering Linux systems in enterprise environments.
• Experience supporting cloud and containerized environments.
• Strong understanding of PKI, TLS, encryption technologies, and cryptographic policies.

Responsibilities

• Administer and troubleshoot Linux-based servers.
• Support containerized and cloud-hosted environments.
• Implement and maintain PKI and security requirements.

Skills

Experience administering Linux systems in enterprise environments

Experience supporting cloud and containerized environments

Experience with virtualization and storage management technologies

Experience configuring and troubleshooting IP networking and firewalls

Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline

Five years of experience as a System Administrator

Ten years of System Administrator experience may substitute for degree

Tools

Linux systems

Cloud platforms

Containers

Virtualization technologies

IP networking and firewalls

Job description

What You Will Do

As a System Administrator Level 1 at Independent Software, you will support mission‑critical Linux environments within secure Department of Defense and Intelligence Community networks. You will be responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting Linux systems, supporting applications, managing infrastructure components, and ensuring compliance with security requirements in highly secure operational environments. This role offers the opportunity to work with modern technologies including cloud platforms, containers, virtualization, storage systems, networking, and enterprise security solutions while supporting critical national security missions.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux‑based servers and infrastructure.
• Support containerized and cloud‑hosted environments.
• Manage virtualization platforms and enterprise storage solutions.
• Configure and troubleshoot IP networking, routing, and firewall technologies.
• Support application deployments, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities.
• Implement and maintain PKI, TLS certificates, and enterprise cryptographic policies.
• Perform system patching, hardening, upgrades, and lifecycle management.
• Support SSP compliance activities and STE/STN requirements.
• Troubleshoot system, application, network, and infrastructure issues.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with engineering, security, and operations teams to support mission requirements.

Required Skills And Qualifications

• Experience administering Linux systems in enterprise environments.
• Experience supporting cloud and containerized environments.
• Experience with virtualization and storage management technologies.
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting IP networking and firewalls.
• Strong understanding of PKI, TLS, certificates, encryption technologies, and cryptographic policies.
• Experience supporting enterprise applications and performing system troubleshooting.
• Understanding of SSP compliance requirements and STE/STN support processes.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Education And Experience

• Five (5) years of experience as a System Administrator supporting programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline from an accredited college or university is required.

Additional Experience

• Ten (10) years of System Administrator experience supporting programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.

Certifications

• Must meet DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification.

Clearance Requirement

• Must possess an active TS SCI with appropriate Polygraph to be considered for this role.

When You Join Us, You Will

• Support critical national security missions that matter.
• Be part of a close‑knit, employee‑first culture where your voice is heard.
• Expand your skills through ongoing training, mentorship, and career development.
• Enjoy competitive compensation, generous benefits, and work‑life balance.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.