Systems Administrator

ARA; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ARA is seeking a System Administrator in Albuquerque, NM to support ISSM/ISSO in managing classified information systems under NISP and RMF. You will ensure ongoing compliance with DCSA requirements and maintain an active Authority to Operate.

The role requires hands-on security work, including patching, STIGs/SCAPs, and configuration management for Windows and Linux environments. Strong documentation practices and incident reporting are essential to success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–4 years of information technology experience.
• Knowledgeable of 32 CFR Part 117 and the DAAG.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility or equivalent.
• Strong Windows and/or Linux security hardening.
• Experience with classified system configuration management and media control.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage patching, account administration, and system updates.
• Ensure changes follow approved change management processes.
• Administer Windows and Linux user accounts, permissions, and services.
• Monitor system health and apply patches and updates.
• Maintain technical and configuration documentation.
• Maintain configuration management records for hardware and software.
• Implement security controls per NIST SP 800-53 and STIGs.
• Report security incidents to the ISSM per requirements.
• Assess system changes for potential impact on authorization status.

Skills

Patch management

Account management

STIGs/SCAPs

Application updates

Hardware configuration

Troubleshooting

Windows security

Linux security

Change management

Documentation

NIST SP 800-53

Tools

eMASS

SCAP Tools

SCAP Viewer

Job description

The System Administrator supports the ISSM/ISSO in the management, operation, and compliance of classified information systems (IS) operating under the National Industrial Security Program (NISP). This role is governed by the requirements of 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM Rule) and the DCSA Assessment and Authorization Guide (DAAG), which implements the Risk Management Framework (RMF) for cleared contractor facilities. The SA serves as a hands‑on security practitioner responsible for the day‑to‑day security posture of assigned systems, ensuring continuous compliance with DCSA authorization requirements and maintaining a valid Authority to Operate (ATO).

Responsibilities

• Possessing sufficient experience and technical competence commensurate with the complexity of the systems to include patch management, account management, STIGs/SCAPs, application updates and installs, hardware configuration and troubleshooting
• Ensure all hardware and software additions, removals, and modifications follow approved change management processes
• Responsible for managing Windows and Linux environments user accounts, permissions, system services, storage resources, backups, and recovery operations.
• Monitor the health of the classified systems by applying patches and security updates
• Maintain accurate technical and configuration documentation.
• Maintain configuration management documentation for all hardware and software changes to classified systems
• Implement and validate security controls on classified systems per NIST SP 800-53, CNSSI 1253, and applicable STIGs.
• Report all security‑related incidents to the ISSM in accordance with 32 CFR Part 117 requirements
• Assess changes to assigned systems that could affect authorization status and notify the ISSM
• Assist and support the ISSM/ISSO in all the following tasks:
• Executing all phases of the RMF lifecycle: Prepare, Categorize, Select, Implement, Assess, Authorize, and Monitor to include decommission
• Development, maintenance, and continuous updating of Information Systems
• Conducting periodic assessments and continuous monitoring of authorized systems and providing the corrective actions for all identified findings and vulnerabilities

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2-4 years of experience in information technology,
• Demonstrated working knowledge of 32 CFR Part 117
• 18, the DCSA Assessment and Authorization Guide (DAAG), and NIST 800-series publications
• Active (or ability to obtain) Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility or clearance commensurate with the highest classification level processed on facility systems
• Strong technical knowledge of Windows and/or Linux security hardening, STIG application, network security fundamentals, and audit log management
• Experience with classified system configuration management, media control, and sanitization/destruction procedures
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Security+
• Prior cleared industry experience (DCSA, NSA, or IC)
• Experience with eMASS or equivalent RMF workflow tools, vulnerability scanners, SIEM/Auditing and STIG Viewer / SCAP compliance tool

Core Competencies

• Technical understanding of classified system security controls, network architecture, and risk management
• Knowledge of NISPOM and related CFRs, DAAG, NIST SPs, CNSSI directive
• Effective collaboration with the ISSM, ISSO, FSO, ITPSO, IT staff, and program managers
• Discretion and integrity in handling classified information and sensitive cybersecurity data
• Commitment to continuous professional development and staying current with evolving cybersecurity threats and DCSA guidance

Company Information

Who is ARA?

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee‑owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM in 1979, employs over 2200 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

Learn more about ARA and Our Core Values at

WHO WE ARE - ARA

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, opportunities and autonomy to take active roles as employee owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are expected to advance new capabilities to support company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The core values “Passion, Freedom, Service and Growth” and the motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sum up the ARA experience.

For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.