Systems Administrator

SMS Data Products Group, Inc.; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SMS Data Products Group, Inc. is seeking a System Administrator to support DoD infrastructure, including Windows Server, VMware ESXi, and storage systems. You will manage AD, backups, and security compliance, while creating documentation and environment diagrams for ongoing operations.

The role requires strong troubleshooting, written and verbal communication, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams; an active clearance and DoD experience are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Experience with Windows Server OS and roles (file/print, IIS, DHCP, SQL).
• VMware ESXi/vCenter enterprise environment experience.
• Experience with DoD environment and vulnerability remediation.
• Strong documentation and knowledge base writing skills.
• Active Secret clearance and DoD 8140 IAT-II certification.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain physical and virtual servers and peripherals per DoD standards.
• Administer Windows Server OS (2016/2019/2022) and roles including IIS, DHCP, SQL.
• Manage production environments using VMware ESXi/vCenter and AD Group Policy.
• Perform daily system monitoring and ensure hardware/server resource availability.
• Configure backups and retention policies; maintain documentation and diagrams.
• Apply DISA STIGs/SCAP tools for vulnerability scanning and remediation.
• Develop knowledge base articles and installation/environment diagrams.
• Respond to incidents via ticketing system and follow change control processes.
• Provide support for Windows 10/11 desktop systems.

Skills

Windows Server administration

VMware ESXi/vCenter

Active Directory

PowerShell

Networking concepts

Documentation

Education

Active Secret security clearance

DoD 8140 IAT-II certification

Tools

Commvault

Veritas backup

VMware ESXi

Microsoft Windows Server

PowerShell

Tenable Security Center

SolarWinds

Job description

The ideal candidate for the System Administrator position provides server hardware, SAN, operating system and application support to the DOD user community by administering and engineering a high performance and reliable infrastructure. Candidates should have experience in supporting large enterprise environments by administering and maintaining Microsoft operating systems servers, virtual environment and SAN systems. Create and maintain documentation to include rack diagrams, design documentation, processes/procedures, environment diagrams, etc.

Job Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain physical and virtual servers, hardware, and peripherals in accordance with project and DoD standards.
• Administer Microsoft Windows Server operating systems (2016/2019/2022) and manage roles such as file services, print services, IIS, DHCP, and SQL.
• Implement, manage, and support production environments using VMware ESXi/vCenter, Active Directory, and Group Policy.
• Perform daily system monitoring, verifying the integrity and availability of all hardware, server resources, systems, and key processes.
• Configure, support, and manage backup operations, including the creation and maintenance of backup policies and schedules.
• Conduct ongoing system maintenance, including service pack installations, hotfixes, and software upgrades.
• Use DISA STIGs and SCAP tools to perform vulnerability scanning, analysis, and remediation on all managed systems.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including installation procedures, environment diagrams, and knowledge base articles.
• Manage and respond to incidents and service requests using a ticketing system, adhering to established change and incident management policies.
• Provide technical support for Windows 10/11 desktop systems.

Required Experience / Skills

• Experience with Windows Server operating systems and manage roles such as file, print, web services (IIS), DHCP, SQL, etc.
• CommVault and Veritas backup software support and configuration.
• Experience supporting a VMware ESXi enterprise environment consisting of multiple sites and hosts.
• Experience with other industry virtualization hypervisors a plus.
• Experience working with Directory Resource Administration (DRA) software within a DoD environment.
• Experience configuring and implementing Windows Deployment Services in an enterprise environment.
• Excellent application integration troubleshooting skills and the ability to diagnose system problems.
• Ability to document the environment and maintain updates to baseline documentation.
• Ability to document knowledge base articles to provide solutions for known issues to other team members.
• Strong experience supporting Windows 10/11 desktop and Windows 2016, 2019 and 2022 server systems in a production environment.
• Experience working with 3rd party ticketing software in a support desk environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proven team building and leadership capabilities.
• Strong customer facing skills.
• Ability to establish a solid working relationship with the customer, technical staff, managers, peers and teaming partners.
• Experience with Juniper and Cisco networking technologies a plus.
• Knowledge of general networking concepts preferred.
• VMware certifications a plus (VCA, VCP, etc.).
• Knowledge of PowerShell and WMI is preferred.
• Knowledge of general data storage concepts preferred.
• Working knowledge of HPE 3PAR Storage systems a plus.
• Working knowledge of layer 2 and 3 network principles preferred.
• Experience supporting a DoD environment preferred.
• Microsoft certifications preferred.
• Experience with SolarWinds monitoring software preferred.
• Experience with Tenable Security Center a plus.
• Experience with DISA HBSS products a plus.

Qualifications / Certifications

• Applicant must possess refined critical thinking skills, should be a self-starter, may.
• Active Secret security clearance.
• Minimum DoD 8140 IAT-II certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+ CE).
• Strong experience supporting Windows Server (2016/2019/2022) and desktop (10/11) systems in a production environment.
• Proven experience with virtualization technologies, specifically VMware ESXi/vCenter Server.
• Experience with vulnerability scanning and remediation in a DoD environment.
• Excellent troubleshooting, communication, and customer-facing skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment.
• This position may require occasional after-hours call-ins for emergency response. Employees in this role must provide a personal cell phone number for contact purposes.
• Must be able to operate network test equipment, AV equipment, use power tools, and work at heights using ladders.

SMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.