Systems Administrator

Applied Research Associates, Inc.; Albuquerque, Northern (NM, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership (ESOP)

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. seeks a System Administrator to support ISSM/ISSO in managing classified information systems under NISPOM and RMF frameworks. The role ensures continuous compliance with DCSA requirements and maintains Authority to Operate (ATO) for assigned systems.

Responsibilities include patch management, STIG/SCAP application, change control, and secure Windows/Linux administration, with a focus on incident reporting and RMF lifecycle activities.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of information technology experience.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility or commensurate clearance.
• Strong knowledge of Windows and/or Linux security hardening and STIG application.

Responsibilities

• Manage patching, account management, and STIG/SCAP compliance for classified systems.
• Ensure change management governs hardware and software modifications.
• Administer Windows and Linux environments; manage user accounts, permissions, and system services.
• Monitor system health and apply security updates.
• Maintain technical/configuration documentation and CM records.
• Implement and validate security controls per NIST SP 800-53 and CNSSI 1253.

Skills

Patch management

Windows/Linux security hardening

Change management

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity or related field

Tools

eMASS

RMF workflow tools

SCAP/STIG tooling

SIEM

Vulnerability scanners

STIG Viewer/SCAP

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

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.

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.

Behaviors

Thought Provoking

Capable of making others think deeply on a subject

Team Player

Works well as a member of a group

Detail Oriented

Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Dedicated

Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivations

Self-Starter

Inspired to perform without outside help

Goal Completion

Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks

Ability to Make an Impact

Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Education

Bachelors or better in Cybersecurity or related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.