Systems Administrator- *Security Clearance Required*

Signature Science, LLC; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A government contracting firm in Charlottesville, Virginia, seeks a Systems Administrator to support IT systems for external clients. The role requires expertise in configuring and maintaining servers, managing network systems, and ensuring compliance with security frameworks like RMF and NIST. Candidates should have strong communication skills, a Bachelor's degree in IT or related field, and a minimum of six years in an IT role. An active security clearance is preferred, along with various relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• Experience with RMF ICD-703, NIST SP 800-53, and NISPOM requirements.
• Familiarity with automation scripting tools.
• Knowledge of Zero Trust Architecture.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and configure servers and network systems.
• Document changes and solutions in a knowledge base.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert for technical issues.

Skills

Configuring IT systems

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Task management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology or related field

Six years of IT experience

Tools

Windows Core Services

VMware

Automation scripting (PowerShell, Python)

Job description

The Systems Administrator assists with and supports the planning, design, installation, implementation, and maintenance of servers, endpoint devices, and services operated exclusively on behalf of external clients.

• Configure, harden (STIG), operate, and maintain servers, desktops, and network systems to meet requirements defined in RMF ICD-703, NISPOM, NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53, and the DHS 4300 Sensitive Systems Handbook in support of assigned project(s).
• Maintain Active Directory Domain Services, DNS, DHCP and WSUS services for assigned project(s).
• Configure and maintain Windows Hyper‑V and VMWare vSphere hosts, clusters, and virtual servers for assigned project(s).
• Configure and maintain Microsoft SQL Server Always On Availability Cluster.
• Maintain enterprise backup solutions to ensure reliable backup and restoration of project servers.
• Update all firmware and software of all project systems in an offline environment.
• Anticipate, mitigate, and communicate any potential impacts of changes to ensure service availability.
• Design, quote, build and develop test plan procedures for new IT infrastructure or systems implementations for assigned project(s).
• Document all changes and solutions to problems in a centralized knowledge base.
• Maintain system and user documentation per Authority to Operate (ATO) requirements.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert to explain technical issues to customers and users.
• Conduct NESSUS scans, create checklists, and apply vulnerability remediations.
• Mange several custom applications, including patching and fixing with developer assistance if issues arise.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Experience configuring and maintaining IT systems required to meet RMF ICD-703, NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-171, DHS 4300 Sensitive Systems Handbook, and NISPOM requirements.
• In-depth knowledge of Windows Core Services (e.g., DNS, DHCP, AD DS, Kerberos, AD RMS/IRM, Hyper‑V, PKI/Certificates, FTP, IIS, etc.).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to enable efficient and effective exchanges with users and customers, producing clear and accurate documentation.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Preferred:

• Experience administering IT systems in classified environments and supporting systems with both classified and unclassified designations. Familiarity with VMware NSX or other network virtualization technologies.
• Experience with automation scripting (PowerShell, Python, etc.) for system administration tasks.
• Knowledge of Zero Trust Architecture principles and implementation.
• Experience with patch management and vulnerability scanning in offline or air‑gapped environments.
• Familiarity with cloud environments such as Azure Government or AWS GovCloud.
• Prior work supporting DoD, DHS, or Intelligence Community programs.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field required. Four years of professional IT experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of six years of experience working in an IT‑related role. If professional experience is substituted for education, a total of at least ten years of experience is required.

Certificates/Licenses:

• Required to possess (or obtain within 90 days of hire) a current and valid SecurityX (formerly CASP+) certification to comply with DoD 8140 requirements for the Systems Administrator (Advanced) Work Role. The following certifications will also meet the requirement: CCNP Security, CCSP, FITSP‑O, or GFACT.
• Preference will be given to candidates with an active and valid certification.

Clearance:

• Must be willing and able to successfully complete a background investigation for a security clearance and counterintelligence (CI) polygraph examination.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance preferred.

Working Conditions/Equipment:

• Primary work performed in an office environment; must be flexible to work nights and weekends as needed to meet deadlines.
• Must be able to safely lift and carry up to 50 lbs of IT equipment, including servers and rack‑mounted hardware, as required.
• May occasionally be required to perform work in laboratory environments in accordance with established safety protocols.
• Ability to remain seated at a computer workstation for extended periods.

The above job description is not intended to be an all‑inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.