Systems Administrator – Advanced 1 (Senior)

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to manage mission-critical systems in highly classified environments. This role blends deep Linux expertise with broad infrastructure responsibility, including Windows, virtualization, storage, and automation.

You will mentor others, drive improvements, and ensure secure, reliable services. Applicants should have a TS clearance or ability to obtain one, a relevant degree or equivalent

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in IT/CS/Cybersecurity or 10+ years practical experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior escalation point for complex issues across OS, virtualization, storage, networking and security.
• Provide advanced Linux administration across RHEL-based systems, including services, authentication, permissions, and hardening.
• Administer and integrate Windows Server, Active Directory, DNS/DHCP, VMware, Hyper-V, NetApp storage, and HPC/cloud platforms.
• Plan patches, upgrades, migrations, and lifecycle management with minimal disruption.
• Monitor performance, capacity, availability and security; lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Configure and troubleshoot network connectivity with network engineers.
• Implement STIGs, remediate vulnerabilities, and support RMF, ATO, audit, and continuous monitoring.
• Improve reliability through automation using Ansible, Python, and PowerShell.
• Mentor administrators and maintain runbooks and configuration records.

Skills

Systems administration

Mentoring

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT/CS/Cybersecurity

10+ years equivalent experience

Tools

RHEL Linux

Windows Server

Active Directory

DNS/DHCP

VMware

Hyper-V

NetApp

Ansible

Python

PowerShell

Job description

Description

Are you a systems administrator who enjoys solving complex problems, improving how systems operate, and helping teammates grow?

Do you bring strong Linux expertise and an interest in working across virtualization, storage, networking, Windows, automation, and cybersecurity?

Ranked among Computerworld 's Top Places to Work in IT for 8 consecutive years, APL opens the door for you to make a difference!

We are seeking a collaborative Senior Systems Administrator to support mission-critical systems in highly classified environments. This hands-on role combines Linux depth with broad infrastructure responsibility. You will resolve complex issues, lead technical improvements, mentor other administrators, and help deliver secure, reliable services.

You do not need to be an expert in every technology listed. We value strong fundamentals, practical judgment, curiosity, collaboration, and the ability to learn.

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

As a Sr. Systems Administrator, you will...

• Serve as a senior escalation point for complex issues involving operating systems, virtualization, storage, networking, hardware, and security.
• Provide advanced Linux administration across RHEL-based systems, including services, authentication, permissions, package management, performance, scripting, and hardening.
• Administer and integrate Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS/DHCP, VMware, Hyper-V, NetApp, enterprise storage, and HPC or cloud platforms.
• Plan and execute patches, upgrades, migrations, technology refreshes, and mature lifecycle management activities with minimal operational disruption.
• Monitor system performance, capacity, availability, and security; lead root‑cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Configure and troubleshoot network connectivity, VLANs, switch ports, uplinks, and segmentation in coordination with network engineers.
• Implement STIGs, remediate vulnerabilities, and support RMF, ATO, audit, and continuous‑monitoring activities.
• Improve reliability and efficiency through automation using Ansible, Python, PowerShell, or similar tools.
• Mentor administrators, lead small technical initiatives, and maintain clear runbooks, configuration records, and status updates.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field, or 10+ years equivalent practical experience.
• 8+ years of progressively responsible systems administration experience, including substantial production Linux administration.
• Broad experience in at least three adjacent areas, such as Windows administration, virtualization, enterprise storage, networking, automation, HPC, cloud, or cybersecurity.
• Experience troubleshooting complex infrastructure issues and implementing sustainable corrective actions.
• Experience supporting classified, regulated, or other security‑controlled environments.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly and work effectively across technical, security, and program teams.
• An active Top Secret clearance and the ability to obtain SCI access. U.S. citizenship is required.
• An IAT Level II certification, such as Security+ CE, or the ability to obtain one within the required timeframe.

You’ll stand out, going above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field – OR – 10+ years of equivalent professional experience
• Advanced Linux expertise, particularly with RHEL, including hardening, troubleshooting, performance tuning, and lifecycle management.
• Certifications such as RHCE, VMware VCP, NetApp, cloud, or advanced cybersecurity credentials.
• Experience using Ansible, Python, PowerShell, or similar tools to automate builds, configuration, compliance, and routine administration.
• Knowledge of enterprise networking, multi‑site connectivity, VPNs, load balancing, HPC, or specialized cloud environment.
• Experience leading technical projects, mentoring administrators, or coordinating work across teams.
• A record of evaluating emerging technologies and turning practical improvements into secure, reliable operational capabilities.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually