Systems Administrator (Defense / Secret Clearance)

Acara Solutions, Inc.; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Acara Solutions is seeking a contract-based Systems Administrator in Colorado Springs for 6-12 months, with an hourly rate of $45–$55. The role requires an Active Secret clearance or recent clearance and strong experience with Windows system hardening, patch management, vulnerability scanning, and VMware.

The candidate will support continuous monitoring, incident response, and general systems administration across desktops, servers, and network devices, ensuring least privilege and secure

Qualifications

• Min 7 years of systems administration experience with NIST 800-series controls.
• Min 5 years of Windows administration experience.
• Min 2 years of vulnerability scanning and remediation.
• Min 1 year of VMware experience.

Responsibilities

• Configure and harden Windows systems to meet NIST 800-53 baseline controls.
• Manage and perform patching and antivirus updates across OS and devices.
• Provide technical support to users and address system issues promptly.
• Assist with monthly vulnerability scans and remediation efforts.
• Monitor and troubleshoot the uWAN and ensure secure connectivity.
• Oversee administration of desktops, servers, storage, VMware, and imaging.
• Enforce least privilege and limit admin rights to appropriate roles.

Skills

NIST 800 controls

Windows administration

Vulnerability scanning

VMware

Education

Bachelor's degree (BSCS or similar)

Tools

VMware

Macrium imaging

SecureStux

Job description

Employment Type: Contract - expected 6-12 months or longer

Compensation: $45 - $55 / hour

Schedule: 40 hours a week, standard hours

Active Secret clearance required (or have held an active clearance within the past 2 years)

About the Opportunity:

1. System Hardening and Configuration - Configure and harden Windows systems to meet NIST 800-53 baseline security controls. Apply standardized settings to protect these systems against known vulnerabilities, ensuring alignment with Continuous Monitoring requirements. (IS 109 and I01 currently require this effort, new systems/clients need to be built for new contractual efforts. Additionally, hard drives for the Network Analyzer need to be cloned for these contractual obligations and external back up system needs to be configured.)

2. Patch Management and System Maintenance - Ensure compliance with NIST's continuous monitoring standards by managing and performing regular patching and updates of operating systems, antivirus software, and network devices. All information systems require some form of maintenance, including patching and antivirus updates.

3. User Support and Incident Response - Provide technical support to users by troubleshooting and promptly addressing system-related issues to minimize operational disruptions.

4. Vulnerability Scanning and Remediation - As part of the Continuous Monitoring (ConMon) process, assist with monthly vulnerability scans and follow up on findings to ensure timely remediation in accordance with NIST 800-53 requirements.

5. UWAN Monitoring and Support - Responsible for monitoring and troubleshooting the uWAN to respond to network issues and maintain secure, continuous connectivity.

6. General Systems Administration - Oversee the administration of various systems, including desktops, servers, network storage, VMware, and SecureStux. Use imaging software (Macrium) to image any new systems and create backups to safeguard against system failures. (There will be a need to transition from Windows 10 LTSC to Windows 11 for Band 4-8 PC IS 102.)

7. Enforce least privilege and separation of duties. The roles of ISSM/ISSO and DTA accounts should have their privileges restricted to only what is necessary to fulfill their responsibilities. Currently, both roles have administrative rights because the ISSM/ISSO has taken on tasks that should be exclusive to the system administrator for maintaining the information systems.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• Supportive, team-driven culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountability
• Opportunity to grow your career with a global workforce solutions leader serving multiple industries
• People-first environment that encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work
• Strong focus on partnership, innovation, and delivering meaningful results for clients and candidates

Why This Opportunity is Exciting:

This role offers the chance to join a company that prioritizes both people and performance-where your contributions directly impact client success while giving you room to grow and develop professionally.

About Acara Solutions

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

Job Requirements

What You'll Bring:

Min 7 years of experience in systems administration that includes experience with NIST 800 series security controls

Min 5 years of MS Windows administration experience

Min 2 years of experience with vulnerability scanning and remediation

Min 1 year of VMware experience

What Sets You Apart:

Bachelor's degree (BSCS or similar)

Sys admin experience supporting desktops, servers, network storage, VMware, and SecureStux and the use of imaging software (Macrium a plus)

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.