Systems Administrator I

RPMGlobal; Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contribution (10%)

Parental leave

Paid time off (20 days) and tenure‑acr

Relocation reimbursement

Job summary

Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) in Alexandria, VA, seeks an IT Systems Administrator to manage and maintain multiple IT systems, servers, and software under general supervision. The role involves ensuring security, performance, and availability, with after-hours support as needed.

Responsibilities include implementing IT initiatives, building new servers, and ensuring compliance with NSA/DISA directives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or related field with one year Information Technology experience or high school diploma with three years IT experience.
• Fundamental knowledge of servers, systems, and software, preferably Microsoft.
• Experience building, deploying, and troubleshooting Windows Servers – both physical and virtual.

Responsibilities

• Provides operational support and maintenance to ensure systems functionality, availability, security, and performance.
• Assists in the implementation of IT technology initiatives and assists the engineering staff in the transition of operational support.
• Builds new physical and virtual servers to design specifications.
• Ensures all systems meet or exceed business and security requirements per directives and guidelines.
• Follows standard operating procedures and processes.
• Administers and maintains classified and unclassified systems and services to ensure optimum performance and availability.
• Develops technical proficiency in IT technologies and stays updated on industry trends.
• Communicates network, system, and service problems and outages to supervisors/Manager.
• Responds to critical after-hours support issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Server administration

VMware/VSphere

Networking basics

Security policies

Windows Server deployment

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or related field (1 year IT experience)

High school diploma (3 years IT experience)

Tools

VMware/VSphere

CommVault

Dell EMC Unity

Data Domains

Isilon

Nutanix

Job description

Overview:

Under general supervision, this position administers, and maintains multiple IT systems, servers and software. The incumbent applies general knowledge and exercises discretion and independent judgment to solve a range of operational non-routine problems of limited scope and complexity. Responsibilities include maintaining systems functionality, availability, security and performance. Assists in the implementation of programs or projects through operational and technical support. Provides support of IT operational tasks and requirements. Maintains configuration standards and adheres to IT best practices and corporate and security policy. Due to the nature of this position, and the requirement for extended coverage, this position may be required to work hours outside of a regular schedule.

Responsibilities:

• Provides operational support and maintenance to ensure systems functionality, availability, security, and performance.
• Assists in the implementation of IT technology initiatives and assists the engineering staff in the transition of operational support.
• Builds new physical and virtual servers to design specifications.
• Ensures all systems meet or exceed the business and security requirements in accordance with IDA, DOW, NSA, DISA, and DCSA directives and guidelines.
• Follows standard operating procedures and processes.
• Administers and maintains classified and unclassified systems and services to ensure optimum performance and availability.
• Develops technical proficiency in IT technologies; keeps abreast of industry trends.
• Communicates all computer network, system and service problems and outages immediately to the SEO supervisors and/or EITO Manager.
• Responds to critical after-hours support issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science or related field with one year Information Technology experience OR high school diploma with three years Information Technology experience.
• Possess fundamental knowledge and principles in supporting servers, systems, and software, preferably Microsoft.
• Experience with building, deploying, and troubleshooting Windows Servers - both physical and virtual servers.
• Knowledge/broad experience in networking is a plus.
• Ability to troubleshoot server-side issues, applications such as VMware/VSphere, CommVault backup system (other backups systems are acceptable), and experience with storage systems such as Dell EMC Unity, Data Domains, Isilon.
• Knowledge and experience with Nutanix a plus.
• Must be organized, self-motivated and able to work with general supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form and with all levels of employees; possess good interpersonal skills.
• Must be willing to work hours outside of a regular schedule.
• US Citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain appropriate security clearances.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOW 8570 IAT II certification.

Why Work at IDA?

• Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, parental leave, 20 days paid time off (which increases with tenure), and relocation reimbursement.
• Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our warfighters; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL).
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.
• A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40-hour work weeks through flex time, partial telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours.
• A brand-new facility located in Alexandria’s high-tech corridor in Potomac Yard; amenities include a cafeteria, grab-n-go café, gym, and close proximity to local dining and shopping.
• Easy access to Potomac Yard Metro stop and Potomac Yard DASH bus stop.

Compensation:

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $75,549 - $120,879. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.