Systems Administrator Il

The Center for Communications Research - CCR-P: Princeton; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 91,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Diverse health insurance options

10% retirement contribution

6 weeks paid parental leave

20 days paid time off

Job summary

The Center for Communications Research - CCR-P: Princeton is seeking a Systems Administrator II to manage and maintain IT systems with a strong emphasis on security and performance. The role demands expertise in both Linux and Windows environments and requires at least three years of experience in Information Technology.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $91,000 to $146,000 and extensive benefits including parental leave, retirement contributions, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years experience in IT with two years in systems administration.
• Ability to communicate effectively with varying levels of employees.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including on-call support.

Responsibilities

• Administers and maintains multiple IT systems to ensure functionality and performance.
• Provides operational support ensuring systems security and compliance.
• Communicates network and system issues to supervisors promptly.

Skills

Advanced knowledge in Linux operating system

Experience with CPU/GPU based systems

Experience with high-performance storage technologies

Experience in high throughput job allocation technologies

Technical proficiency in managing servers

Experience in Information Technology

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Tools

Slurm

HTCondor

MPI

CUDA

InfiniBand

GigE

Job description

Overview

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) has an immediate career opening for a Systems Administrator II. This opening is located at IDA's Center for Communications Research in Princeton, New Jersey (CCRP). IDA offers a competitive salary, an excellent benefits package and a superior professional working environment. To the right individual, IDA offers the opportunity to have a major impact on key national programs while working on fascinating technical issues.

With moderate supervision, this position administers, and maintains multiple IT systems, servers and software. Applies functional knowledge to solve an assortment of problems of moderately complex scope. Responsibilities include maintaining systems functionality, availability, security, and performance. Contributes and plays a key role in the implementation of programs or projects that effect the organization's goals and objectives. Coordinates with other IT staff in support of operational tasks and requirements. Ensures configuration standards are maintained 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.
• Builds and implements IT technology initiatives. Partners with the engineering staff to ensure the successful deployment and 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, DOD, NSA, DISA and DSS directives and guidelines.
• Maintains technical documentation, to include standard operating procedures and processes.
• Administers and maintains classified and unclassified systems and services to ensure optimum performance and availability.
• Maintains technical proficiency in IT technologies; keeps abreast of industry trends.
• Communicates all computer network, system and service problems and outages immediately to the appropriate supervisors and/or managers.
• Responds to critical after hours support issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or equivalent experience in related field.
• Advanced knowledge in the Linux operating system and/or Windows and significant experience with CPU/GPU based systems, high‑performance storage technologies (e.g. Lustre), HPC or high throughput job allocation technologies (e.g. Slurm, HTCondor), parallel computing environments such as MPI and CUDA, and high‑performance network technologies (e.g. InfiniBand, GigE).
• Recommend technologies; work with vendors to specify equipment; supervise or participate in installation; maintain, administer and troubleshoot systems; install software to support research; ensure compliance with DoD and sponsoring Agency requirements; and help researchers get the most out of the systems.
• Three years minimum experience in Information Technology, two in systems administration.
• Possess technical and operational proficiency managing and supporting servers, systems, and software, specifically Linux/Unix and/or Windows. Experience in more than one of the following areas is a plus:
  • High Performance Computing (HPC) systems or large cluster computing, including GPU‑based systems.
  • Authentication, access control, compliance and security in a DOD environment.
  • Open Source software installation and support.

Additional Requirements

• Must be organized, self‑motivated and able to work with moderate 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, including periodic on‑call support.
• Project management experience is a plus.
• Position requires ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret/SCI security clearance with lifestyle polygraph. Current TS/SCI with lifestyle polygraph clearance preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOD 8570 IAT II certification.

Why work at IDA?

Competitive salary and benefits, including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, 6 weeks 100% paid parental leave and 20 days paid time off. Mission‑oriented work at a non‑profit that supports and protects our Nation’s warfighters; as a non‑profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL). Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings.

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 $91,000‑$146,000. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.

Other Requirements

U.S. Citizenship is required.

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair recruiting process and working environment free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Accommodations

IDA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.