Systems Administrator Il

Institute for Defense Analyses; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 91,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) in Princeton, NJ seeks a Systems Administrator II to maintain multiple IT systems, servers, and software. The role emphasizes security, availability, and performance while collaborating with IT staff and researchers.

The ideal candidate has a BS in CS or related field, strong Linux/Unix and Windows expertise, and experience with HPC tech such as Lustre storage, Slurm, HTCondor, MPI, and CUDA. Top Secret/SCI with lifestyle polygraph is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or equivalent experience.
• Advanced knowledge of Linux/Unix and Windows; HPC tech like Lustre, Slurm, HTCondor, MPI, CUDA.
• Three years IT experience; two years in systems administration.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain TS/SCI with lifestyle polygraph; DOD 8570 IAT II.

Responsibilities

• Provides operational support to ensure systems functionality, availability, security, and performance.
• Builds and implements IT technology initiatives. Partners with engineering staff for deployment and transition.
• Builds new physical and virtual servers to design specifications.
• Ensures all systems meet business and security requirements per DoD and agency directives.
• Maintains technical documentation, including SOPs and processes.
• Administers and maintains classified and unclassified systems to ensure optimum performance.
• Maintains technical proficiency and keeps abreast of industry trends.
• Communicates issues to supervisors and responds to after-hours support.

Skills

Linux/Unix

Windows

GPU-based systems

Lustre storage

Slurm

HTCondor

MPI

CUDA

InfiniBand

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Overview

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) has an immediate career opening for a Systems Administrator II. This position 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 role administers and maintains multiple IT systems, servers, and software. The candidate applies functional knowledge to solve an assortment of problems of moderately complex scope. Responsibilities include maintaining systems functionality, availability, security, and performance. It contributes and plays a key role in the implementation of programs or projects that effect the organization’s goals and objectives. The candidate 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, the requirement for extended coverage may necessitate working 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 engineering staff to ensure successful deployment and transition of operational support.
• Builds new physical and virtual servers to design specifications.
• Ensures all systems meet or exceed business and security requirements in accordance with IDA, DOD, NSA, DISA, and DSS directives and guidelines.
• Maintains technical documentation, including 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 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 a related field.
• The successful applicant will have advanced knowledge of 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).
• The incumbent will 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. Moreover, the individual will act as part of a team to maintain the environment in which infrastructure and HPC systems function and support the mission of IDA/CCR‑P and its sponsor.
• 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.
  • 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 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.

U.S. Citizenship is required.

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits, including diverse health insurance options, a 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 (PSLF). Professional development opportunities include tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings.

Compensation

Salary range: $91,000–$146,000. The individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.

EEO Statement

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. 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 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.