Systems Administrator - Intermediate

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an Intermediate Systems Administrator to secure and optimize our IT environments across stand‑alone, networked, and secure cloud systems within Special Access and SCI facilities.

You will manage Linux/Windows, virtualization, and storage, implement patches, handle backups, and support RMF/compliance activities while maintaining documentation and security controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with 4+ years in CS/IT or Associate's with 5+ years experience.
• Proven ability to provide technical support and proactive system administration beyond helpdesk.
• Proficient in Linux/Windows admin, AD, and Group Policy.

Responsibilities

• Manage Linux/Windows systems, virtualization, storage, and HPC in SAP/SCI environments.
• Configure, install, maintain, document systems per baselines.
• Support VM deployment, monitoring, and maintenance with standard tools.
• Perform backups, recovery, and continuity testing to protect data.
• Administer storage devices, capacity monitoring, and backups.
• Coordinate basic network switch troubleshooting with senior staff.
• Manage users, permissions, and privileged accounts; conduct access reviews.
• Apply patches and maintain approved configuration baselines.
• Monitor health, capacity, security status; respond to alerts with fixes.
• Support RMF/authorization by maintaining docs, diagrams, evidence.

Skills

Linux administration

Windows administration

Cloud/Virtualization

Active Directory

Security/STIG

PKI/certificates

Splunk

DoD 8140 certs

TS/SCI eligibility

Networking

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Associate degree +5 years

Tools

VMware

Hyper-V

QEMU

ACAS

SCAP

Splunk

Ivanti

McAfee

Job description

Description

Are you interested in unleashing your passion for IT and play a pivotal role in securing our organization's technological infrastructure to Government standards?

We are looking for a skilled Intermediate Systems Administrator who will ensure the reliability, security, and performance of our IT environments—including stand-alone systems, networked infrastructures, and secure cloud solutions in unique Special Access and SCI facilities.

Ranked among Computerworld 's Top Places to Work in IT for 8 consecutive years, APL opens the door for you to make a difference! On this remarkable team, contribute to the service delivery and security of our Highly Classified information systems. In doing so, you'll address the unique needs of our Research Programs.

As a Intermediate Systems Administrator, you will:

• Linux, Windows, virtualization, storage, and HPC systems in SAP/SCI environments.
• Configure, install, maintain, and document systems using approved architectures and baselines.
• Troubleshoot intermediate issues in Linux operating systems and Windows Operating Systems.
• Support virtualized environments, including virtual machine deployment, monitoring, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance using commercial off the shelf software.
• Perform system backups, recovery activities, and scheduled continuity testing to protect data availability and integrity.
• Troubleshoot and administrator storage devices, including capacity monitoring, backups, and routine troubleshooting.
• Perform basic network switch troubleshooting, including ports, VLANs, connectivity, and segmentation, in coordination with senior systems administrators.
• Create and manage user and privileged accounts, access permissions, passwords, and periodic access reviews.
• Apply patches, remediate findings, and maintain approved configuration baselines of IT technology.
• Monitor system health, capacity, availability, and security status; respond to alerts and document corrective actions.
• Support RMF and authorization activities by maintaining configuration records, procedures, diagrams, control evidence, and other assigned security documentation.
• Apply cybersecurity, OPSEC, COMSEC, and classified-environment requirements during daily system administration.
• Maintain technical documentation, SOPs, system records, and ticket updates in the approved IT service management system.
• Assist with system upgrades, migrations, technology refreshes, testing, and operational transitions under senior technical direction.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable technologies, vulnerabilities, security requirements, and system administration practices.

Qualifications

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

• Have a Bachelors Degree and 4+years of professional experience in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field or an Associate’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated success in roles that require both responsive technical support and proactive system administration beyond helpdesk or isolated roles.
• Proficiency in Linux and/or Windows system administration, including user management through Active Directory (or equivalent) and Group Policy configuration.
• Hands‑on experience with cloud/virtualization technologies (e.g., AWS, Azure, VMware, Hyper‑V, QUEMU), and network troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with security practices, including deploying patches, configuring firewalls, and applying Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) standards as per JSIG or NISPOM guidance.
• Experience with certificate management (PKI, RSA, Windows/Linux certificate services) and security tools (e.g., ACAS, SCAP, Splunk, Ivanti, McAfee)
• Current DoD 8140 Systems Administration certification (e.g., Security+, SSCP, CISSP‑ISSE, etc.).
• Cloud certifications or equivalent platform‑specific credentials are highly desired.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• A Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, related field or 8+ years of equivalent professional experience.
• Certified for multiple technologies, cloud, or virtualization software.
• NetApp or SAN experience.
• Experience manually building physical systems.
• Configured managed switches.
• Experience with endpoint protection applications (e.g. Splunk).
• Practical experience with programming / scripting languages.
• Working familiarity with Director of Central Intelligence Directives (DCID) or Intelligence Community Directives (ICD) security requirements.
• Experience with HP Secure Print.

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

$195,000 Annually