Systems Administrator-IT-IC3, Group 95 (Top Secret)

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 95,700 - 126,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health plans

MIT‑funded pension

Matching 401K

Paid leave

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA, seeks a Systems Administrator – IT (IC3), Group 95 (Top Secret). The role involves administering a secure air‑gapped environment, virtualization, storage, identity management, networking, and OS services for mission‑critical users.

Requirements include 4+ years in a classified setting, Windows/Linux proficiency, AD/GPO expertise, strong networking, and an active TS clearance with SCI eligibility. Collaboration across teams is essential.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of systems administration experience in a classified environment.
• Experience supporting Windows and Linux operating systems in classified or highly secure environments.
• Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, and networking fundamentals.
• Proficiency in Active Directory and Group Policy.
• Experience deploying and securing Windows and Linux endpoints, including imaging, encryption, and endpoint management technologies.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and networking problems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of security and cyber-hardening practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Active Top-Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Administer, maintain, and enhance a secure air‑gapped computing environment supporting mission‑critical users and applications.
• Administer and maintain virtualization, storage, identity management, networking, and operating system services supporting enterprise‑class classified infrastructure.
• Maintain compliance through regular OS and software patching.
• Troubleshoot performance issues and recommend system upgrades.
• Specify, implement, and test system configurations and upgrades across multiple platforms.
• Collaborate with vendors, security, and internal teams on procurements, installations, and upgrades.
• Implement security measures aligned with government and lab policies.
• Manage data backups, recoveries, and license renewals.
• Identify opportunities for automation, process improvement, and infrastructure modernization.
• Participate in infrastructure planning, capacity management, and technology refresh initiatives.
• Lead technical investigations and drive resolution of complex infrastructure and operational challenges.

Skills

Windows/Linux administration

Networking fundamentals

Active Directory & GPO

Security hardening

Troubleshooting

Communication

Top Secret clearance

Tools

VMware vCenter

Cisco networking

YUM/DNF/RPM

PowerShell

Bash

Python

Job description

Systems Administrator – IT (IC3), Group 95 (Top Secret)

Date: Jul 16, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Overview

The Space Systems Analysis and Test Group (95) identifies and evaluates threats to U.S. use of space for military, intelligence, civil and commercial purposes. This work involves understanding the attributes and vulnerabilities of U.S. space‑related systems, including the sensors and networks used to detect, track, and characterize objects in space, the satellites that provide space‑based services, and the infrastructure used to control and operate these satellites. A central component of this effort involves consideration of how adversaries might try to exploit U.S. vulnerabilities; assessing the risk of exploitation involves technically evaluating the knowledge and resources required to mount a credible threat against our systems. This work requires detailed modeling of optical, radar, and propulsion systems; novel ideas for new space systems and on‑orbit operations; and understanding the timelines, architectures, and decision‑making processes for maintaining awareness of the space environment. In addition, the group pursues potentially game‑changing, innovative ideas for remote sensing of space and the Earth. The group seeks researchers from the physical sciences, including physics, mathematics, and chemistry, as well as from a wide range of applied disciplines (including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, aeronautics, astronautics and computer science).

Key Responsibilities

• Administer, maintain, and enhance a secure air‑gapped computing environment supporting mission‑critical users and applications.
• Administer and maintain virtualization, storage, identity management, networking, and operating system services supporting enterprise‑class classified infrastructure.
• Maintain compliance through regular OS and software patching.
• Troubleshoot performance issues and recommend system upgrades.
• Specify, implement, and test system configurations and perform upgrades across multiple platforms.
• Collaborate with vendors, security, and internal teams on procurements, installations, and upgrades.
• Implement security measures aligned with government and lab policies.
• Manage data backups, recoveries, and license renewals.
• Identify opportunities for automation, process improvement, and infrastructure modernization.
• Participate in infrastructure planning, capacity management, and technology refresh initiatives.
• Lead technical investigations and drive resolution of complex infrastructure and operational challenges.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 4+ years of systems administration experience in a classified environment.
• Experience supporting Windows and Linux operating systems in classified or highly secure environments.
• Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, and networking fundamentals.
• Proficiency in Active Directory and Group Policy.
• Experience deploying and securing Windows and Linux endpoints, including operating system imaging, disk encryption, and endpoint management technologies.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and networking problems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of security and cyber‑hardening practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must possess an active Top‑Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with VMware and vCenter.
• Experience configuring and maintaining Cisco network equipment.
• Experience with Linux package management and automation tools (e.g., YUM, DNF, RPM).
• Experience developing automation solutions using PowerShell, Bash, Python, or similar scripting languages.
• Familiarity with RMF and associated frameworks and guidance (e.g., JSIG, ICD‑503, CNSSI 1253).
• Technical experience securing networks and systems utilizing DISA STIGs and/or SRGs is highly desired.
• Background in mission‑critical environments.
• Experience with security plans, procedures, and compliance (e.g., DoD 8140).
• Security+ certification. If not currently held, will be required to obtain this or equivalent certification within 6 months of hire under DoD 8140 (formerly 8570) requirement.

Hiring Range: $95,700-$126,700

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT‑funded pension
• Matching 401K
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
• Mentorship programs
• A range of work‑life balance options
• ... and much more!

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre‑employment background investigation and must possess a current in‑scope Top Secret level security clearance with eligibility for compartmented program access.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID: 43112