Systems Administrator / Systems Engineer

Sms-Data-Products-Group,-Inc; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

SMS DATA PRODUCTS GROUP, INC. in the United States invites an embedded IT Systems Administrator to support the AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate at Kirtland AFB, NM.

You will deliver Tier II/III IT support for Windows and Linux workstations, and work closely with scientists and engineers to sustain secure, resilient infrastructure. This on-site role requires an active SECRET clearance or ability to obtain one, with DoD 8570-compliant certifications.

Qualifications

• Strong technical foundation with ability to troubleshoot in high-impact environments.
• Active SECRET clearance or ability to obtain.
• 3+ years in systems administration and engineering.
• Experience with Windows and Linux OS and related tools.
• Proficiency installing/maintaining COTS and GOTS software.
• Understanding of security, access control, and configuration management.
• Ability to work independently and coordinate with remote teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide Tier II/III support across Windows and Linux environments.
• Install, configure, maintain, and upgrade hardware and software on multiple networks.
• Maintain compliance with USAF SD configurations and Air Force-approved software.
• Work with developers for software installation and configuration.
• Document IT assets and lifecycle processes.
• Coordinate with central IT and backup staff to ensure continuity.
• Provide reach-back support to main facilities.

Skills

SECRET clearance

8570 certifications

3+ years exp

Windows/Linux

COTS/GOTS apps

Security & CM

Independent work

Job description

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We are seeking a highly skilled and mission-driven Tier II/III Systems Administrator to provide embedded IT support to the RVS Division of AFRL's Space Vehicles Directorate at Kirtland AFB, NM. This role focuses on delivering advanced and dedicated support for Windows/Linux workstations and development environments, ensuring reliable operations for systems that underpin space research and technology development efforts.

The successful candidate will be directly embedded in a division that develops cutting-edge space component technologies and leads premier satellite experiment programs. Working side-by-side with leading scientists and engineers, this individual will help enable AFRL’s mission to maintain U.S. and allied space superiority through secure and resilient IT infrastructure.

This position operates independently on site, serving as a “one deep” technical presence with reach-back support from the central IT team, and in coordination with a System Administrator from an aligned Division.

Since 1976, SMS has specialized in modernizing legacy IT and sustaining complex enterprise environments for federal agencies. With the goal of building long-term partnerships with our customers, we invest in our employees by providing the training, tools, and support they need to keep critical missions operational, improve performance, and reduce risk. SMS is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with offices and on-site operations at customer locations throughout the United States. For additional information on SMS, visit www.sms.com .

Job Responsibilities

• Provide Tier II/III support for troubleshooting, resolving, and escalating hardware and software issues across Windows and Linux environments.
• Perform installation, configuration, maintenance, and upgrades of hardware and software on NIPRNet, SIPRNet, DREN, SDREN, stand-alone, and enclave networks.
• Maintain compliance with USAF Standard Desktop Configurations (SDC) and Air Force-approved software.
• Install and configure Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and Government Off-The-Shelf (GOTS) software.
• Work directly with developers for software installation and configuration.
• Provide guidance on hardware and software selection, as well as system capacity planning, to ensure performance and scalability.
• Ensure physical and administrative access to required systems and coordinate with centralized support for technical issues and continuity of operations.
• Provide reach-back capability to the main support facility and coordinate technical inquiries or emergency support needs.
• Manage and document IT hardware asset inventory and lifecycle processes.
• Ensure continuity of support during the absence of primary staff through coordination with backup personnel.
• Demonstrate proficiency in creating, maintaining, and referencing technical documentation and knowledge base (KB) articles to support consistent IT practices.

Required Qualifications

• To thrive in this position, you’ll need to bring a strong technical foundation, comfort working solo, and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues without missing a beat. These qualifications ensure you’re ready to hit the ground running and support a high-impact environment.
• Active SECRET clearance (or ability to obtain).
• Security+ CE, CASP, CISSP, or other DoD 8570-compliant certifications (or ability to obtain).
• 3+ years of experience in systems administration and engineering.
• Experience with Windows and Linux operating systems and associated tools.
• Proficiency in installing and maintaining both COTS and GOTS applications.
• Understanding of system security, access control, and configuration management.
• Ability to operate independently and coordinate with remote teams.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of USAF and DoD IT policies and procedures, including STIG compliance.
• Technology certifications such as RHCSA, MCSE, or other credentials that show technical depth.
• Experience supporting DoD/DOE/ or research environments.
• Familiarity with IT asset management tools and processes.
• Experience with Air Force software baselines and SDC implementation.
• Prior experience working in isolated or "one deep" positions.
• Familiarity with virtualization technologies (VMware, Hyper-V).
• Exposure to backup, restore, and disaster recovery strategies.
• Knowledge of network configuration and troubleshooting (Ethernet, VLAN, etc.).
• Working knowledge of ticketing systems and IT service management tools.

SMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.