System Administrator

NextGen Federal Systems; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

NextGen Federal Systems in Fort Meade, MD is looking for a talented System Administrator to support the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). In this role, you'll ensure high availability, performance, and security for enterprise infrastructure and mission-critical systems.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in systems architecture, virtualization, and cybersecurity compliance. An active DoD Secret Clearance is required. The job offers competitive compensation and opportunities to work on significant projects.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of systems engineering or enterprise infrastructure experience supporting DOW/DoD or federal government environments.
• 2+ years managing VMware vSphere environments including ESXi hosts, vCenter.
• Active Security+ CE or equivalent DoD 8570/8140 certification.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, maintain, and optimize enterprise systems infrastructure.
• Engineer and administer VMware and Linux server environments.
• Support cloud-based platforms including AWS and Azure.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity personnel to ensure compliance with DoD requirements.

Skills

Systems architecture

Virtualization

Automation

Cybersecurity compliance

Enterprise operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

VMware vSphere

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

AWS

Azure

PowerShell

Bash

Python

Ansible

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled System Administrator to support a program with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). The ideal candidate will provide engineering, integration, administration, and operational support for enterprise infrastructure and mission‑critical systems in a secure environment.

This role requires a proactive engineer with experience in multiple of the following areas: systems architecture, virtualization, automation, cybersecurity compliance, and enterprise operations. The selected candidate will work closely with government stakeholders, cybersecurity teams, network engineers, and mission partners to ensure high availability, performance, and security across the environment.

Clearance: This position requires an active DOW/DoD Secret Clearance.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Design, implement, maintain, and optimize enterprise systems infrastructure supporting software factory/environment operations
• Engineer and administer VMware and Linux server environments in classified (IL6) and unclassified (IL5) networks
• Support cloud-based platforms including AWS and Azure
• Develop and maintain system documentation, architecture diagrams, SOPs, and operational procedures
• Perform systems monitoring, troubleshooting, performance tuning, and root‑cause analysis
• Support patch management, STIG compliance, vulnerability remediation, and RMF activities
• Collaborate with cybersecurity personnel to ensure compliance with DoD security requirements
• Automate system administration and operational tasks using PowerShell, Bash, Python, or Ansible
• Support backup, disaster recovery, continuity of operations, and high‑availability solutions
• Participate in system upgrades, migrations, and technology refresh initiatives
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical strategy and process improvement initiatives

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 4+ years of systems engineering or enterprise infrastructure experience supporting DOW/DoD or federal government environments
• 2+ years managing VMware vSphere environments, including ESXi hosts, vCenter, clusters, and VMs; familiarity with vMotion, Storage vMotion, HA, DRS, VM provisioning, snapshots, performance troubleshooting, and core VMware networking and storage concepts such as VMFS, VLANs, and distributed virtual switches

Strong experience with:

• Red Hat Enterprise Linux
• AWS and or Azure cloud environments
• Enterprise storage and backup technologies
• Automation and scripting tools
• Systems monitoring and performance management

• Understanding of RMF, STIGs, ACAS, and DoD cybersecurity policies
• Active Security+ CE or equivalent DoD 8570/8140 certification
• Active Secret clearance required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Microsoft, Red Hat, VCP, or AWS certifications
• Experience with hybrid cloud environments and automation frameworks
• Knowledge of Kubernetes, containers, or modern platform engineering concepts
• Familiarity with DevSecOps methodologies and Infrastructure-as-Code

Desired Skills:

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently in fast‑paced mission environments
• Strong customer engagement and stakeholder coordination experience
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and operational deadlines

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

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