Windows System Administrator

SMS Data Products Group, Inc.; Kirtland (NM); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SMS Data Products Group, Inc. is seeking a Mid-to-Senior Windows System Administrator to support a DoD Enterprise environment. You will manage Windows Server infrastructure, configure AD/GPO, and ensure security and availability across critical systems.

You will patch, remediate vulnerabilities to STIG standards, monitor with SIEM, and automate tasks with PowerShell while coordinating backups and disaster recovery planning. An active DoD clearance or ability to obtain is required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years Windows System Administration in an Enterprise environment
• DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain; DoD 8570 IAT‑2 equivalent
• Proficiency in Windows Server management, PowerShell scripting, AD, GPO, DNS/DHCP, PKI
• Experience with virtualization (VMware vSphere/ESXi) and enterprise monitoring
• Experience patching, vulnerability remediation, and STIG compliance
• Familiarity with backup/recovery tools and disaster planning
• Strong problem‑solving and ticket/documentation discipline

Responsibilities

• Configure, manage, and monitor Windows Server environments for high availability and security
• Perform patch management and apply updates per STIG requirements
• Manage storage, file systems, permissions, and backups
• Develop PowerShell scripts to automate routine tasks
• Support DNS, DHCP, and network services; deploy and manage AD and GPOs
• Administer virtualization platforms (VMware) in enterprise settings
• Operate and tune SIEM tools; generate security summaries
• Create and maintain SOPs, diagrams, and knowledge base entries

Skills

PowerShell scripting

Active Directory

GPO

DNS

DHCP

PKI

Permissions management

Windows Server

VMware

Troubleshooting

Security basics

Education

DoD Secret clearance eligible

CompTIA Security+ (IAT-2)

Microsoft certifications (MCSA/MCSE)

Tools

ACAS

VMware vSphere/ESXi

PowerShell

MECM/SCCM

Intune

Ansible

Chef

Puppet

Veeam

Veritas

CommVault

Wireshark

SolarWinds

Splunk

Job description

As a (Mid-to‑Senior) Windows System Administrator at SMS, you’ll work within a DoD Enterprise environment, managing and securing Windows infrastructure to support vital operations.

Job Responsibilities

• Windows System Administration: Configure, manage, and monitor Windows Server environments, ensuring high availability, security, and performance. This includes user, group, and certificate management, Group Policy Management, and related services (DNS, DHCP, BitLocker, PKI, etc.).
• Patching and Vulnerability Remediation: Perform patch management and apply updates to Windows systems and software, ensuring compliance with STIG standards and using vulnerability remediation tools like ACAS.
• Storage and File System Management: Manage storage technologies, file system protocols, permissions, and backup methodologies to maintain data integrity, accessibility, and compliance.
• Automation and Scripting: Develop PowerShell scripts to automate routine tasks, enhance system efficiency, and support daily operations.
• Networking Basics: Provide support for network services, including DNS and DHCP, with a functional understanding of IP addressing, VLANs, ACLs, routing, and firewall configuration.
• Active Directory Management: Configure, deploy, and manage Active Directory and Group Policy Objects (GPOs) within enterprise setups.
• Virtualization: Use and support virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware vSphere/ESXi) to support server deployment, discovery, alerting, and troubleshooting.
• Monitoring and SIEM Management: Use SIEM tools to monitor security events, tailor alarms/rules, and generate summary reports.
• Documentation: Create and maintain system documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), network diagrams, knowledge‑base entries, ticketing system interactions, and root‑cause analysis to ensure smooth operational processes.

Required Qualifications

• Clearance and Certification: Prior to employment, you must have or be able to obtain a DoD Secret Security Clearance. Must have or be able to obtain a CompTIA Security+ (or equivalent DoD 8570 IAT‑2 certification).
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in Windows System Administration within an Enterprise environment, including Active Directory, GPO, DNS, DHCP, PKI, and permissions management.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Windows Server management, PowerShell scripting, Active Directory, storage technologies, patching practices, DNS, DHCP, and fundamental networking concepts.
• Virtualization Exposure: Familiarity with VMware or similar virtualization tools.
• Scripting and Automation: PowerShell proficiency for automation and task efficiency.
• Problem‑Solving Skills: Proven experience diagnosing and resolving software and hardware issues within a secure and controlled environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Certifications: Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE); ITIL certification; VMware Certified Professional (VCP).
• Enterprise Experience: Demonstrated experience working in Military, Government, or Research environments, especially with classified systems and managing compliance within DoD standards.
• Additional Security and Compliance Knowledge: Familiarity with advanced cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST 800‑53, RMF, or CIS Controls.
• Virtualization Proficiency: Advanced experience with VMware vSphere/ESXi for managing and optimizing virtualized environments, particularly with clustering, failover, and load balancing.
• Advanced Network Troubleshooting and Security Tools: Proficiency with network monitoring and security tools, such as Wireshark, SolarWinds, and Splunk.
• Endpoint Management and Automation: Advanced skills in using MECM/SCCM or Intune for automated deployments and policy management, and experience with Ansible, Chef, or Puppet.
• Backup and Disaster Recovery (DR) Strategy: Hands‑on experience designing and implementing DR solutions for Windows environments, including backup solutions like Veeam, Veritas, or CommVault.
• Cross‑Platform System Administration: Familiarity with Linux systems (e.g., Red Hat) and hybrid Windows/Linux environments.
• Cloud Integration: Exposure to cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GovCloud) with hybrid infrastructure management, especially for data storage, backup, and security controls.
• Advanced Scripting and Automation Skills: Proficiency in Python or PowerShell scripting for advanced automation tasks and development of reusable scripts.

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.