Windows Systems Administrator

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD seeks a Windows Systems Administrator to join a collaborative team delivering world-class IT services for DoD-related projects. You will configure, install, and maintain systems used in classified facilities, work across Active Directory, Windows Server, Linux, and virtualization, and help ensure security and reliability.

You will lead deployments, address complex IT issues, implement RMF/STIG controls, develop automation, and mentor junior

Qualifications

• BS in information technology or equivalent experience/education.
• In-depth knowledge of Active Directory management in multi-need-to-know environments.
• Experience with SQL Server administration and DBA experience.
• Proficient with PowerShell and scripting languages.
• Experience with RMF and STIG implementation on DoD cognizant systems.
• Extensive Windows Server, AD, and Group Policy experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze project needs and develop cost-effective solutions.
• Active DoD Secret clearance with ability to obtain Top Secret; U.S. citizenship required.
• Willing to work full time in a closed area; DoD 8570 certification.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, configure, and optimize complex computing environments and services.
• Lead deployments, upgrades, migrations, and modernization efforts.
• Analyze and resolve complex technical and cybersecurity issues affecting critical systems.
• Implement RMF/STIG controls and continuous monitoring across classified systems.
• Develop automation, improve operations, and support Splunk/Power BI queries.
• Mentor staff and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Active Directory

PowerShell

RMF/STIG

Windows Server

Scripting

Vulnerability management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

BS in Information Technology or related field

Tools

SQL Server

VMware/VDI

Citrix

Splunk

Power BI

Job description

Description

Are you a Windows Systems Administrator who wants to join a collaborative team providing world-class IT services?

Description

Are you a Windows Systems Administrator who wants to join a collaborative team providing world-class IT services?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team!

We are seeking a creative IT professional to help us support our expanding information systems that are instrumental to significant Department of Defense projects. We take great pride in providing end to end support and technical innovation to projects that help protect the nation. You will actively assist with our IT support efforts, including configuring, installing, uninstalling, and maintaining systems used in classified facilities, restricted areas, laboratory environments, and field tests. We are a hardworking team of systems administrators and information security experts, who enjoy working collaboratively to solve complex computing challenges. Our team is passionate about providing world-class IT services to all the facilities and projects we support.

As a Windows Systems Administrator You Will

• Design, implement, configure, and optimize complex computing environments and infrastructure services, including multiple DCSA-accredited classified information systems, Windows Active Directory, virtualization, system security applications, and integrated Linux and Windows operating systems.
• Evaluate technical requirements and develop solutions that balance security, performance, reliability, scalability, and operational needs across medium to large classified networks with multiple need-to-knows, complex Group Policy and security configurations, and VDI integration.
• Lead system deployments, upgrades, migrations, modernization efforts, and infrastructure improvement initiatives, including deploying new equipment, supporting existing hardware, and decommissioning unneeded equipment.
• Analyze and resolve complex technical, operational, and cybersecurity issues affecting critical systems, including Microsoft services such as SQL and Exchange and engineering applications such as MATLAB, Cameo, and government-authored software.
• Implement and oversee security controls, vulnerability management activities, compliance initiatives, and system hardening efforts, including implementing, monitoring, and validating Risk Management Framework (RMF) configurations and Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).
• Evaluate risks and determine appropriate mitigation strategies while ensuring compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements, including supporting ongoing Continuous Monitoring across multiple classified information systems.
• Develop automation solutions, operational improvements, and technical standards to increase efficiency and reliability, including assisting with Splunk and Power BI queries and other in-house-developed security applications.
• Lead root-cause analysis activities and recommend long-term corrective actions for recurring issues affecting classified processing environments and infrastructure services.
• Serve as a technical resource and advisor to project teams, engineers, cybersecurity personnel, and leadership, working directly with program and project managers and internal technical resources to define requirements, procure materials, and establish goals and milestones for new and existing information systems.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, standards, procedures, and implementation guidance for classified information systems and supporting infrastructure.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend enhancements that improve organizational capabilities, security, reliability, and the classified computing environment.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced staff while collaborating with Windows, Active Directory, Linux, Storage, and Security teams to maintain secure and functional classified processing environments.
• Work directly with customers and end users to provide classified processing resources and support ongoing operations in closed and restricted areas.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Possess a BS in an Information Technology field or a combination of equivalent level of relevant experience and education in the information technology domain area.
• Have in-depth knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory management, particularly in multi-need-to-know environments.
• Have experience with SQL server administration and DBA experience.
• Are proficient with Powershell and other scripting languages.
• Have experience with Risk Management Framework and STIG implementation on systems under DCSA cognizance.
• Have extensive experience with Windows Server operating systems, including Active Directory, and Group Policy
• Are an excellent communicator, both written and verbal, with good interpersonal skills.
• Have the ability to independently analyze and identify project/program needs and develop high quality cost-effective solutions for addressing use of existing and future computing resources.
• Have an active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret 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.
• Are willing and able to work full time in a closed area.
• Have a current DoD 8570 certification (Security + or CISSP).

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

• Are proficient with Splunk queries and Power Bi dashboard configurations.
• Possess a MS Degree in Information Technology or a related field.
• Are certified in MCSE, Dell, and/or SAN.
• Have extensive experience with virtualization technologies, VDI, Citrix, complex group policies and active directory implementations.
• Have extensive experience with Risk Management Framework (RMF), NISPOM, and DAAPM/DAAG requirements as they apply to information technology. Have previous experience with Windows and Linux desktop and server operating systems, dedicated storage, office products, database administration, and scientific applications.
• Have project management or team leadership experience.

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

$245,000 Annually