Systems Administrator

Are you interested in unleashing your passion for IT and play a pivotal role in securing our organization's technological infrastructure to DoD and IC standards?

We are seeking a vibrant Intermediate Systems Administrator with a solid background in IT service Tier 1 and 2 fundamentals to support APL's security IT infrastructure.

Ranked among Computerworld 's Top Places to Work in IT for 6 consecutive years, APL opens the door for you to make a difference On this remarkable team, you will contribute to Information Systems Tier 1 and 2 services, security management and safeguard our Special Access Request or Sensitive Compartmented information systems. In doing so, you'll address the unique needs of our Sponsors/Programs.

Experience a world where everyone is passionate about backing our Program needs.

As an Intermediate Systems Administrator you will be responsible for providing unparalleled system administration for computer systems in SAR and SCI facilities. The expectations of this role are to:

• Provide quality system administration (OS's, Servers, Virtualization, HPC, NetAPP) for computer systems in SAR and SCI facilities.
• Skillfully configure, install, and maintain computer systems in stand-alone or networked environments.
• Implement solutions for LAN and WAN environments.
• Maintain physical and virtualized solutions ensuring efficient resource allocation, high availability, security compliance, and seamless scalability to meet organizational needs.
• Manage user accounts, including resetting passwords and conducting annual computer recertification.
• Diagnose and resolve intricate software and hardware issues promptly.
• Give valuable inputs to security relevant documentation such as configuration documentation, security CONOPS, Security Controls Traceability Matrix, and System Security Plans.
• Perform system backups and recovery, securing data to ensure its integrity, reliability, and availability, as applicable.
• Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and implement patch management to remediate identified vulnerabilities.
• Maintain operational security posture for information systems or programs to ensure business continuity.
• Install, modify, and maintain systems and utility software on server computer systems, in compliance with standard methodologies and cybersecurity guidelines.
• Identify, analyze, and remediate potential security weaknesses, and recommend improvements to enhance system resilience.
• Integrate security measures into communication protocols, data structures, and software architecture, ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
• Develop and implement business continuity and disaster recovery protocols, conduct testing to validate their effectiveness, and modify procedures as necessary.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of the latest threats, vulnerabilities, mitigation strategies, and industry best practices.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a High School Diploma in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• 6+ years of equivalent professional experience
• Have configured complex technology stacks and experience in complex situations
• Experience with PKI, RSA, Windows certificate services or Linux Certificate Management
• Hands-on experience in configuring, fixing, administering/maintaining classified computer networks
• Built and maintained Active Directory environments or Linux user access management experience
• Configured Operating Systems, applications, and user settings through Group Policy
• Experience installing, maintaining and operating security tools (ACAS, Splunk, Ivanti, McAfee, etc.)
• Have applied Security Technical Implementation Guide Rules (STIGs) to operating systems, technologies, and applications following JSIG or NISPOM guidance.
• Have experience troubleshooting operating systems and applications
• Experience with WSUS or a similar software deployment system
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with managers and technical staff
• Current SSBI required
• Current DoD 8570 certification (Security+, SSCP, or CISSP-ISSE)
• Have a Top-Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI level 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.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field or 8 years of equivalent professional experience
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced systems administration and networking, including VLANs, VPNs, and load balancing
• Extensive experience with automation and scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell, Ansible)
• Proficiency with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
• Experience with advanced configuration management tools
• In-depth knowledge of enterprise-level systems and applications
• Proven experience in developing and implementing automation strategies
• Strong project management skills, including leading IT projects
• Experience with enterprise security frameworks and protocols
• Hands-on experience with business continuity and disaster recovery planning and implementation
• Up-to-date knowledge of emerging technologies and industry trends

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 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 www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 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 promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are 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 Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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.