Senior Systems Administrator

At ValidaTek, we modernize and optimize IT services to solve some of the most critical challenges facing federal civilian and defense agencies. From customers to partners to top-talent employees, ValidaTek puts people first, empowering them to exceed expectations and transform government organizations. Our success starts and ends with our people, so we built a company where great people can do great things, with the resources and autonomy to make decisions that transform organizations. We operate as one team of diverse people, united by a passion for continuous growth and optimization. Our commitment to quality and performance optimization is the reason why our IT Service Projects and New Development Projects have been appraised at CMMI Maturity Level 5, positioning us as one of a handful of elite companies to receive the highest form of third-party validation.

Summary
Validatek is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to join our mission-focused IT Operations team supporting Department of Defense (DoD) customers. This role is responsible for the administration, security, and reliability of enterprise Windows-based systems , ensuring compliance with DoD cybersecurity and operational standards.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical expert with deep experience in Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, MS SQL , and SMB file shares , capable of managing large, complex environments with precision and accountability.

** Shift: Monday - Friday: 7:00am - 3:30pm CST **

Responsibilities

• Manage, maintain , and secure Windows Server environments across multiple domains and enclaves.
• Administer and troubleshoot Active Directory (AD) , DNS , DHCP , Group Policy , and SMB file shares .
• Support and maintain Microsoft SQL Server databases, including patching, backups, and performance optimization.
• Apply and validate DoD STIGs to maintain compliant system configurations.
• Contribute to RMF (Risk Management Framework) documentation and accreditation activities.
• Maintain accurate system documentation , standard operating procedures (SOPs), and change records.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve complex infrastructure issues and enhance service reliability.
• Automate operational workflows using PowerShell , Ansible , Python , and Bash .
• Participate in system monitoring, patching, and configuration management cycles.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship (required).
• Active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain Top Secret .
• 8+ years of hands-on experience as a Systems Administrator in a DoD or enterprise IT environment.
• Deep technical expertise in:
• Windows Server Administration
• Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy
• SMB File Shares and NTFS permissions
• MS SQL Server management and maintenance
• Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Model and network layer troubleshooting
• Proven experience implementing DoD STIGs and supporting RMF compliance.
• Solid understanding of network fundamentals , including IP addressing, VLANs, and routing.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills in mission-critical environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Linux Administration (RHEL, CentOS, or Ubuntu).
• Experience using Ivanti Security Controls for agent and agentless patch management
• Familiarity with ITIL v4 and Knowledge-Centered Services (KCS) frameworks.
• Automation experience using Ansible , PowerShell , Python , and Bash .
• Experience with VMware vSphere , Hyper-V , or other virtualization platforms.
• Prior work supporting classified or air-gapped environments.

Salary Disclosure
Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, geographic location, contract affordability, internal equity, education, and certifications.

The upper end of the salary range may be reserved for individuals who have demonstrated tenure with the company, seniority, and proven excellent performance. This includes factors such as education, certifications, and extensive/unique experience beyond what is required.

EEO Statement
ValidaTek is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to verify authorization to work in the United States.

Offers of employment will be contingent upon passing a post-offer background check.