System Administrator

Description

Location: NAS Patuxent River, MD  

Security Clearance Requirement: Active Top Secret  

Telework Eligible? No

What You’ll Do: 

As the System Administrator, you will be responsible for ensuring secure configurations, producing accreditation artifacts, and maintaining hardened baselines — all with a focus on reliability and long-term system assurance. The ideal candidate is not only technically strong, but also thoughtful, process-oriented, and one who takes a careful, methodical approach to systems management.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain and secure Linux operating system environments in compliance with DISA STIGs to support classified mission systems.
• Support RMF and ATO activities, including vulnerability scanning (ACAS, Evaluate STIG) and development of accreditation artifacts.
• Maintain and harden VMware ESXi platforms to ensure reliable, secure virtualization infrastructure.
• Automate system provisioning, configuration management, patching, compliance validation, and reporting using Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform.
• Apply monthly RHEL updates and sustain hardened baselines in classified environments.
• Partner with cybersecurity, DevOps, and systems engineering teams to refine processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Develop and release hardened RHEL templates on a quarterly basis, including documentation required for ATO submissions.
• Monitor Linux and virtualization platforms for availability, performance, and security to ensure mission continuity.
• Ensure compliance with DoD RMF, FISMA, NIST 800-53, and DoD SRG requirements.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation in Confluence and track work in Jira.
• Operate SolarWinds monitoring and auditing tools to proactively detect anomalies and maintain system integrity.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

• Well-funded program: You’ll have the resources and support needed to do your job well, without constant budget roadblocks.
• Collaborative team: Join an infrastructure group that values professionalism, teamwork, and shared success.
• Opportunity to grow: Help refine processes and strengthen modern practices like CI/CD, making a long-term impact on how the team operates.
• Challenging, meaningful work: Support systems where stability, security, and compliance are mission-critical — work that matters.
• Room for mastery: From Linux and ESXi hardening to automation with Ansible, you’ll have the chance to deepen your skills in high-value technical areas.

This description outlines the general nature and scope of the role. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.

Requirements

What You’ll Bring:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems Management, or related IA/CS field from an ABET-accredited institution; in lieu of degree, and additional 3 years of IT experience on DoD classified networks is required. 
• 5 years of related System Administration experience is required; 7+ years with no bachelor's degree.
• Must have a deep level of knowledge and experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
• Demonstrated experience with Confluence and Jira.

Required Certifications: 

• Candidates must hold a current IAT-II certification (e.g., Security +, CCNA Security, CySA+) as defined by DoD 8570.01-M. Candidates must also have a current Operating System certification (e.g., Windows Server, Linux+, Red Hat Certified System Administrator, etc.). Please upload copies of any relevant IT certifications as part of your application. These documents help us verify qualifications during the initial screening process. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with SolarWinds monitoring and auditing tools. 
• Familiarity with the Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform. 

Equally Important:

• Ability to build positive, collaborative relationships across teams and with external partners.
• Effective communicator with strong verbal and written skills.
• Proactive, self-directed work style with the ability to operate independently.
• Analytical thinker with proven problem-solving capabilities.
• Highly organized, with the ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

ASEC is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilit