Computer Systems Administrator II

Institute for Defense Analyses

$91K — $146K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's in Computer Science or related field plus 3 years of IT experience including 2 years in systems administration, or high school diploma with 5 years of IT experience including 2 years in systems administration.
  • Technical proficiency managing computer systems and software, particularly with Microsoft products.
  • Experience with Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager, Windows Deployment Server, PXE, patch management, and scripting languages is advantageous.
  • Strong organizational skills and self-motivated; able to work under moderate supervision.
  • Effective communication skills in written and verbal form, capable of engaging across all employee levels.
  • Willingness to work hours beyond the regular schedule.
  • U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain necessary security clearances.

Responsibilities

  • Manage the life cycle of enterprise applications and systems, ensuring their compatibility and performance.
  • Maintain security configuration standards per various directives and provide security posture reports.
  • Automate deployment of system baselines and applications using tools such as Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.
  • Act as an escalation point for technical issues, mentoring junior staff in complex problem resolution.
  • Build and implement new hardware and software technologies; collaborate with engineering for production use.
  • Publish technical documentation, including SOPs and training materials.
  • Keep up to date with IT technologies and industry trends, communicating issues promptly to management.

Benefits

  • Support for obtaining necessary certifications within 6 months of employment.
  • Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
  • Engagement with advanced enterprise systems, enhancing technical skills and knowledge repository.
  • Involvement in strategic programs and projects impacting organizational goals.
  • Opportunity to gain exposure to a wide range of IT technologies and practices.
Full Job Description
With moderate supervision, this position is technically and operationally proficient in the life cycle support of enterprise systems and application software. The incumbent applies functional knowledge to solve an assortment of problems of moderately complex scope. Responsibilities include maintaining systems functionality, availability, security, and performance. Contributes and plays a key role in the implementation of programs or projects that effect the organization's goals and objectives. Coordinates with other IT staff in support of operational tasks and requirements. Ensures configuration standards are maintained and adheres to IT best practices and corporate and security policy. May involve the planning, logistics and scheduling of system deployments and user support. Due to the nature of this position, and the requirement for extended coverage, this position may be required to work hours outside of a regular schedule.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Manages the life cycle of enterprise applications, operating systems, software baselines and enterprise tools, tailoring and customizing systems to ensure their compatibility with existing production environments.
a. Maintains multiple individually designed software baselines for a diverse range of networks and hardware platforms. Ensures configuration standards in accordance with IDA, DOD, NSA, DISA, US Cyber Command and DSS directives and guidelines. Applies Security Technical Implementation Guides and provides reports through the use of Retina and Security Content Automation Protocol Validation Program scans to ensure and validate the security posture of each baseline.
b. Automates the deployment of all new system baselines and enterprise applications using tools like Microsoft Deployment Tool Kit and Microsoft Center Configuration Manager.
c. Publishes technical documentation to include Standard Operating Procedures, troubleshooting guides, and training materials.

2. Specializes in the technical and operational support of enterprise endpoint systems hardware and software.
a. Serves as an escalation point for junior Computer Systems Administrators and the IT Service Desk in the resolution of advanced technical problems. Provides subject matter expertise to the enterprise systems they maintain.
b. Builds new systems and implements new hardware and software technologies; partners with the engineering staff to tailor new products for production use, automates deployments (when possible) and preparing the staff for operational support. Mentors junior administrators in the process.
c. Installs, configures, deploys and maintains endpoint systems; provides operational and technical support to ensure systems functionality, security and performance.

3. Maintains technical proficiency in IT technologies; keeps abreast of industry trends.

4. Communicates all computer network, system and service problems and outages immediately to the Computer Engineering and Operations Supervisor and/or EITO Manager.

5. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science or related field with three years minimum experience in Information Technology, which includes two years in systems administration OR high school diploma with five years minimum experience in Information Technology, which includes two years in systems administration.
• Possess technical and operational proficiency managing and supporting computer systems and software, preferably the Microsoft suite of enterprise software.
• Experience with Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager, Windows Deployment Server, PXE, Patch Management, application life cycle support, McAfee Enterprise Policy Orchestrator, McAfee endpoint products, HBSS, and scripting languages a plus.
• Must be organized, self-motivated and able to work with moderate supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form and with all levels of employees; possess good interpersonal skills.
• Must be willing to work hours outside of a regular schedule.
• US citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain appropriate security clearances.
• This position requires that you have the ability to obtain and maintain the current DOW 8140 and/or 8570 certification or obtain relevant education substitution within 6 months of employment.

Compensation:

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $91,415-$146,264. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.

U.S. Citizenship is required

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required

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