OverviewWe are seeking an experienced System Administrator to support mission-critical IT infrastructure within a defense contracting environment. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in cloud technologies relevant to a regulated environment. Having a strong comprehension of security, compliance, and operational requirements common to defense and government settings.
Key Responsibilities- Manage cloud services (AWS, Azure, or GCP) including provisioning, monitoring, and cost control aligned with program requirements.
- Experience managing, maintaining, and optimizing Windows and Linux (RHEL preferred) environments.
- Experience with containerized environments i.e. Docker and Kubernetes
- Configure, maintain, and secure network devices, firewalls, VPNs, and segmented networks used in controlled environments.
- Conduct system patching, updates, hardening, and continuous monitoring to meet security and compliance standards.
- Implement and maintain technical controls aligned with frameworks commonly used in defense contracting (e.g., ITAR, NIST, DFARS)
- Assist with identity and access management, including privileged access workflows.
- Troubleshoot system, network, and application issues to ensure continuity of operations.
- Support disaster recovery planning, contingency procedures, and backup strategies required for mission assurance.
- Collaborate with security, compliance, and engineering teams to ensure system readiness and adherence to program requirements.
Required Skills and Qualifications- 5 plus years of experience in comparable environments
- Professional experience supporting systems within defense, federal, or other highly secure environments.
- Expertise in virtualization technologies and cloud platforms.
- Strong knowledge of networking protocols, routing, switching, and secure network design.
- Understanding of cybersecurity principles, secure configuration, and compliance standards common in defense contracts.
- Proficiency in Windows and Linux administration.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.
- Ability to work within structured processes and controlled change environments.
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience supporting systems tied to government programs or regulated technical environments.
- Familiarity with automation tools such as PowerShell, Bash, Ansible, or Terraform.
- Relevant certifications such as AWS Dev Ops, AWS Solutions Architect, Google Professional Cloud Architect, Azure DevOps, Azure Solutions Architect.
- Relevant security certifications would be a plus.
Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.The California annual base salary for this role is currently $97,000 - $154,000. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.
ITAR Compliance:To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
