The Chinook Program is currently seeking a Senior Systems Administrator. As a senior member of our IT operations team, you will play a key role in managing, supporting, securing, and optimizing high-performance, mission-critical systems that directly affect our customers' intelligence and geospatial initiatives.
This position requires deep technical expertise, proactive leadership, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, classified environment. You will lead systems operations, mentor junior admins, and ensure availability, reliability, and security of infrastructure supporting geospatial analytics, software development, and data services.
Position may be performed in the following locations below. Please note Gaithersburg, MD is the program's primary work location.
- Alexandria, VA
- Englewood, CO
- St. Louis, MO
- Tucson, AZ
Clearance Level Required:Top Secret with the ability to obtain SCI, as well as a Polygraph.
Primary Responsibilities:- Lead system administration for Linux and Windows-based systems in secure, mission-critical environments.
- Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and end-user technical issues while serving as a primary IT support contact, managing support tickets through resolution, and delivering responsive customer service.
- Architect and manage complex server, storage, and virtualization infrastructure (VMware, KVM).
- Perform OS installation, configuration, hardening, and patching in compliance with DoD STIGs and agency policies.
- Monitor and tune system performance, conduct root cause analysis, and resolve complex issues quickly and efficiently.
- Support backup/recovery strategies, disaster recovery plans, and continuity of operations.
- Oversee and maintain automation scripts and infrastructure as code (Ansible, PowerShell, Bash, etc.).
- Maintain system documentation, configuration baselines, and support CM and RM activities.
- Lead and support deployment of system enhancements and modernization initiatives for Chinook program.
- Collaborate with cybersecurity, network engineering, and software development teams to ensure system compliance and performance.
- Participate in security audits, incident response, and operational readiness activities.
Basic Qualifications:- US citizenship is required per contract.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related discipline and 8-12 years of prior relevant experience or Master's with 6-10 years of prior relevant experience.
- DoD 8570 IAT Level II or III certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CASP+, CISSP).
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government) and hybrid cloud environments.
- Experience with Linux (Red Hat Enterprise Linux or CentOS) and Windows Server platform system administration.
- Proficiency with virtualization platforms (VMware, KVM) and management tools.
- Experience with automation and scripting (Ansible, Bash, PowerShell, Python).
- Familiarity with STIG compliance, system hardening, ACAS scans, and RMF processes.
- Strong understanding of enterprise networking, identity/access management, and storage concepts.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot, document, and lead systems-related projects independently.
- Experience supporting IC or DoD classified environments.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience supporting our customer or GEOINT missions.
- Familiarity with DevOps tools and pipelines (Git, Jenkins, Docker, etc.).
- Knowledge of enterprise backup solutions, DNS, DHCP, Active Directory, and PKI.
#Chinook
Original Posting:June 24, 2026
Pay Range:Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
