SMX is seeking an experienced Senior, Systems Administrator to support enterprise infrastructure, systems engineering, and development operations within a mission-focused Department of Defense (DoD) environment at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD.
This position supports a technical environment that brings together traditional systems administration, virtualization, containerized applications, infrastructure automation, and cybersecurity compliance. The selected candidate will be responsible for maintaining secure and reliable infrastructure while supporting development, integration, and operational requirements across multiple platforms.
The ideal candidate brings a strong background in Windows and Linux administration, experience supporting development and testing environments, and the ability to balance operational security requirements with the need for efficient technical delivery. This role requires someone who can independently troubleshoot complex infrastructure challenges, identify opportunities for automation, and collaborate with developers, engineers, and cybersecurity personnel to maintain mission readiness.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities- Administer, maintain, and troubleshoot Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) environments, including core infrastructure services such as Active Directory, IDM, Group Policy, DNS, and DHCP
- Support enterprise virtualization, cloud infrastructure, and containerized applications using technologies such as VMware, OpenStack, Docker, Podman, and Kubernetes
- Perform system provisioning, configuration management, patching, upgrades, and maintenance to ensure infrastructure availability, security, and performance
- Develop and maintain automation solutions using PowerShell, Python, Bash, and other scripting technologies to streamline administrative processes and reduce manual effort
- Support development, integration, testing, and simulation environments, working closely with engineering and development teams to address infrastructure requirements and technical challenges
- Implement and maintain DoD cybersecurity requirements, including STIG compliance, system hardening, vulnerability management, and ACAS findings remediation
- Support RMF and ATO activities through security documentation, continuous monitoring, configuration validation, and coordination with cybersecurity personnel
- Perform hardware and software troubleshooting, system imaging, backup and recovery, and incident resolution across physical and virtual infrastructure
- Collaborate with infrastructure, development, and cybersecurity teams to implement technical solutions that balance operational requirements, system security, and mission objectives
- Maintain technical documentation, support infrastructure improvements, and identify opportunities to improve system reliability, automation, and operational efficiency
Required Skills & Experience- Clearance required: Top Secret
- Security+ CE certification or equivalent DoD 8570/8140 qualification
- Advanced experience administering Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) environments
- Strong knowledge of Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and enterprise networking. Experience with virtualization, cloud infrastructure, and container technologies such as VMware, OpenStack, Docker, Podman, or Kubernetes
- Proficiency in scripting and automation using PowerShell, Python, Bash, or similar tools
- Experience with DoD cybersecurity requirements, including STIGs, ACAS, RMF, and ATO processes
- Experience supporting system patching, troubleshooting, configuration management, and backup/recovery operations
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills, particularly in development and mission-critical environments
Desired Skills & Experience - Experience administering OpenStack environments and advanced VMware virtualization infrastructure. Hands-on experience with Kubernetes orchestration and container management
- Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Ansible, Terraform, and Git. Experience supporting DevSecOps pipelines, automated deployments, and software development environments
- Knowledge of DoD RMF processes, eMASS, NIST SP 800-53, and POA&M management
- Experience supporting enterprise storage, networking, and distributed infrastructure
- Familiarity with system imaging, disaster recovery, and infrastructure modernization initiatives
- Previous experience supporting DoD, Navy, or other government IT environments
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The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.
The proposed salary for this position is:
$130,000-$185,000 USD
