Institute for Defense Analyses

Systems Administrator I (VMWare/Nutanix Virtualization, Hyperconverged Solutions, Backups, and Storage)

Institute for Defense Analyses$74K — $118K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field with 1 year IT experience, or a high school diploma plus 3 years IT experience.
  • Fundamental experience supporting servers, systems, and Microsoft software environments.
  • Proven track record in building, deploying, and troubleshooting both physical and virtual Windows Servers.
  • Familiarity with VMware/VSphere, CommVault (or similar backup systems), and storage systems like Dell EMC Unity, Data Domains, or Isilon.
  • Basic networking understanding with additional experience considered a plus.
  • Organized, self-motivated, and capable of working independently while effectively communicating across all levels.
  • Eligible for US citizenship-based roles with the ability to obtain and maintain necessary security clearances and DOD 8570 IAT II certification.

Responsibilities

  • Provide operational support to ensure systems remain functional, secure, and available.
  • Assist in implementing IT initiatives and support the transition of operational duties alongside engineering teams.
  • Build and configure new physical and virtual servers to meet design specifications.
  • Ensure all systems comply with business needs and strict security directives from IDA, DOD, NSA, DISA, and DCSA.
  • Follow established operating procedures to administer classified and unclassified systems.
  • Promptly communicate network and system issues and respond to critical after-hours support demands.
  • Stay current with IT trends and develop technical proficiency across evolving technologies.

Benefits

  • Diverse health insurance options and an 11% retirement contribution.
  • Generous paid time off starting at 20 days (increasing with tenure) and parental leave.
  • Relocation reimbursement and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
  • Robust professional development including tuition reimbursement, training opportunities, and research project funding.
  • A strong culture of work-life balance with an average 40-hour work week, flexible schedules, and partial telework options.
  • Access to a brand-new facility in Alexandria’s high-tech corridor with on-site cafeteria, café, gym, and convenient transit links supported by commuter benefits.
Full Job Description
Overview:

Under general supervision, this position administers, and maintains multiple IT systems, servers and software. The incumbent applies general knowledge and exercises discretion and independent judgment to solve a range of operational non-routine problems of limited scope and complexity. Responsibilities include maintaining systems functionality, availability, security and performance. Assists in the implementation of programs or projects through operational and technical support. Provides support of IT operational tasks and requirements. Maintains configuration standards and adheres to IT best practices and corporate and security policy. 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. #ITatIDA

Responsibilities:
  • Provides operational support and maintenance to ensure systems functionality, availability, security, and performance.
  • Assists in the implementation of IT technology initiatives and assists the engineering staff in the transition of operational support.
  • Builds new physical and virtual servers to design specifications.
  • Ensures all systems meet or exceed the business and security requirements in accordance with IDA, DOD, NSA, DISA, and DCSA directives and guidelines.
  • Follows standard operating procedures and processes.
  • Administers and maintains classified and unclassified systems and services to ensure optimum performance and availability.
  • Develops technical proficiency in IT technologies; keeps abreast of industry trends.
  • Communicates all computer network, system and service problems and outages immediately to the SEO supervisors and/or EITO Manager.
  • Responds to critical after-hours support issues.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.


Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science or related field with one year Information Technology experience OR high school diploma with three years Information Technology experience.
  • Possess fundamental knowledge and principles in supporting servers, systems, and software, preferably Microsoft.
  • Experience with building, deploying, and troubleshooting Windows Servers - both physical and virtual servers.
  • Knowledge/broad experience in networking is a plus.
  • Ability to troubleshoot server-side issues, applications such as VMware/VSphere, CommVault backup system (other backups systems are acceptable), and experience with storage systems such as Dell EMC Unity, Data Domains, Isilon.
  • Knowledge and experience with Nutanix a plus.
  • Must be organized, self-motivated and able to work with general 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.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DOD 8570 IAT II certification.


Why Work at IDA?
  • Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 11% contribution to retirement, parental leave, 20 days paid time off (which increases with tenure), and relocation reimbursement.
  • Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our warfighters; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL).
  • Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.
  • A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40-hour work weeks through flex time, partial telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours.
  • A brand-new facility located in Alexandria's high-tech corridor in Potomac Yard; amenities include a cafeteria, grab-n-go café, gym, and close proximity to local dining and shopping.
  • Easy access to Potomac Yard Metro stop and Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $315/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.


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 $74,068 - $118,509. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.

About Institute for Defense Analyses

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a non-profit corporation that provides scientific and technical research and analysis to the United States Department of Defense and other federal agencies. IDA was founded in 1956 and is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization employs over 1,200 scientists, engineers, and analysts who conduct research in a variety of fields, including national security, science and technology, and social sciences. IDA is governed by a board of trustees, which is composed of senior executives from the defense industry, academia, and government.
Learn more about Institute for Defense Analyses
Size
1,200 employees
Industry
Founded
1956

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