Systems Administrator - Intermediate

Are you ready to advance your IT career by taking on a wide-ranging role that spans from frontline technical support to more intricate system administration tasks?

We are looking for a skilled Intermediate Systems Administrator who will ensure the reliability, security, and performance of our broad IT environments—including stand-alone systems, networked infrastructures, and AWS cloud solutions in specialized SAR and SCI facilities.

This position is vital to maintaining operational excellence and meeting rigorous DoD and Intelligence Community standards.

As an Intermediate Systems Administrator you will be the go-to service person for both immediate technical issues and proactive system enhancements. Your responsibilities include:

• Monitor system performance by keeping an eye on CPU, memory, disk usage, and log data to detect and resolve issues before they impact operations.
• Conduct regular visual and technical hardware checks to ensure all devices are operating optimally.
• Provide prompt and effective assistance for user-reported issues such as password resets, standard application errors, and hardware glitches.
• Manage user account creation, modifications, and permissions to ensure secure and appropriate access across the organization.
• Install, configure, and maintain approved software and drivers, while implementing updates and patches to secure systems against emerging threats.
• Follow security policies rigorously by applying necessary configurations, monitoring for suspicious activity, and reporting potential incidents.
• Troubleshoot connectivity issues, perform routine network tests, and support configuration changes to maintain a stable and secure network environment.
• Oversee virtualized or cloud environments (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V, AWS) to ensure efficient resource allocation and high availability, while fine-tuning system settings for optimal performance.
• Resolve moderately complex issues including driver conflicts, mid-level operating system errors, and hardware malfunctions, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Analyze performance logs, recommend hardware or software upgrades, and implement configuration changes to enhance system resiliency.
• Execute and verify backup procedures to safeguard critical data, while assisting with recovery operations during system outages.
• Create and update detailed documentation covering configuration changes, troubleshooting processes, and security measures, ensuring knowledge is shared across the team.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to coordinate on network, server, and security projects.
• Provide guidance and training to peers, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes continuous learning and operational improvement.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a High School Diploma and 6 years of professional experience in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field or an Associate’s degree with 4 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated success in roles that require both responsive technical support and proactive system administration.
• Proficiency in Windows/Linux system administration, including user management through Active Directory (or equivalent) and Group Policy configuration.
• Hands-on experience with AWS cloud environments, virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V), and network troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with security practices, including deploying patches, configuring firewalls, and applying Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) standards as per JSIG or NISPOM guidance.
• Experience with certificate management (PKI, RSA, Windows/Linux certificate services) and security tools (e.g., ACAS, SCAP, Splunk, Ivanti, McAfee).
• Current DoD 8140 Systems Administration certification (e.g., Security , SSCP, CISSP-ISSE, etc.).
• AWS certifications or equivalent platform-specific credentials are highly desired.
• Have a Top-Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, and 2 years of professional experience or 8 years of directly relevant experience.
• Demonstrated success in roles that require both responsive technical support and proactive system administration.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced systems administration and networking, including VLANs, VPNs, and load balancing
• Extensive experience with automation and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Ansible)
• Experience with advanced configuration management tools
• Proven experience in developing and implementing automation strategies
• Experience with enterprise security frameworks and protocols
• Hands-on experience with business continuity and disaster recovery planning and implementation
• Up-to-date knowledge of emerging technologies and industry trends

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity of perspectives, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Salary : $90,000 - $180,000