Job description

Job Title: On-Premises System Administrator (RHEL/Windows) - SECRET Clearance Required Location: Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), CA (On-site) Clearance: Active SECRET Clearance Required; U.S. Citizenship required Job Type: Full-time Contract Type: Government Contract (Base Year + 4 Option Years) Position Overview We are seeking a System Administrator to maintain the day-to-day operations of the On-premises Safety Analysis System (SAS) at Vandenberg Space Force Base. This role focuses on server maintenance, user management, patching, and hardware/software troubleshooting for both unclassified (NIPRNet) and classified (SIPRNet) networks. The SAS infrastructure supports critical launch safety operations for the SLD 30 Launch Safety office, and this position ensures system stability, security, and analyst productivity. The ideal candidate is a hands-on administrator with strong expertise in Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Windows Server environments. This position requires an on-premises presence, as the SAS systems are not accessible via external connections. This is a non-personal services contract position. The contractor employee reports directly to the Prime Contractor for all human resources, disciplinary, and administrative matters, while receiving work direction and prioritization from SLD 30/RM management. Key Responsibilities System Administration & Maintenance • Administer and maintain on-premises networks, servers (RHEL, Windows Server 2016/2019 or later), and high-performance compute clusters for both unclassified and classified environments. • Apply operating system updates, security patches, and application upgrades within 7 days of release. • Create, manage, and administer system permissions and user accounts; add/delete user accounts or modify settings within 1 day of request. • Perform daily health checks of all clusters and servers, responding to technical issues and restoring system access within 1 day. • Troubleshoot complex hardware and software technical issues, providing timely support to SLD30 Safety analysts. • Maintain backups, execute disaster recovery plans, and document troubleshooting, system changes, and newly enacted procedures within 2 days of dealing with the issue. • Utilize virtualization tools such as VMware (familiarity with Xenserver is desired) and collaboration platforms including Confluence Wiki and GitLab. • Collaborate with the requester/customer to coordinate and schedule installation times that optimize mission requirements, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operations. • Conduct all work in accordance with industry-recognized standards and best practices consistent with System Administrator guidelines available on the DoD Cyber Exchange. Compliance & Documentation • Comply with SELR documentation policies and maintain accurate records of all system changes. • Assume full responsibility for the protection and preservation of all government-owned property, including facilities, equipment, and materials provided for use in performing this contract. • Upon completion of each work period, ensure that all government facilities, equipment, and materials are properly secured and protected against loss, damage, or unauthorized access. Deliverables • Submit monthly SAS network status reports to SLD 30/SELR by the required date. • Document all troubleshooting, repairs, system changes, and newly enacted procedures within 2 days of dealing with the issue. Required Qualifications • Education: High School Diploma or equivalent (Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field preferred). • Experience: Minimum 2-4 years of system administration experience in a DoD or government environment. • Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship required. • Security Clearance: Active SECRET clearance required; Must be eligible for a Common Access Card (CAC). • Certifications: Must possess a current Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level II certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+ CE). • Technical Skills: Proficiency in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Windows 10/11 SIPRNet/NIPRNet Standard Desktop Configuration (SDC), Windows Server 2016/2019 or later, and VMware virtualization. • Additional Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with Confluence Wiki, GitLab, and Xenserver is desired. Familiarity with XD Air media security is also desired. • Language: Proficient in written and verbal English. • Knowledge: Deep understanding of DoD cybersecurity policies, system administration best practices, and classified network environments (SIPRNet). • Interpersonal: Strong customer service and communication skills to interface with Safety analysts, mission leads, and government points of contact. • Judgment: Ability to exercise sound judgment and work independently to accomplish goals while maintaining strict compliance with security protocols. Schedule & Work Conditions • Hours: Standard business hours, Monday through Friday (40 hours per week). Specific start/end times to be coordinated with government management. • Location: Bldg. 8500, 1515 Iceland Ave, Vandenberg SFB, CA 93437. • On-Site Requirement: Work must be performed on-premises; no external or remote access to the SAS systems is permitted. • Federal Holidays Off: All Federal holidays observed. • Additional Closures: As directed by Vandenberg SFB leadership. Time Off Policies • Planned absences and vacation must be coordinated at least 2 weeks in advance with the Prime Contractor and government POC to ensure operational thresholds are maintained. • Approved vacations shall not exceed 14 consecutive calendar days. • No temporary substitutions are allowed without prior government approval. • Absences exceeding 20 days in a 90-day period without substantiated approval may lead to termination. Dress Code Business casual professional attire required while performing contract duties. Inappropriate attire includes sweats, skirts shorter than 2 inches above the knee, exposed midriff, spaghetti straps, sheer clothing, low-cut tops, shorts, flip flops, slippers, sleepwear, bib overalls, offensive logos/slogans, halter tops, and t-shirts. Hats are not permitted except for religious or cultural head coverings. Security Requirements • CAC & Clearance: Must maintain an active SECRET clearance and CAC for the duration of the contract. Must pass FBI fingerprint check and NACI background investigation as required. • Computer Security: Must complete DoD Cyber Awareness Challenge training prior to network access and annually thereafter. • Contractor Badge: Must wear government-issued identification badge at all times, visible on outer clothing. • CUI Compliance: Must comply with Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act requirements for handling Controlled Unclassified Information. • Key Control: Must safeguard government-issued keys; lost or duplicated keys may result in re-keying costs deducted from payment. • Non-Personal Services: Employee reports directly to the Prime Contractor for HR, disciplinary, and administrative matters. Government provides orientation to VSFB facilities and government-unique systems only. Equal Opportunity Employer We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Requirements

Must-haves

Job Title: On-Premises System Administrator (RHEL/Windows) - SECRET Clearance Required
Location: Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), CA (On-site)
Clearance: Active SECRET Clearance Required; U.S. Citizenship required
Job Type: Full-time
Contract Type: Government Contract (Base Year + 4 Option Years)
Position Overview
System Administration & Maintenance
Administer and maintain on-premises networks, servers (RHEL, Windows Server 2016/2019 or later), and high-performance compute clusters for both unclassified and classified environments.
Apply operating system updates, security patches, and application upgrades within 7 days of release.
Create, manage, and administer system permissions and user accounts; add/delete user accounts or modify settings within 1 day of request.
Perform daily health checks of all clusters and servers, responding to technical issues and restoring system access within 1 day.
Troubleshoot complex hardware and software technical issues, providing timely support to SLD30 Safety analysts.
Maintain backups, execute disaster recovery plans, and document troubleshooting, system changes, and newly enacted procedures within 2 days of dealing with the issue.
Utilize virtualization tools such as VMware (familiarity with Xenserver is desired) and collaboration platforms including Confluence Wiki and GitLab.
Collaborate with the requester/customer to coordinate and schedule installation times that optimize mission requirements, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operations.
Conduct all work in accordance with industry-recognized standards and best practices consistent with System Administrator guidelines available on the DoD Cyber Exchange.
Compliance & Documentation
Comply with SELR documentation policies and maintain accurate records of all system changes.
Assume full responsibility for the protection and preservation of all government-owned property, including facilities, equipment, and materials provided for use in performing this contract.
Upon completion of each work period, ensure that all government facilities, equipment, and materials are properly secured and protected against loss, damage, or unauthorized access.
Deliverables
Submit monthly SAS network status reports to SLD 30/SELR by the required date.
Document all troubleshooting, repairs, system changes, and newly enacted procedures within 2 days of dealing with the issue.

Nice-to-haves

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent (Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field preferred).

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

Platform: discovered
Effort: medium