Job description

The Systems Administrator, Senior manages and optimizes complex enterprise infrastructure spanning Windows and Linux servers, VMware environments, and cloud services that support mission‑critical government systems. The role leads major changes, automation, and incident response while ensuring performance, availability, and security remain within organizational and regulatory requirements. Key Responsibilities • Administer heterogeneous server platforms and virtualization stacks (for example, VMware vSphere) for highly available workloads. • Plan, test, and execute complex system changes such as OS upgrades, hypervisor updates, and configuration refactoring with clear rollback strategies and minimal downtime. • Design and tune monitoring, logging, and alerting solutions to provide deep visibility into system performance, capacity, and security posture across on‑premises and cloud environments. • Use scripting and automation (for example, PowerShell, Bash, Python) to standardize provisioning, configuration, patching, and recurring operational tasks. • Implement and enforce security hardening, access controls, and backup and recovery procedures aligned with organizational and regulatory requirements. • Lead high‑severity incident response, coordinate root‑cause analysis, and drive long‑term remediation and preventive improvements. • Mentor junior staff, contribute to infrastructure roadmaps, and work within ITIL‑aligned incident, problem, and change processes. Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience. • Typically 8 or more years of experience in systems administration for Windows, Linux, or VMware environments in enterprise or government settings. • Deep knowledge of operating systems (for example, Windows Server, Red Hat, or similar) and VMware vSphere/ESXi. • Proficiency in scripting, system monitoring, patch management, and performance tuning. • Strong troubleshooting, communication, and teamwork skills with the ability to manage multiple complex efforts. • Candidates must have a current secret security clearance and Security+ or other DoD 8140 IAT-II compliant certification. Preferred Qualifications • Relevant certifications such as Microsoft Windows Server, RHCSA/RHCE, or VMware VCP. • Experience applying ITIL practices and working in highly regulated federal environments. Compensation Ranges Compensation ranges for ASM Research positions vary depending on multiple factors; including but not limited to, location, skill set, level of education, certifications, client requirements, contract-specific affordability, government clearance and investigation level, and years of experience. The compensation displayed for this role is a general guideline based on these factors and is unique to each role. Monetary compensation is one component of ASM's overall compensation and benefits package for employees. EEO Requirements It is the policy of ASM that an individual's race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation or national origin are not and will not be considered in any personnel or management decisions. We affirm our commitment to these fundamental policies. All recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications is done without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, or age. All decisions on employment are made to abide by the principle of equal employment. Physical Requirements The physical requirements described in "Knowledge, Skills and Abilities" above are representative of those which must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. (For example, "light office duties' or "lifting up to 50 pounds" or "some travel" required.) Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualifying disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the primary functions. Disclaimer The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Requirements

Must-haves

Administer heterogeneous server platforms and virtualization stacks (for example, VMware vSphere) for highly available workloads.
Plan, test, and execute complex system changes such as OS upgrades, hypervisor updates, and configuration refactoring with clear rollback strategies and minimal downtime.
Design and tune monitoring, logging, and alerting solutions to provide deep visibility into system performance, capacity, and security posture across on‑premises and cloud environments.
Use scripting and automation (for example, PowerShell, Bash, Python) to standardize provisioning, configuration, patching, and recurring operational tasks.
Implement and enforce security hardening, access controls, and backup and recovery procedures aligned with organizational and regulatory requirements.
Lead high‑severity incident response, coordinate root‑cause analysis, and drive long‑term remediation and preventive improvements.
Mentor junior staff, contribute to infrastructure roadmaps, and work within ITIL‑aligned incident, problem, and change processes.
Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Typically 8 or more years of experience in systems administration for Windows, Linux, or VMware environments in enterprise or government settings.
Deep knowledge of operating systems (for example, Windows Server, Red Hat, or similar) and VMware vSphere/ESXi.
Proficiency in scripting, system monitoring, patch management, and performance tuning.
Strong troubleshooting, communication, and teamwork skills with the ability to manage multiple complex efforts.
Candidates must have a current secret security clearance and Security+ or other DoD 8140 IAT-II compliant certification.

Nice-to-haves

Relevant certifications such as Microsoft Windows Server, RHCSA/RHCE, or VMware VCP.
Experience applying ITIL practices and working in highly regulated federal environments.
Compensation Ranges
EEO Requirements
Physical Requirements

Application prep

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Keywords to mirror

python

Platform: adp-recruiting
Effort: medium

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