Job description

DarkStar Intelligence is seeking a System Administrator Level 2 to support the implementation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of critical Information Technology (IT) systems in a mission-focused environment. This role is responsible for managing IT system infrastructure and associated processes to ensure reliable, secure, and efficient system performance across the enterprise. The System Administrator provides comprehensive support for day-to-day IT operations, including monitoring, maintenance, and issue resolution across client/server environments, storage systems, network devices, mobile devices, and related technologies. The role delivers Tier 1 (Help Desk) and Tier 2 (Escalation) support, including problem identification, diagnosis, resolution, and escalation coordination as needed. This position plays a key role in maintaining operational continuity by supporting communication of system status updates to agency leadership and internal stakeholders. Responsibilities also include supporting dispatch operations, hardware troubleshooting, and end-to-end involvement in issue resolution processes. The selected candidate will configure and manage UNIX and Windows operating systems, install and maintain operating system software, and ensure system integrity across all environments. Additionally, this role includes configuring network components and implementing system enhancements designed to improve reliability, performance, and overall system resilience. Responsibilities • Provide support for implementation, troubleshooting and maintenance of IT systems • Provide Tier 1 (Help Desk) problem identification, diagnosis and resolution of problems • Manage the daily activities of configuration and operation of IT systems • Provide assistance to users in accessing and using IT systems • Provide Tier 1 (Help Desk) and Tier 2 (Escalation) problem identification, diagnosis and resolution of problems • Provide support to IT systems including day-to-day operations, monitoring and problem resolution for all of the client/server/storage/network devices, mobile devices, etc. • Provide support for the escalation and communication of status to agency management and internal customers • Optimize system operations and resource utilization, and perform system capacity analysis and planning • Provide in-depth experience in trouble-shooting IT systems • Provide detailed analysis and feedback to agency management and internal customers for escalated tickets • Provide support for the dispatch system and hardware problems and remains involved in the resolution process • Configure and manage UNIX and Windows (or other applicable) operating systems and installs/loads operating system software, troubleshoot, maintain integrity of and configure network components, along with implementing operating systems enhancements to improve reliability and performance Requirements • Active TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance • Minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a Systems Administrator supporting programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity • Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline from an accredited college or university required; additional five (5) years of Systems Administration experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree • Minimum of five (5) years of experience designing, planning, installing, configuring, and sustaining Red Hat Linux (RHEL) environments • Extensive experience using UNIX/Linux command-line operations in production environments • Experience with NIFI required • Experience installing and managing software via YUM repositories, RPM packages, tarballs, and source code • Experience researching, acquiring, and applying IAVA patches in secure environments • Minimum of five (5) years of experience developing automation scripts for system configuration, backup, and restoration using scripting languages such as Bash and Perl • Experience performing Puppet system administration and configuration management • Minimum of five (5) years of experience with VMware architecture, installation, and configuration • Experience supporting VMware operational capabilities including VMotion-enabled failover, template library management, and system monitoring • Three (3) years of experience implementing OS-level clustering solutions Salary Range $155,000 - $255,000 per year This pay range is a general guideline and not a guarantee of specific compensation or salary. When extending an offer, DarkStar Intelligence considers various factors, including (but not limited to) the job's responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, market data alignment, applicable bargaining agreements (if any), and other relevant laws. Who We Are DarkStar Intelligence delivers mission-critical support to national security operations across intelligence, cybersecurity, technology, and operational support domains. We partner with government customers to strengthen decision advantage, enhance operational readiness, and advance mission success in complex and evolving threat environments. Why Work at DarkStar? At DarkStar Intelligence, you’ll contribute directly to high-impact national security missions while growing your professional capabilities in a collaborative, performance-driven environment. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for continuous development within a mission-focused team culture. ADA Accommodations Statement DarkStar Intelligence is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement DarkStar Intelligence is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. E-Verify Participation DarkStar Intelligence participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees in accordance with applicable law. Benefits Overview DarkStar Intelligence offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include: • Medical, dental, and vision coverage • Paid time off (PTO) and holidays • 401(k) retirement plan options • Professional development and training opportunities

Requirements

Must-haves

The role delivers Tier 1 (Help Desk) and Tier 2 (Escalation) support, including problem identification, diagnosis, resolution, and escalation coordination as needed.
Provide support for implementation, troubleshooting and maintenance of IT systems
Provide Tier 1 (Help Desk) problem identification, diagnosis and resolution of problems
Manage the daily activities of configuration and operation of IT systems
Provide assistance to users in accessing and using IT systems
Provide Tier 1 (Help Desk) and Tier 2 (Escalation) problem identification, diagnosis and resolution of problems
Provide support to IT systems including day-to-day operations, monitoring and problem resolution for all of the client/server/storage/network devices, mobile devices, etc.
Provide support for the escalation and communication of status to agency management and internal customers
Optimize system operations and resource utilization, and perform system capacity analysis and planning
Provide in-depth experience in trouble-shooting IT systems
Provide detailed analysis and feedback to agency management and internal customers for escalated tickets
Provide support for the dispatch system and hardware problems and remains involved in the resolution process
Active TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance
Minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a Systems Administrator supporting programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity
Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline from an accredited college or university required; additional five (5) years of Systems Administration experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree
Minimum of five (5) years of experience designing, planning, installing, configuring, and sustaining Red Hat Linux (RHEL) environments
Extensive experience using UNIX/Linux command-line operations in production environments
Experience with NIFI required
Experience installing and managing software via YUM repositories, RPM packages, tarballs, and source code
Experience researching, acquiring, and applying IAVA patches in secure environments
Minimum of five (5) years of experience developing automation scripts for system configuration, backup, and restoration using scripting languages such as Bash and Perl
Experience performing Puppet system administration and configuration management
Minimum of five (5) years of experience with VMware architecture, installation, and configuration
Experience supporting VMware operational capabilities including VMotion-enabled failover, template library management, and system monitoring

Nice-to-haves

None flagged.

Application prep

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

Platform: paylocity
Effort: medium

Benefits

Benefits detected in the listing.

Dental

Vision

401(K)

Pto

Paid Time Off

Professional Development