Senior Systems/Database Engineer
Location: Mclean, VA
Work Type : Onsite
Remote Work : NO
Job Description
Gridiron IT is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator & Database Engineer that is responsible for secure operations, configuration management, and sustainment of mission?critical systems across multiple classification domains. The engineer provides advanced support for both Windows and Linux environments, administers Microsoft SQL Server databases, maintains compliance and system integrity, and ensures reliable operations across enterprise platforms.
This role supports cloud integration, system modernization, and operational continuity across classified and unclassified networks. Responsibilities include system hardening, vulnerability remediation, onboarding systems into enterprise security/log visibility platforms, preparing RMF/ATO documentation, and troubleshooting complex technical issues end?to?end. The engineer works closely with Cybersecurity, Network Engineering, Cloud Engineering, and mission system owners to ensure stability, availability, and compliance of core mission systems.
Responsibilities:
• Administer and maintain Linux and Windows systems across all classification domains, ensuring secure and compliant operations
• Perform configuration management, patching, STIG hardening, virtualization support (VMs, VDI), storage integration, and backup/restore operations
• Manage system accounts, permissions, RBAC, PKI, and domain policies across multi?domain environments.
• Administer, operate, and optimize Microsoft SQL Server databases across classification levels
• Perform installation, configuration, performance tuning, indexing, monitoring, and backup/restore of SQL Server instances
• Support database integration with logging, monitoring, and security platforms.
• Ensure proper log generation, formatting, forwarding, and ingestion across hybrid on?prem and cloud environments
• Maintain log integrity, retention compliance, and readiness for assessments and audits.
• Maintain STIG compliance, secure configurations, and system baseline documentation
• Interpret vulnerability scan results and coordinate remediation efforts across Windows, Linux, networked systems, and SQL Server
• Maintain awareness of cloud auditing, activity tracking, and compliance monitoring for mission systems.
• Must remain on the client site during Luke Program core hours of 0900-1500.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Active TS/SCI Clearance with Poly (US Citizenship required)
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field
• Experience administering Windows and Linux systems in classified multi?network environments
• Strong experience with Microsoft SQL Server administration (performance tuning, backup/restore, security, monitoring)
• Experience supporting enterprise logging/monitoring/observability pipelines (platform?agnostic)
• Hands?on experience with virtualization, storage, backup/restore, and system hardening
• Experience with cloud system administration (networks, images, RBAC, policies, auditing)
• Familiarity with vulnerability scanning tools (Nessus, SCAP, STIG Viewer)
• Experience troubleshooting network connectivity, firewall, and routing issues impacting system visibility
• Strong documentation skills and cross?functional communication abilities
Desired:
• Security+ CE or DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification
• AWS or Azure administrator certification
• Experience with containers (Kubernetes), automation (Ansible/Terraform), or CI/CD workflows
• Experience supporting SIEM/log analytics onboarding and log source integration
• Experience with DNS, DHCP, certificates, and PKI
• Experience with SQL scripting, performance tuning, and database automation.
Clearance
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Requires TS/SCI with a CI Polygraph.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range: $109,000 - $220,000 (Compensation is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, work experience, skills, education, certifications, seniority, and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.)
Benefits: Gridiron offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), disability & ADD insurance, life and pet insurance to eligible employees. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 30 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Gridiron’s benefits programs.
Gridiron IT Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or disability status.
Gridiron IT is a Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area that supports our clients' missions throughout the United States. Gridiron IT specializes in providing comprehensive IT services tailored to meet the needs of federal agencies. Our capabilities include IT Infrastructure & Cloud Services, Cyber Security, Software Integration & Development, Data Solution & AI, and Enterprise Applications. These capabilities are backed by Gridiron IT's experienced workforce and our commitment to ensuring we meet and exceed our clients' expectations.