Systems Administrator - Advance 1

Do you excel at handling complex technical challenges and acting as a key support resource for junior and intermediate IT staff?

We are seeking a Systems Administrator: Advanced 1 who will take the lead on moderate-to-high complexity issues, system optimizations, and advanced troubleshooting-all while collaborating closely with Tier 1, Tier 2, and more senior experts.

As a Systems Administrator Advanced 1 you will play a critical role in ensuring seamless operations of stand-alone, networked, and cloud-based systems under stringent DoD and Intelligence Community standards. Your responsibilities include:

• Diagnose and resolve escalated software/hardware incidents that exceed Tier 2 capabilities, including intricate OS errors, network configurations, and complex driver conflicts.
• Oversee larger system updates and patches, ensuring minimal disruption to user environments through thorough planning and execution.
• Conduct more in-depth performance monitoring for servers, virtualization platforms, or HPC/cloud environments-taking proactive steps to address potential bottlenecks.
• Provide input on refined system configurations and improvements (e.g., multi-site environments, virtualization tuning), aligning solutions with organizational standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and, when needed, Tier 4 architects on challenging deployment initiatives-serving as the go-to resource for mid-to-advanced technical questions.
• Act as an internal consultant by suggesting new tools, methodologies, and best practices to improve overall system reliability and performance.
• Implement advanced security controls and ensure compliance with relevant guidelines (e.g., STIGs, JSIG, or NISPOM).
• Support risk assessments and audits by preparing system documentation, generating reports, and remediating any identified vulnerabilities.
• Proactively spot security risks (e.g., abnormal monitoring results, capacity issues) and coordinate with higher-level security teams for incident response.
• Identify emerging technologies or updates that enhance system workflows-testing and evaluating their viability in collaboration with senior experts.
• Contribute to the development of scripts or automation tools (e.g., Python, PowerShell, Ansible) to streamline repetitive tasks and standardize deployments.
• Maintain a finger on the pulse of capacity planning, advanced monitoring solutions, and potential optimizations to prevent performance degradation.
• Serve as a role model and mentor for Tier 1 and Tier 2 administrators, guiding them through advanced troubleshooting techniques and sharing best practices.
• Lead smaller cross-team initiatives or projects-ensuring clear communication, task delegation, and timely milestone completion.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions or technical workshops that help elevate the broader team's capabilities.
• Maintain detailed records of system changes, advanced troubleshooting steps, and solutions in a central knowledge base.
• Draft and review technical documentation for more complex installations, upgrades, and configurations to ensure clarity and standardization.
• Provide succinct, high-level status updates to management on priority incidents, potential risks, and on-going improvement projects.

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

• Have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field - OR - 10+ years of equivalent professional experience
• Possess 5+ years of progressive experience in IT, demonstrating competence in escalated technical support, system administration, and troubleshooting
• Are skilled in Windows/Linux systems administration, virtualization (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V), and basic-to-intermediate cloud environments (AWS or similar)
• Understand networking fundamentals such as VLANs, routing, and switch configurations-and can diagnose complex connectivity issues
• Have hands-on experience applying DoD/IC security guidelines (e.g., STIGs, JSIG, NISPOM) in patch management and vulnerability remediation
• Hold a current DoD 8140 Systems Administration certification (e.g., Security+, SSCP, or CISSP-ISSE)
• Hold an active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility. 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.
• Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders and exhibit a proven track record of team collaboration

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

• Have a Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field - OR - 12+ years of equivalent professional experience
• Possess advanced certifications, such as AWS Solutions Architect, MCSE, Red Hat Certified Engineer, or additional security credentials
• Have a strong background in automation/scripting (e.g., Python, PowerShell, Ansible) to streamline repetitive tasks and deployments
• Demonstrate familiarity with advanced networking concepts (e.g., load balancers, VPNs, and multi-site connectivity)
• Have practical experience in high-performance computing (HPC) or specialized cloud services that require performance tuning and load management
• Show a history of project leadership, mentoring junior staff, or spearheading cross-departmental IT initiatives
• Regularly monitor industry trends and emerging technologies, proactively recommending improvements to meet evolving mission needs

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 athttp://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 contactAccommodations@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.