Senior Systems Administrator

About Us VT-ARC is a technical services and applied research company that values teamwork, integrity, excellence, and service. We solve tough problems by working together, valuing each employee’s contribution, and maintaining a fun work environment. Our commitment to excellence is recognized through service/merit awards and a Best Workplace in Defense Award by Emergent Magazine. VT-ARC promotes a sense of community larger than the organization, leveraging staff and institutional resources in service to our country. About You You are a Senior‑Level Systems Administrator with experience designing, implementing, securing, and supporting enterprise IT infrastructure in commercial, government, and regulated environments. You possess expertise across Microsoft 365, Active Directory, Azure/Entra ID, Windows Server, virtualization, networking, endpoint management, and cybersecurity technologies. You are comfortable leading modernization, cloud, and security initiatives while remaining hands‑on with deployment, troubleshooting, automation, documentation, and operational support. Duties/Responsibilities Administer, maintain, and secure Windows and Linux Server environments across physical, virtual, and cloud infrastructure. Administer and manage enterprise security, networking, monitoring, systems, and network management platforms. Administer Active Directory, Entra ID, Exchange, SharePoint, Intune, and Teams. Configure and maintain Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, file services, identity management systems, and enterprise authentication services. Perform system monitoring, patch management, backup validation, performance tuning, and capacity planning. Deploy operating systems, applications, security baselines, and patches across enterprise devices. Support hardware lifecycle processes, including provisioning, onboarding, offboarding, and hardware refreshes. Support organizational cybersecurity and compliance initiatives by implementing, monitoring, documenting, and maintaining security controls aligned with regulatory and contractual requirements. Support vulnerability management, endpoint protection, SIEM monitoring, phishing mitigation, and incident response activities. Maintain secure system configurations and implement cybersecurity best practices. Support identity security initiatives, including SSO, privileged access management, and least privilege enforcement. Develop automation solutions using scripting and workflow automation tools. Integrate enterprise platforms to improve operational processes and business enablement. Develop and maintain technical documentation, SOPs, diagrams, and knowledge base articles. Provide tier‑3 escalation support and mentor junior IT staff. Assist with infrastructure modernization, cloud migration, and security improvement initiatives. Participate in disaster recovery, contingency planning, and after‑hours maintenance activities as needed. Perform software installations, patches, and upgrades to operating systems and enterprise applications. Ensure security and compliance of the IT infrastructure. Provide user education and training. Participate in technical research and development to enable continuing innovation within the enterprise infrastructure. Monitor and troubleshoot system performance and issues. Other duties as assigned. Desired Education, Certification, Skills, Capabilities Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field and eight (8) years of relevant experience; or twelve (12) years of relevant professional experience in lieu of a degree. Expert knowledge and experience managing, configuring, and supporting Microsoft cloud technologies: Azure (IaaS), Azure AD, and Microsoft 365. Experience with secure cloud environments, including Microsoft GCC High and AWS GovCloud. Experience managing and configuring Cisco firewalls, routers, and switches. Familiarity with cybersecurity and compliance frameworks, including NIST 800‑171, CMMC, ISO 27001. Relevant technical certifications preferred, including Security+, Microsoft, Networking, Cloud, or cybersecurity‑focused credentials. Active U.S. security clearance preferred with the ability to obtain and maintain the appropriate level as required by organizational needs. Technical skills: operating system knowledge, network administration, scripting and automation, cybersecurity, cloud computing. Soft skills: communication, time management, problem‑solving, adaptability. Primary Work Location Work is expected to be fully onsite in Arlington, VA. Special Work Conditions Occasional travel may be required; up to 10%. Security Must be a U.S. Citizen. Active Secret Clearance is preferred. Salary $130,000-$175,000/yr., based on skills, experience, clearance, technical depth, and mission alignment. Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation VT-ARC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit R&D organization affiliated with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech or VT). Our mission is to provide superior analytic and technology solutions across multiple domains by leveraging Virginia Tech’s multidisciplinary research and innovation ecosystem. Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. As a federal contractor, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunity and affirmative action for qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io. Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation uses E‑Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E‑Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit #J-18808-Ljbffr Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation