Senior Systems Administrator

Job Description

Job Description

About Bluestaq
At Bluestaq, we build secure data platforms that matter for space missions, national defense, healthcare systems, and commercial innovation. Founded in 2018, we've become a leader in enterprise software and secure data management by staying focused on what counts: modern architecture, operational excellence, and mission impact.

We're engineers, problem-solvers, and builders who take the mission seriously, but not ourselves. We automate the repeatable, question the status quo, and design systems that are as reliable as they are scalable. Whether we're supporting space, defense systems, or healthcare advancements, we build with the same principles: cloud-native solutions, security by design, and relentless simplicity.

Our name? "Blue" (military shorthand for the good guys) and "staq" (as in software stack). It's who we are, mission-aligned technologists building platforms that protect the world's most valuable data.

Recognized Excellence We've earned national recognition as one of Inc. Magazine's Fastest-Growing Private Companies and consistently rank among Colorado's Best Workplaces. But what we're most proud of? The systems we build, the teams we develop, and the mission outcomes we enable.

Why This Role Matters
At Bluestaq, mission success depends on systems that are secure, reliable, and always ready. As a Senior Systems Administrator, you'll keep critical infrastructure running — maintaining, monitoring, and troubleshooting the applications and systems our teams and customers depend on around the clock. Your work directly strengthens the technical backbone behind Bluestaq's most important missions.

What You'll Own:

• Maintain and support the integrity of system networks through technical support and configuration management
• Perform daily maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting of applications, networking problems, and systems issues across both cloud-hosted and on-premises platforms
• Serve as a primary escalation point (Tier 2/3) for infrastructure incidents, outages, and performance degradation
• Administer Active Directory including GPO, role-based access controls, and user/group policy management
• Support cloud identity and access management (IAM) tools and practices
• Build and maintain automation workflows using Ansible, Terraform, Docker, and Kubernetes to reduce manual effort and improve reliability
• Perform software and system installations, upgrades, routine automation, and cybersecurity risk mitigation tasks
• Provide responsive, solutions-oriented support to system users, ensuring reliable access to tools and systems
• Maintain accurate, thorough documentation in Confluence — system configurations, change records, runbooks, and SOPs
• Track and manage work through Jira, communicating scope and status effectively to the team and stakeholders
• Coordinate with security and compliance teams to ensure systems meet DoD standards and hardening requirements
• Support 24/7 operations including shift work and on-call rotations as mission requires
• Contribute to team knowledge sharing and support the mentorship of junior administrators (L1/L2)
• Proactively identify issues, anticipate roadblocks, and escalate appropriately when needed
• Take responsibility for personal development and demonstrate a growth mindset

What You Bring:

Must-Have:

• Willing to support 24/7 operations and shift work.
• Active DoD Secret or Top Secret security clearance
• Proficient understanding of Linux systems administration in production environments
• Hands-on Active Directory administration experience
• Experience with cloud identity and access management (IAM) tools
• Working knowledge of system vulnerabilities and security issues
• Solid networking fundamentals — DNS, DHCP, VLANs, firewalls, and routing
• Working experience with automation and infrastructure-as-code tools (Ansible, Terraform, Kubernetes, Docker, or Packer)
• Experience with cloud computing concepts and the AWS component stack
• Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills — curious and investigative approach to problem-solving
• Hands-on experience with Atlassian tools — Confluence and Jira
• Experience with help desk/ITSM systems and ticketing workflows
• Strong collaboration skills — comfortable working across multiple teams and sharing knowledge
• Strong written and verbal communication skills — comfortable working directly with customers, end users, and engineering teams
• Active CompTIA Security+ certification (DoD Directive 8140/8570.01-M)
• Ownership mindset — you follow through, document your work, and find the right balance between persevering and asking for help

Bonus:

• CISSP or CEH certification
• Advanced Ansible, Terraform, or Kubernetes usage in classified or production environments
• Linux certifications (RHCSA, RHCE, LPIC, or equivalent)
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines or DevSecOps practices

Required Education: 2+ years of systems administration/information technology experience with a Bachelor's degree OR an Associate degree with 2 additional years of experience beyond the minimum required OR a High School Diploma/GED with 4 additional years of experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted in lieu of a degree.

Salary Range (CO)

$90,000—$120,000 USD

Clearance Requirement: This position may require the ability to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance. To be eligible for a security clearance, U.S. citizenship is required, and an employee must agree to participate in a background screen and credit check. Eligibility for a TS/SCI Clearance will be assessed as part of the onboarding process or based on programmatic needs.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.

Relocation: This position does not offer relocation. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense.

Bluestaq is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by state or local law.

Bluestaq will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities and employees whose work requirements interfere with a religious belief unless doing so would result in an undue hardship to Bluestaq or a direct threat. Employees needing such accommodation are instructed to contact Human Resources immediately at View email address on ziprecruiter.com.

Date the Position Closes: Applications will be accepted for 60 days beyond the posting date, or until the position is filled, whichever comes first.