Senior System Administrator

Salary: $53,497.6 - 74,811.56 per year Requirements:

• We require a bachelors degree plus at least 5 years of experience in systems administration, information security analysis, or a closely related area.
• We require the ability to obtain and maintain a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card in accordance with DES requirements and Arizona law.
• We require successful completion of background and reference checks.
• We require all newly hired state employees to complete E-Verify.
• If driving or vehicle use is an essential part of the role, a valid drivers license is required.
• We prefer candidates with CompTIA Security+.
• We prefer candidates with Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals.
• We prefer candidates with AWS Certified Security.
• We seek experience and working knowledge in cloud architecture and security, networking fundamentals, cryptography and PKI, threat modeling, risk assessment, governance/risk/compliance frameworks such as NIST, cyber threats and vulnerabilities, security and privacy principles, and configuration management standards.
• We value strong analytical thinking, scripting and security automation, prompt engineering and AI guardrails, cross-functional collaboration, written and verbal communication, document creation, and architecture mapping skills.
• We need the ability to map systems to frameworks such as NIST CSF, MITRE ATT&CK, and CIS Controls; translate networking and operating system concepts; understand access control, MFA, and least privilege; and communicate complex security information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.

• We support IT Security management by assessing new and existing services and solutions across the agency.
• We document security solutions and provide recommendations and guidance for secure architecture implementation.
• We review current agency IT policies and procedures, identify gaps, and recommend updates based on regulations and best practices.
• We help develop, maintain, and improve agency security standards.
• We contribute to the enablement and maturation of cloud security services.
• We assist with posture management prioritization and implementation recommendations to block or reduce attack techniques.
• We manage the agency baseline hardening program to ensure systems meet minimum security configuration standards.
• We conduct system assessments, identify weaknesses, and implement remediation strategies to lower risk.
• We participate in the maintenance and evaluation of existing and future security solutions.
• We ensure security services are properly configured, deployed, and maintained.
• We assess proposed services and solutions to determine whether their security design and architecture meet agency needs.
• We communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
• We collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, review, and update security policies and standards aligned with compliance requirements.
• We stay informed on industry best practices and emerging threats to continuously strengthen our standards.
• We assess security risk by ranking digital assets and recommending basic mitigation controls.

• AI
• AWS
• Architect
• Azure
• Cloud
• Cryptography
• Support
• Phoenix
• Security
• LAN
• Linux
• Network
• OWASP
• TCP/IP
• Windows

More:

We are the Department of Economic Security and the Division of Technology Services, serving more than 3 million Arizonans and working with families, community organizations, advocates, and government partners to support a thriving Arizona. This full-time Systems Administrator Senior / Junior Security Architect position is based in Phoenix with remote work options within Arizona, depending on business needs and performance. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, life, and disability insurance; ASRS participation; paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and parental leave; tuition reimbursement; wellness and transit support; career advancement opportunities; and retirement and deferred compensation options.

last updated 33 week of 2026