Systems Administrator

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSystems AdministratorClearance Level: Must have an Active Top Secret/SCI Clearance to be considered for this opportunity due to the nature of the work.Location: 100% on-site due to the nature of the work. Must live within 100 miles from Lexington, MA At Aquila Technology, you will see our team's passion every day, whether we are building a robust, policy-compliant IT system or stress-testing a system to identify gaps and security vulnerabilities. To own the advantage, we ensure our team owns results and gets the work done right the first time by deploying smart, purposeful solutions that work. Aquila is the right people with the right skills driving the right outcomes. We call this the Aquila Advantage.About the Role:Aquila Technology is seeking a System Administrator to join our team in supporting one of the country's premier defense research organizations.. TheSystems Administrator will join a highly collaborative team supporting one of the largest and fastest-growing classified computing environments. This infrastructure enables critical national security missions and supports a diverse community of engineers, researchers, and operational users.In this role, you will administer and enhance a modern multi-platform environment that includes Windows and Linux systems, VMware virtualization, enterprise storage, Active Directory, networking infrastructure, and cybersecurity technologies. You'll solve complex technical challenges, influence infrastructure architecture decisions, and help scale a mission-critical environment supporting high-impact national security programs. The ideal candidate is a technically curious problem solver who enjoys working across multiple technologies, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and delivering reliable, secure solutions in a classified environment. Working in a close-knit team, the candidate will have an opportunity to become a subject-matter expert in key areas that serve the environment.Must HaveCertification:Security+ certification (or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment)Clearance Level: Currently holds a Top Secret/SCI clearanceAbility to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholdersStrong Verbal and Written Communication4 years - Deploying & securing Windows/Linux (OS imaging, disk encryption, & endpoint management technologies)4 years - Experience working in a classified environment4 years - TCP/IP, DNS, and networking fundamentals4 years - Group Policy4 years - Active Directory4 years - Supporting Windows and Linux operating systems in classified or highly secure environments4 years - Systems Administration4 years - Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and networking problemsNice to HaveMission Critical EnvironmentsConfiguring and maintain Cisco network equipmentDeveloping automation solutions using PowerShell, Bash, Python, or similar scriptingFamiliarity with RMF, associated frameworks and guidance (e.g., JSIG, ICD-503, CNSSI 1253)Securing networks and systems utilizing DISA STIGs and/or SRGsExperience with VMware and vCenterResponsibilities include but are not limited to:Administer, maintain, and enhance a secure air-gapped computing environment supporting mission-critical users and applications.Maintain and deploy workstations running Windows and Red Hat Linux.Assist with administration of virtual and physical servers running Windows Server, Red Hat Linux, and VMWare.Maintain compliance through regular patching and STIG/SCAP hardening.Troubleshoot performance issues and recommend system upgrades.Collaborate with vendors, security, and internal teams on procurements, installations, and upgrades.Manage data backups, recoveries, and license renewals.Identify opportunities for automation, process improvement, and infrastructure modernization.Participate in infrastructure planning, capacity management, and technology refresh initiatives.Participate in day-to-day user responsibilities including provisioning new accounts, password resets, and account unlocks in an Active Directory environment.Required Skills & Qualifications4+ years of systems administration experience in a classified environment.Experience supporting Windows and Linux operating systems in classified or highly secure environments.Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, and networking fundamentals.Proficiency in Active Directory and Group Policy.Experience deploying and securing Windows and Linux endpoints, including operating system imaging, disk encryption, and endpoint management technologies.Ability to diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and networking problems.Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Security+ certification. If not currently held, will be required to obtain this or equivalent certification within 6 months of hire under DoD 8140 (formerly 8570) requirement.Preferred Skills & QualificationsExperience with VMware and vCenter.Experience configuring and maintaining Cisco network equipment.Experience developing automation solutions using PowerShell, Bash, Python, or similar scripting languages.Familiarity with RMF and associated frameworks and guidance (e.g., JSIG, ICD-503, CNSSI 1253).Technical experience securing networks and systems utilizing DISA STIGs and/or SRGs is highly desired.Background in mission-critical environments.Benefits and Perks: Aquila team members experience the opportunity to be part of a fast-paced, customer-focused, and technically innovative work environment. Aquila strives to deliver the best of the best in technical services to our customers. Candidates that possess a love for technical challenges, a desire to constantly learn, and the desire to establish themselves as critical players within a team will enjoy calling Aquila Technology home. Our Perks Include: PTO - 15 days (vacation/sick) 10 paid holidays - 6 standard (New Year's, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) - 4 floating holidays prorated based on your day of hire:1.5 paid days, or 12 hours, for approved volunteer work1 week of paid maternity/paternity LOA after 1 year of Full-time employmentTuition & Training Reimbursement- 5K annually for pre-approved, Eligible full-time team members who have completed a minimum ofsix (6) months of employment may apply for tuition reimbursement for approved, job-related courses taken through an accredited college or university. Team members must achieve a grade of “B” or better to qualify for reimbursement.Aquila will reimburse up to $5,000 per fiscal year for tuition expenses only. Expenses related to training programs, certifications, books, materials, meals, transportation, or other non-tuition costs are not eligible under the Tuition Reimbursement Program. All tuition reimbursement requests must be submitted to and approved by the team member's Manager prior to course registration. Reimbursement will be issued upon successful course completion and submission of final grades and proof of payment.401K with Principal - Eligible to participate day 1 of employment. Company match on employee contributions:• Eligibility on date of hire • Employer Match- 100% of first 3% and 50% of next 2% • Vesting- 100% • Contribution limit- $24,500 • Catch-up contribution limit- $8,000 • Catch-up contribution limit for ages 60-63 in calendar year- $11,250 • Catchup contributions must be directed to Roth bucket if earned over $150k in 2025Cell Phone & Internet Reimbursed up to $150 monthly to cover cell phone, data, and home internet expenses. Aquila Technology will reimburse team members who work from home ONLY for cell phone/mobile device fees for work-related communications and/or operations each month. Employees eligible for this benefit must work remote 2 days a week or more to qualify.Buy Your Own Device (BYOD) - Team members are eligible for reimbursement of up to $1,500 every three (3) years for the purchase of electronic equipment used to access corporate services. To qualify for this benefit, employees must have completed a minimum of six (6) months of employment and must agree to and sign the Device Minimum Configuration Form prior to reimbursement. Electronic devices eligible under the Buy Your Own Device (BYOD) program are limited to cell phones, laptops, and tablets.Clearance Level: Candidates must have an active Top-Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility in order to be considered for this position due to the nature of the work being done. Must be US CitizenWork Location: This will be 100% onsite in a closed area. Must live within 100 miles of Lexington, MA Interview Process: 1st round interview will be a Zoom with the hiring manager. 2nd round interview will be onsite (if the candidate is local) with additional team members as needed. A Zoom will be scheduled for those not local.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer