Windows System Administrator

As a (Mid-to-Senior) Windows System Administrator at SMS, you'll work within a DoD Enterprise environment, managing and securing Windows infrastructure to support vital operations. This position calls for a dedicated professional who thrives in high-stakes settings and has a passion for optimizing systems, troubleshooting complex issues, and upholding the highest standards in cybersecurity and compliance.

Join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and proactive solutions, where you'll have the opportunity to lead critical projects, drive operational efficiency, and support government and military initiatives through advanced technology.

Since 1976, SMS has specialized in modernizing legacy IT and sustaining complex enterprise environments for federal agencies. With the goal of building long-term partnerships with our customers, we invest in our employees by providing the training, tools, and support they need to keep critical missions operational, improve performance, and reduce risk. SMS is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with offices and on-site operations at customer locations throughout the United States. For additional information on SMS, visit

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Job Responsibilities

• Windows System Administration: Configure, manage, and monitor Windows Server environments, ensuring high availability, security, and performance. This includes user, group, and certificate management, Group Policy Management, and related services (DNS, DHCP, BitLocker, PKI, etc.).
• Patching and Vulnerability Remediation: Perform patch management and apply updates to Windows systems and software, ensuring compliance with STIG standards and using vulnerability remediation tools like ACAS.
• Storage and File System Management: Manage storage technologies, file system protocols, permissions, and backup methodologies to maintain data integrity, accessibility, and compliance.
• Automation and Scripting: Develop PowerShell scripts to automate routine tasks, enhance system efficiency, and support daily operations.
• Networking Basics: Provide support for network services, including DNS and DHCP, with a functional understanding of IP addressing, VLANs, ACLs, routing, and firewall configuration.
• Active Directory Management: Configure, deploy, and manage Active Directory and Group Policy Objects (GPOs) within enterprise setups.
• Virtualization: Use and support virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware vSphere/ESXi) to support server deployment, discovery, alerting, and troubleshooting.
• Monitoring and SIEM Management: Use SIEM tools to monitor security events, tailor alarms/rules, and generate summary reports.
• Documentation: Create and maintain system documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), network diagrams, knowledgebase entries, ticketing system interactions, and root cause analysis to ensure smooth operational processes.

Required Qualifications:

• Clearance and Certification: Prior to employment, you must have or be able to obtain a DoD Secret Security Clearance. Must have or be able to obtain a CompTIA Security+ (or equivalent DoD 8570 IAT-2 certification).

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in Windows System Administration within an Enterprise environment, including Active Directory, GPO, DNS, DHCP, PKI, and permissions management.

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Windows Server management, PowerShell scripting, Active Directory, storage technologies, patching practices, DNS, DHCP, and fundamental networking concepts.

• Virtualization Exposure: Familiarity with VMware or similar virtualization tools.

• Scripting and Automation: PowerShell proficiency for automation and task efficiency.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Proven experience diagnosing and resolving software and hardware issues within a secure and controlled environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Certifications: Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) for expertise in Windows environments; ITIL certification for best practices in IT Service Management; VMware Certified Professional (VCP) for advanced virtualization skills.

• Enterprise Experience: Demonstrated experience working in Military, Government, or Research environments, especially with classified systems and managing compliance within DoD standards.

• Additional Security and Compliance Knowledge: Familiarity with advanced cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST 800-53, RMF (Risk Management Framework), or CIS Controls to strengthen overall system and data security.

• Virtualization Proficiency: Advanced experience with VMware vSphere/ESXi for managing and optimizing virtualized environments, particularly with clustering, failover, and load balancing.

• Advanced Network Troubleshooting and Security Tools: Proficiency with network monitoring and security tools, such as Wireshark for packet analysis, SolarWinds for monitoring, and Splunk or other SIEM tools for event management.

• Endpoint Management and Automation: Advanced skills in using MECM/SCCM or Intune for automated deployments and policy management, as well as experience with Ansible, Chef, or Puppet for broader automation and configuration management.

• Backup and Disaster Recovery (DR) Strategy: Hands-on experience designing and implementing DR solutions for Windows environments, including knowledge of backup solutions like Veeam, Veritas, or CommVault.

• Cross-Platform System Administration: Familiarity with Linux systems (e.g., Red Hat) and hybrid Windows/Linux environments.

• Cloud Integration: Exposure to cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GovCloud) with hybrid infrastructure management, especially for data storage, backup, and security controls.

• Advanced Scripting and Automation Skills: Proficiency in Python or PowerShell scripting for advanced automation tasks and the ability to develop reusable scripts that improve operational efficiency.

SMS 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, disability, or status as a protected veteran.