Sr. Systems Administrator

Job Title: Systems Administrator – Mission Performance & Security Systems

Job Description

This role serves as a Systems Administrator within a mission-focused performance and security directorate, supporting a defense systems software, hardware, and network integration laboratory. You will enable engineers and developers to design, build, integrate, and test complex mission systems in both standalone and cloud-based environments. The position requires a hands-on technologist with strong systems administration, networking, and infrastructure expertise, combined with the organizational and operational discipline required for classified environments. You will thrive in a dynamic lab setting, proactively solving problems while managing multiple systems, configurations, and priorities across various classification levels.

Responsibilities

• Administer and sustain standalone (air-gapped) and cloud-connected systems across multiple classification levels.

• Install, configure, and troubleshoot servers, workstations, storage systems, and networking equipment in lab and test environments.

• Support integration of complex systems, including embedded hardware, FPGA-based platforms, simulation environments, and test platforms.

• Manage system baselines, configurations, and documentation in accordance with security and compliance requirements.

• Implement and enforce cybersecurity controls in compliance with Department of Defense policies, including STIGs, RMF, and CMMC frameworks.

• Maintain accreditation artifacts and support system Authority to Operate (ATO) processes for classified and mission-critical systems.

• Provide hands-on support for system builds, upgrades, patching, and troubleshooting across Linux, Windows, and virtualized environments.

• Coordinate closely with engineers, developers, and program teams to ensure infrastructure meets evolving project and mission needs.

• Monitor system performance, reliability, and security posture, and proactively identify and resolve issues before they impact operations.

• Maintain inventory and lifecycle management of lab assets and infrastructure, ensuring accurate records and timely refresh of equipment.

• Support incident response activities, audit readiness efforts, and compliance inspections for classified and secure environments.

• Contribute to the design and operation of cloud-based environments, including secure government cloud platforms, to support mission systems.

• Apply strong organizational and operational discipline to maintain compliance with security protocols and operational constraints in classified labs.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience working in classified environments with a strong understanding of security protocols and operational constraints.

• Hands-on Linux system administration experience, including distributions such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).

• Hands-on Windows system administration experience in lab and production environments.

• Experience with virtualization platforms such as VMware and Hyper-V for building and managing virtualized lab environments.

• Solid understanding of networking fundamentals, including routing, switching, firewalls, and VLANs.

• Experience working with storage systems and backup solutions to support mission-critical data and lab operations.

• Experience managing both standalone and air-gapped systems, as well as cloud environments such as secure government cloud platforms.

• Proficiency with scripting and automation tools, including PowerShell, Bash, and Python, to streamline administration and integration tasks.

• Experience implementing and maintaining security controls, including STIGs, SCAP, patching, and system hardening.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple systems, configurations, and priorities simultaneously.

• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities in complex, multi-system environments.

• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with engineers, developers, and program teams.

• Security+ certification or the ability to obtain it to meet DoD 8570 compliance requirements, where applicable.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with FPGA-based or embedded systems integration in laboratory environments.

• Experience supporting defense or aerospace integration labs or test environments.

• Familiarity with DevSecOps practices and CI/CD pipeline infrastructure to support secure software delivery.

• Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.

• Knowledge of configuration management tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef.

• Experience working with cross-domain solutions and multi-level security (MLS) environments.

• Relevant advanced cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP, CASP+, or equivalent.

• Experience in cloud engineering, particularly in secure or government cloud environments.

• Microsoft certifications related to systems administration, cloud, or infrastructure technologies.

Work Environment

The role is based in a defense-focused integration laboratory that supports mission performance and security systems. You will work with a mix of Linux and Windows systems, virtualized environments using platforms such as VMware and Hyper-V, and secure cloud infrastructures including government cloud solutions. The environment includes servers, workstations, storage arrays, networking equipment, embedded hardware, FPGA-based platforms, and simulation and test systems across multiple classification levels. Many systems operate in standalone and air-gapped configurations, requiring strict adherence to security protocols, documentation standards, and operational discipline. You will routinely implement and maintain cybersecurity controls such as STIGs, SCAP, patching, and hardening, and support accreditation and ATO activities. The work involves close collaboration with engineers, developers, and program teams in a dynamic lab setting where priorities can shift quickly and hands-on problem solving is essential. The position emphasizes compliance, audit readiness, and incident response within a secure, highly regulated environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Colorado Springs, CO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $160000.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Colorado Springs,CO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.