Tactical System Administrator

Tactical System Administrator

ARL is seeking a Tactical Systems Administrator and Information Security Specialist to provide comprehensive support for systems, testing, coding, and Information Assurance processes for the Environmental Sciences Laboratory (ESL) at Applied Research Laboratories (ARL).

Responsibilities

• Set up and maintain tactical computing solutions, primarily using Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems, in a security-hardened environment.
• Ensure systems are configured for optimal performance and security, adhering to best practices and organizational standards.
• Conduct testing and evaluation of tactical system software, engineering solutions, and scientific studies using analytical applications such as MATLAB.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate system functionality and security, ensuring all components meet the required specifications.
• Perform system configuration tasks using scripting languages such as Bash and compiled languages like C/C++.
• Develop and maintain scripts to automate routine tasks and improve system efficiency, ensuring data processing methods are robust and reliable.
• Knowledge of configuration management and version control such as ansible and git.
• Implement and manage information assurance tasks, including system hardening and routine vulnerability assessments using tools such as Nessus.
• Identify and remediate system vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance with security policies and best practices.
• Deploy systems on-site for sponsors and provide reach-back support from the ESL.
• Offer frequent telephone troubleshooting support during business hours and occasionally during non-business hours or weekends to ensure continuous system availability and performance.
• Conduct research to identify and evaluate currently available and emerging technologies that can meet or exceed sponsor technical requirements.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in systems administration and information security to enhance the laboratory's capabilities.
• Perform administrative duties such as conducting physical inventories, managing custodianship of classified holdings, handling classified mailings, and maintaining system and security documentation.
• Ensure all administrative tasks are completed accurately and efficiently to support the smooth operation of the laboratory.
• Deployment and support of systems at sponsor sites
• Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• HS/GED
• Two years of system administration experience.
• Candidate will need to obtain a DoD 8570.01 (CompTIA Security+) approved certification or acquire within 6 months of hire.
• Entry-level skills or knowledge of Linux (e.g. Red Hat, CentOS), scripting (e.g. Bash, Python), data analysis (e.g. evaluating charts, plots), VMware administration, AWS, or respective equivalents.
• The candidate must be willing to obtain and maintain an active security clearance. Additionally, the role may require the candidate to obtain and maintain higher-level or additional security clearances as needed.
• Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Applicant must have a dynamic skill set, willing to work with new technologies, be highly organized and capable of planning and coordinating multiple tasks and managing their time. The position will require attention to detail, effective problem solving skills and excellent judgment. Ability to work independently with sensitive and confidential information, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member without daily supervision and effectively communicate with all groups of clients. Able to work under pressure and accept supervision. Regular and punctual attendance.

US Citizen. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Computer Science, Information Technology or related field.
• Two or more years of combined systems, analysis, coding, and information assurance experience.
• Ability to obtain a forklift license.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Windows operating systems.
• Knowledge of scripting languages such as yaml, Shell/Python and compiled languages such as C/C++ or Java.
• Experience with MATLAB and skills to graph and evaluate analytical data.
• Ability to assess information assurance posture and utilize vulnerability scanners such as Nessus.
• Knowledge of data encryption.
• Experience in deploying and supporting DoD tactical systems.
• Experience supporting ATO compliance implementation and maintenance.
• Experience with process automation using tools such as Ansible, etc. in hybrid and air gapped environments.
• Two or more years providing technical support to project sponsors via various channels of communication (email, phone, etc.).
• An active security clearance, or recently archived security clearance.
• Eligibility for immediate access to classified information.

Driving Required

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.

Salary Range

$58,000-$70,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity
• Possible weekend, evening and holiday work
• Possible interstate/intrastate travel

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest