Systems Administrator-IT-IC3, Group 95 (Top Secret)

The Space Systems Analysis and Test Group (95) identifies and evaluates threats to U.S. use of space for military, intelligence, civil and commercial purposes. This work involves understanding the attributes and vulnerabilities of U.S. space-related systems, including the sensors and networks used to detect, track, and characterize objects in space, the satellites that provide space-based services, and the infrastructure used to control and operate these satellites. A central component of this effort involves consideration of how adversaries might try to exploit U.S. vulnerabilities; assessing the risk of exploitation involves technically evaluating the knowledge and resources required to mount a credible threat against our systems. This work requires detailed modeling of optical, radar, and propulsion systems; novel ideas for new space systems and on-orbit operations; and understanding the timelines, architectures, and decision-making processes for maintaining awareness of the space environment. In addition, the group pursues potentially game-changing, innovative ideas for remote sensing of space and the Earth. This part of our work involves sensor design, signal and image processing as well as space object and environmental phenomenology. The group seeks researchers from the physical sciences, including physics, mathematics, and chemistry, as well as from a wide range of applied disciplines (including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, aeronautics, astronautics and computer science).

Job Description

Group 95 is seeking a Level 3 IT Systems Administrator to join a highly collaborative team supporting one of MIT Lincoln Laboratory's 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer, maintain, and enhance a secure air-gapped computing environment supporting mission-critical users and applications.
• Administer and maintain virtualization, storage, identity management, networking, and operating system services supporting enterprise-class classified infrastructure.
• Maintain compliance through regular OS and software patching.
• Troubleshoot performance issues and recommend system upgrades.
• Specify, implement, and test system configurations and perform upgrades across multiple platforms.
• Collaborate with vendors, security, and internal teams on procurements, installations, and upgrades.
• Implement security measures aligned with government and lab policies.
• 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.
• Lead technical investigations and drive resolution of complex infrastructure and operational challenges.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 4+ 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.
• Solid understanding of security and cyber-hardening practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must possess an active Top-Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with VMware and vCenter.
• Experience configuring and maintaining Cisco network equipment.
• Experience with Linux package management and automation tools (e.g., YUM, DNF, RPM).
• 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.
• Experience with security plans, procedures, and compliance (e.g., DoD 8140).
• 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.

Hiring Range: $95,700-$126,700

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including—but not limited to—the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT-funded pension
• Matching 401K
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
• Mentorship programs
• A range of work-life balance options
• ... and much more!

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks .

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must possess a current in scope Top Secret level security clearance with eligibility for compartmented program access. 

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID: 43112