Senior Systems & Monitoring Administrator

Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic classified environment?

Do you want to be empowered to take ownership of enterprise monitoring architecture and have a direct impact on the reliability, performance, and security of mission-critical systems?

Are you interested in working with a wide range of technologies, building supervising solutions from the ground up, and helping drive operational excellence across complex infrastructure environments?

If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), consistently ranked by Computerworld as one of the Top Places to Work in IT.

We are seeking a Senior SolarWinds Monitoring Administrator to architect, deploy, and manage a secure, enterprise-grade monitoring environment supporting classified systems. This role is responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive monitoring solutions across Windows and Linux infrastructures while ensuring compliance with organizational and federal security requirements. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical leadership, ownership of platform design and automation, and the ability to operate effectively within a highly regulated, mission-focused environment.

As a Senior Systems & Monitoring Administrator, you will...

• Lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of an enterprise SolarWinds monitoring platform supporting infrastructure, network, and application environments.
• Configure, optimize, and administer SolarWinds modules, including Network Performance Monitor, Server and Application Monitor, Network Configuration Manager, Virtualization Manager, and Application Performance Monitoring.
• Establish and maintain comprehensive monitoring coverage for Windows and Linux systems, applications, services, and supporting resources.
• Develop and maintain dashboards, alerts, and reports that provide actionable operational, performance, and availability insights.
• Utilize SolarWinds Query Language and the SolarWinds REST API to automate monitoring workflows, reporting, data extraction, and integrations.
• Integrate SolarWinds with external platforms such as Security Information and Event Management and IT Service Management solutions to enhance automation, incident response, and compliance visibility.
• Ensure monitoring systems comply with security hardening requirements, DISA STIGs, configuration baselines, and audit documentation standards.
• Collaborate with Infrastructure, Application, and Security teams to support system availability, performance, scalability, and compliance objectives while providing technical leadership and documentation on monitoring protocols.
• Administer and support enterprise Windows and Linux environments, including Microsoft technologies such as Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, Certificate Authority services, patching, and automation.

You meet our minimum qualifications if you have...

• 7 or more years of experience in IT systems administration, with emphasis on enterprise monitoring, automation, and infrastructure operations.
• 5 or more years of hands-on experience designing, deploying, and administering SolarWinds platforms in large or complex enterprise environments.
• Demonstrated proficiency with SolarWinds Query Language and the SolarWinds REST API for automation and customization.
• Experience working within regulated or security-focused environments, including compliance with frameworks such as DISA STIGs, RMF, and NIST 800-53.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement application and infrastructure monitoring solutions from concept through operational deployment.
• Strong working knowledge of Active Directory, Group Policy, and endpoint management using MECM.
• Strong expertise in Windows Server and Linux administration within enterprise environments.
• Current DoD 8140 or 8570 IAT Level II or higher certification, such as Security+ CE or CISSP.
• Hold an active Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond if you...

• Advanced scripting experience using PowerShell and or Ansible for automation and system integration.
• Experience integrating SolarWinds with platforms such as ServiceNow, Splunk, or ELK.
• Demonstrable ability to lead complex infrastructure or monitoring projects from inception through implementation, including planning, execution, and stakeholder communication; team leadership or mentoring experience strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with network configuration management and compliance auditing.
• Relevant professional certifications, such as SolarWinds Certified Professional or Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator.
• Hold an active Top-Secret clearance or higher.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at  .

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact  View email address on apply.j-vers.com .

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.