Azure Cloud Systems Administrator (5509)
Summary
Administers and secures hybrid Azure cloud infrastructure for a defense program, automating deployments with Terraform and managing AKS clusters, storage, and security controls.
SMX is seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Azure Cloud Systems Administrator to join our team supporting the Missile Defense Agency Information Management and Software Services (AIMSS) program.
This is a deeply technical role focused on the daily administration, management, and operational health of our hybrid-cloud infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in traditional system administration with proven, hands-on experience in a cloud environment. This position is located at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Perform day-to-day administration of cloud and on-premise servers, including provisioning, configuration, and maintenance of virtual machines (VMs).
- Utilize Terraform to automate the provisioning and management of cloud resources, ensuring consistent and repeatable deployments.
- Create, manage, and monitor Azure storage solutions (Blob, File, Queue). Implement and maintain robust backup and disaster recovery procedures.
- Configure and manage virtual networks, subnets, and network security groups to ensure secure and efficient traffic flow.
- Harden systems according to DISA STIGs. Manage security controls, including data encryption, access management with Microsoft Entra ID and Azure Key Vault, and implement Azure Group Policies.
- Install, configure, and manage ADS/Azure DevOps Server repositories and support the migration of on-premise applications to the cloud.
- Proactively monitor system performance and availability. Provide direct technical support to developers, cyber teams, and end-users to troubleshoot and resolve infrastructure-related issues.
- Manage and maintain Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) clusters for containerized application deployment, scaling, and orchestration.
- Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for system architecture, configurations, and operational procedures.
Required Skills/Experience:
- Clearance Required: Secret
- Bachelor's degree and 6+ years of hands-on experience in system administration, with a significant portion in a cloud environment
- 4 additional years of experience may be substituted for the degree requirement
- Strong understanding of storage, backup, and disaster recovery principles.
- Experience using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and creating alert rules.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Entra ID and RBAC.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Defender for Cloud.
- Experience with Azure Cost Management + Billing
- Hands-on experience with Azure Update Management.
- Must have (or be able to obtain before starting):
- CompTIA Security+ CE, or other approved 8570 IAT Level II certification.
- One of the following: Azure Administrator Associate, Azure Security Engineer Associate, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Developer, CCSP, or GCSA.
- Must reside within a 75-mile radius of Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville AL or be willing to relocate prior to starting date
Desired Skills/Experience:
- Proficiency in scripting with PowerShell or Azure CLI.
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps or Jenkins.
- Knowledge of advanced Azure networking concepts (e.g., VNet peering, VPN Gateway, ExpressRoute).
- Experience with AWS.
- Hands-on experience with Terraform for infrastructure automation
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The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.
At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.
We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.
SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.
Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.
SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).