Senior Systems Administrator
Posted
Summary
Senior, on-site systems administrator at Parallax Advanced Research who leads enterprise Windows/Linux server infrastructure — Active Directory/hybrid identity, VMware virtualization, storage and backup/DR, plus automation — while implementing CUI security compliance (NIST SP 800-171, CMMC Level 2) supporting government-sponsored programs.
Parallax Advanced Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.
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Position Title
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Senior Systems Administrator
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Reports to
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Director, Information Technology System
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Effective Date
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11-1-26
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FLSA Status
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Exempt
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Employment Status
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Full-Time
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Work Location
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On-Site
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Location
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Parallax HQ: 4035 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Beavercreek, OH 45431, or Huntsville, AL [TBD]
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Position Summary
The Parallax Advanced Research mission is to deliver innovative research and provide technology, human, and business solutions through The Science of Intelligent Teaming™ for government, industry, and academic clients.
The Senior Systems Administrator leads the administration, security, reliability, and modernization of the enterprise server and computing infrastructure that supports Parallax corporate operations, research laboratories, data centers, and government-sponsored programs. This role serves as the senior technical escalation point for server and infrastructure issues, drives infrastructure projects, shares expertise with less experienced administrators, and partners with cybersecurity and engineering staff to protect sensitive systems and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This is an individual contributor position with no supervisory responsibilities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
Systems Administration & Identity
- Lead deployment, administration, and lifecycle management of Windows Server and Linux systems across physical, virtual, and isolated research environments.
- Administer Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, identity services, file permissions, certificates, and secure authentication, and support Entra ID and hybrid identity.
- Maintain VMware vSphere/ESXi, vCenter, Hyper-V, or comparable platforms, including clustering and high availability.
Storage, Backup & Recovery
- Manage enterprise storage, SAN/NAS connectivity, server hardware, and backup and replication platforms.
- Test restores and disaster recovery procedures on a regular schedule and keep recovery plans current.
Security & Compliance
- Lead operating system patching, firmware upgrades, configuration management, vulnerability remediation, and secure baseline implementation.
- Implement system security controls supporting CUI protection, NIST SP 800-171, CMMC Level 2, and applicable federal and contract requirements.
- Partner with cybersecurity staff on logging, endpoint protection, access reviews, incident response, and STIGs.
- Provide documentation and evidence for internal audits, customer reviews, and compliance assessments.
Incident Management & Operations
- Serve as the senior escalation point for critical server incidents and lead root cause analysis and fixes.
- Automate administration and standard deployments with PowerShell, Bash, Python, Ansible, or comparable tools, and maintain monitoring and alerting.
- Follow change management procedures for planned changes and maintenance windows, including after-hours work.
Infrastructure Planning & Technical Leadership
- Lead infrastructure refreshes and capacity planning, and maintain diagrams, inventories, and procedures.
- Evaluate products, work with vendors, and manage server hardware and software lifecycle, warranties, and licensing.
- Share technical expertise with less experienced administrators.
- Follow all requirements for handling CUI and classified information and systems.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
- US Citizenship.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
- 8+ years of progressively responsible enterprise systems administration experience, including leading complex infrastructure initiatives.
- Advanced hands-on Windows Server and Active Directory/Group Policy administration, with demonstrated Linux server support experience.
- Experience with VMware or Hyper-V, physical servers, enterprise storage, backup and recovery, system monitoring, and infrastructure troubleshooting.
- Working knowledge of networking fundamentals, DNS/DHCP, identity security, access controls, patch management, and system hardening.
- Scripting and automation experience with PowerShell, Bash, or Python.
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects, document solutions, and coordinate across teams.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance as required by assigned programs.
- Availability for scheduled after-hours maintenance and on-call support for critical incidents.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
- Microsoft Windows Server Hybrid Administrator, VMware VCP, RHCSA, Security+, or equivalent advanced systems credentials.
- DoD 8140 qualification (for example, Security+ CE) for privileged access to DoD systems.
- Experience supporting DoD or federal programs, CUI environments, classified systems, research laboratories, or high-performance computing.
- Familiarity with CMMC Level 2, NIST SP 800-171/800-53, RMF, DISA STIGs, vulnerability assessments, and audit preparation.
- Experience with Entra ID, Microsoft 365, Azure hybrid infrastructure (including GCC High), enterprise backup tools, and secure enclaves.
- Active Secret clearance or higher.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Office, laboratory, and data center work, including occasional lifting of server and network equipment up to 50 pounds. Occasional after-hours maintenance. Travel up to 10 percent, which may flex during projects.
