Systems Administrator
Lexington, MA
Job Type: Contract | Recruiter: Peter Roos | Phone: 603-772-2700
Location: Greater Boston, MA (Onsite)
Length: 3+ years
Job Description:
Our client is seeking an experienced Systems Administrator to join a high-performing technical team. This position involves hands-on systems management, automation, and support of secure environments used for research, development, and operational activities. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in both Linux and Windows systems administration, a proactive mindset, and a strong commitment to excellence in system security and user support.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manage and maintain multi-user computing environments across secure networks, including cloud and on-premises systems.
- Design and implement system automation using Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) approaches to streamline the OS lifecycle (build, patching, configuration, retirement).
- Support both Linux and Windows operating systems across development, test, and production environments.
- Configure and maintain core services such as Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, NFS, file shares, and collaboration platforms (i.e., Jira, Confluence).
- Harden systems in accordance with government security standards, including STIGs and CMMC requirements.
- Perform vulnerability scans and security compliance assessments; document and implement remediation actions.
- Collaborate with cybersecurity and compliance teams to build systems that balance security and usability.
- Develop technical documentation including system diagrams, standard operating procedures, and compliance materials.
- Manage physical and virtual systems using tools like VMware ESX, RedHat Satellite, and Canonical Landscape.
- Support containerized environments using Docker or Podman, and contribute to modernized development operations workflows.
- Respond to escalated helpdesk issues, perform desktop support as needed, and ensure smooth IT operations across teams.
- Participate in capacity planning, system tuning, and performance optimization.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of IT policies, standards, and support processes.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related technical field.
- Strong experience in Linux and Windows administration, troubleshooting, and configuration.
- Expertise in system hardening per STIG guidelines.
- Experience managing mixed OS environments, particularly in air-gapped or classified systems.
- Ability to automate system deployment and configuration using tools such as Ansible, PowerShell, MDT, SCCM, or Intune.
- Working knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP.
- Strong understanding of network fundamentals, including routing, VLANs, and firewall configuration (Cisco/Juniper).
- Proficiency in containerization technologies (i.e., Docker, Podman).
- Familiarity with virtualization technologies (i.e., VMware vSphere/ESX).
- Experience with system vulnerability scanning, patching, and remediation.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills.
- Willingness to provide occasional desktop and end-user support.
- DOD 8570 IAT Level II certification (i.e., Security+) or ability to obtain within 6 months.
- Experience managing RedHat-based systems with RedHat Satellite and Ubuntu systems using Canonical Landscape is preferred.
- Experience supporting classified environments and working with DoD or federal agency partners is a plus.
- Hands-on experience with encryption protocols for securing data at rest and in transit is advantageous.
- Previous experience in a research or defense-oriented environment is highly preferred.
- Due to the nature of the work, a Top-Secret (TS) clearance with SCI eligibility is required.
Make this your next career move as one of our many long-term contractors or employees!
- Work as our full-time employee with full benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, PTO, etc.) - OR - work as a W2 hourly contractor at a higher pay rate if you don't need the benefit package.
Come see why DPC has achieved:
- 4.9/5 Star Glassdoor rating and the only staffing company (< 1000 employees) to be voted in the national Top 10 ‘Employee’s Choice - Best Places to Work’ by Glassdoor.
- Voted ‘Best Staffing Firm to Temp/Contract For’ seven times by Staffing Industry Analysts as well as a ‘Best Company to Work For’ by Forbes, Fortune and Inc. magazine.