Systems Administrator

In this role you will perform network and system administration duties for Leonardo DRS's on-premesis systems and networks. This position is highly focused on administering and hardening networks, with an additional requirement for expansive knowledge and technical skills to administer and harden servers, databases, and other system components. This position is a full-time, hybrid opportunity based in Frederick, MD which entails face-to-face interactions with various cross-functional teams and colleagues.

• Design, document, configure, and tune on-premises connected and standalone, information systems and network connections (LAN and WAN) to ensure high levels of availability and security of the supported business applications
• Administer, configure, upgrade and troubleshoot network components to include (Meraki) switches.
• Design, deploy, and manage VMware ESXi clusters (or equivalent hypervisor platforms), vCenter, host lifecycle, and performance optimization
• Install patches and upgrades to server hardware, firmware, and/or software
• Manage communications and connection solutions, including workstation connectivity, internet applications, and testing efforts to include integration, load, stress, and user acceptance
• Schedule and monitor backup jobs, analyzing and correcting issues as identified, regularly reporting critical data metrics and issues to management and proactively maintaining the health, safety, and availability of storage solutions (virtual and physical)
• Provide face-to-face customer support across various cross-functional teams using multi-tiered troubleshooting techniques to address moderately complex problem analysis and resolution design for systems and applications
• Coordinate with end users and technical staff to implement and maintain systems that utilize industry best practices to meet business objectives, while maintaining the security and integrity of the data, system and network
• Regularly analyze the performance of networks and associated components, servers, databases, applications, and various information systems and components, using critical analysis to develop solutions to optimize system/component performance while ensuring compliance to company, security, and audit standards
• Engage in capacity planning and roadmap development to optimize and scale information systems in alignment to business requirements, and company growth - contributing to the development of long-term strategic growth plans related to information systems and software in collaboration with end-users and department managers
• Participate in and support capacity planning and the development of long-term strategic goals for systems and software in conjunction with end-users and department managers
• Interact and negotiate with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure network and server products and services
• Contribute to the creation of business continuity and disaster recovery plans, and maintain current knowledge of plan executables
• Generate metrics, project status reports and operating status reports for management and team members
• Provide guidance and training to novice personnel and cross-functional colleagues as needed
• Prepare, coordinate and support user training and documentation and provide technical assistance for post-implementation support issues
• Provide situational off-hours support to execute system upgrades and deployments

• Bachelor's degree in information systems, information technology, computer sciences, or other related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• At least one (1) year of directly related experience in current principles and practices systems administration - experience with Cisco\Meraki and ESXi preferred
• Working knowledge of Linux systems and common services
• Experience in current principles and practices of system administration
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively in a team-oriented environment
• Ability to successfully interact with all levels of management, other IT professionals and end-users
• Strong analytic and problem-solving skills
• Is open and responsive to change and demonstrates a commitment to the process of continuous improvement by identifying and responding actively and with sensitivity to the needs of all customers

Additional (Preferred) Experience and Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Problem-Solving and Initiative
• Strong troubleshooting abilities and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach and the ability to take initiative to identify, research, and resolve complex issues independently.
• Ability to prioritize various tasks in alignment to mission needs and is self-directed in task execution
• Customer Service and Communication Competencies
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service with the ability to professionally communicate both in person as well as virtually with colleagues from various teams and organization levels
• Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code tools (Ansible, Terraform, or similar) and CI/CD concepts for infrastructure deployment
• Certifications: CCNA/CCNP, VMware VCP, Microsoft MCSA/MCSE, or equivalent.
• Experience with monitoring/observability stacks (Prometheus/Grafana, ELK, Splunk)
• Experience with security frameworks, hardening guides, and audit/compliance activities (NIST, STIGs, CIS benchmarks)