About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, IT (Cybersecurity & Defense).

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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Overview

Confidential Client is hiring an Entry‑Level Cloud Systems Administrator to support cloud infrastructure operations for mission-focused IT and cybersecurity programs in Dulles Town Center, VA. This hybrid role provides hands‑on experience with cloud platforms, Linux/Windows system administration, container orchestration, automation (Terraform/Ansible), CI/CD (Jenkins/GitHub), and malware analysis tool operations. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a DHS Public Trust clearance.

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What You’ll Do

• Administer and maintain Windows and Linux servers and applications in cloud and on-prem environments.
• Build, configure, upgrade, and migrate servers and environments.
• Develop and maintain task sequences, packages, and application deployments.
• Monitor system performance, diagnose problems, and implement fixes to maintain high availability.
• Manage Linux package dependencies and system hardening/patching for compliance.
• Administer user accounts, roles, and permissions; follow security best practices.
• Automate routine tasks and environment build-outs using scripts and IaC (Terraform, Ansible).
• Operate and maintain malware analysis applications as part of security toolsets.
• Administer Kubernetes PODs and use tools such as Argo CD and the Kubernetes console for deployment/management.
• Commit and push code to GitHub and trigger Jenkins pipelines across namespaces (TEST, DEV, UAT, PRD).
• Document processes, runbooks, and system configurations to support operations and audits.
• Collaborate with engineers, developers, and security teams on integration and DevOps tasks.

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Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field — or graduation within 10 months.
• Less than 2 years of relevant experience (entry-level).
• Ability to obtain and maintain DHS Public Trust security clearance.
• Basic understanding of cloud concepts (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Fundamental knowledge of Windows and Linux server administration.
• Basic networking knowledge (TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls).
• Foundation in at least one programming language (Java, Python, C++, or JavaScript).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; effective written and verbal communication.
• Team player with a strong eagerness to learn in a fast‑paced environment.

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Preferred Skills & Certifications

• Familiarity with Git/GitHub and version control workflows.
• Experience or exposure to scripting (Python, PowerShell, Bash).
• Understanding of containerization (Docker) and Kubernetes fundamentals.
• Experience with Terraform, Ansible, and CI/CD tooling (Jenkins).
• Prior internship or IT support/system administration experience.
• Desired certifications (nice to have): Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals; AWS Certified Developer – Associate; Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE; CompTIA ITF+; Scrum or software development methodology certification; GitHub/GitLab certifications.

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Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $55,000–$106,000 per year (commensurate with experience and qualifications).
• Benefits may include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, paid holidays, and additional insurance options.
• This role is classified as FULL_TIME.

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Location & Work Setup

• Hybrid role based in Dulles Town Center, VA. Selected candidates will periodically work on-site in the Dulles Town Center area as required by the program.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. and able to obtain the required DHS Public Trust clearance.

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Additional Information

Confidential Client and Careertakes encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. This position is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals seeking hands‑on cloud and DevOps experience in an IT/cybersecurity environment.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.