System Administrator with Security Clearance
Confidential Client seeks an entry-level Systems Administrator with an active or obtainable Secret Security Clearance to support a critical Hardware-in-the-Loop Interoperability Test Facility. The role involves maintaining and supporting multi-platform physical and virtual test environments, ensuring cybersecurity compliance with DoD standards, and assisting in system administration tasks across Linux and Windows systems. This position offers hands-on experience in defense technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, and automation within a collaborative team environment at a customer site with no remote work option.
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.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
This entry-level / junior Systems Administrator role supports a Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) interoperability test facility for a confidential client in the defense/IT space. You will work alongside senior systems administrators and engineers to maintain, monitor, and support a multi-platform test environment that directly supports mission testing.
Primary responsibilities:
- Assist with racking, cabling, configuring, and maintaining physical servers, workstations, network switches, and lab/test hardware
- Perform routine system maintenance and patching on Linux and Windows hosts (OS updates, antivirus, vulnerability/compliance scans)
- Support cybersecurity compliance activities such as system hardening and DISA STIG implementation under RMF guidance
- Help maintain virtualized test environments and VMs (mirroring physical racks for mission test events)
- Support identity and access management activities (user accounts, permissions, group policies)
- Use and develop basic automation/scripting (Bash, PowerShell, Python) to streamline lab tasks and provisioning
- Provide front-line troubleshooting for hardware, OS, and network connectivity issues
- Assist with pre-test staging, environment provisioning, and post-test data collection during scheduled mission events
What You’ll Need (Minimum Qualifications)
To be considered for this role you must meet the following requirements:
- US Citizenship required
- Ability to obtain and maintain an Active Secret security clearance
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or equivalent hands-on technical/military training; or comparable experience
- 0–5 years combined experience in system administration, IT helpdesk, network support, or technical lab operations
- Foundational knowledge of Linux (RHEL, Rocky, Ubuntu) and Windows Server/Desktop (CLI navigation, basic services/config)
- Basic networking knowledge (IP addressing, subnets, VLANs, DNS, DHCP, switch cabling)
- Familiarity with or eagerness to learn hypervisors (VMware ESXi/vSphere, KVM, Hyper-V)
- Interest in scripting/automation (Bash, PowerShell, Python)
- CompTIA Security+ CE or ability to obtain DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II compliance within 60 days of hire
Nice to Have / Growth Areas
You will be expected to learn on the job and gain experience in:
- Applying DISA STIGs and automated compliance tooling
- Enterprise Linux administration (systemd, YUM/DNF, LVM, SELinux basics)
- Windows administration (Active Directory, GPOs, WSUS/patch management)
- Container basics (Docker/Podman) and lightweight deployments
- Configuration management tools (Ansible, Puppet, SaltStack)
Location & Logistics
- Work schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Work location: On-site at customer site in Huntsville, AL (35801). No telework option available.
- Travel: 0–10% (as required to support test events)
- Relocation assistance: Not available
- Employment contingent upon successful background investigation and any required pre-employment checks
Why This Role?
- Hands-on experience across Linux, Windows, virtualization, and DoD cybersecurity standards
- Mentorship from senior engineers in a mission-focused test environment
- Great entry-point for early-career technologists or veterans seeking to transition into defense-focused systems engineering
Compensation & Benefits
- Estimated annual pay (from source): $92,129 (estimated)
- Benefits: ESOP participation, 401(k) match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, FSA/HSA options, EAP, education assistance, paid time off, and holidays
- Employment practices: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required background checks. Our client participates in E-Verify where required.
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.
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