Classified Senior System Administrator

Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic classified environment?

Do you want to be empowered to take ownership and have a stake in the overall engineering and operations of a secure IT infrastructure?
Are you interested in working with a wide range of technologies, learning continuously, and helping drive your team toward operational excellence?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) - ranked by Computerworld as one of the Top Places to Work in IT for multiple years running.

We are seeking a System Administrator with extensive classified systems experience to manage, secure, and evolve our mission-critical environments. This position is ideal for a motivated systems engineer ready to hit the ground running, take ownership of complex systems, and help elevate team performance.

As a Classified System Administrator, you will...

Core Responsibilities

• Manage, configure, and maintain a wide range of classified IT systems including VMware, Microsoft Exchange, Windows Server, and enterprise storage and backup platforms.
• Oversee VMware vCenter, ESXi, and Horizon VDI (RDSH and Desktop) environments, ensuring stability, scalability, and security across multiple networks.
• Administer Microsoft technologies including Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, Certificate Authority, WSUS patching, SQL, and SharePoint.
• Manage Exchange environments, including mail routing, malware filtering, and tuning for performance and security.
• Design, deploy, and maintain Dell and NetApp enterprise storage systems and manage backup infrastructures using platforms such as Rubrik, Commvault, Veeam, or NetBackup.
• Ensure compliance with DoD and APL security requirements by applying STIGs, remediating vulnerabilities via Tenable Nessus, and maintaining audit-ready documentation.
• Implement security measures, configure access controls, and maintain logging and patch management processes across systems and applications.
• Collaborate with networking, cybersecurity, and development teams to support infrastructure projects, migrations, and upgrades.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, SOPs, and recovery plans; continuously refine processes to enhance efficiency and reliability.
• Mentor junior administrators, promote technical growth within the team, and contribute to a positive, solutions-driven

You meet our minimum qualifications if you have...

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience administering and securing classified systems within DoD or similar environments.
• Proven expertise with VMware (vCenter, ESXi, Horizon), Microsoft Server technologies (AD, DNS, DHCP, GPO), and enterprise storage and backup systems.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and documentation skills, with an ability to solve complex infrastructure challenges independently.
• Experience applying STIGs, managing POA&Ms, and ensuring DoD compliance across multiple systems.
• Current DoD 8140/8570 IAT Level II or higher certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CISSP).
• An active Secret clearance and eligibility to obtain a Top-Secret clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

You'll go above and beyond if you...

• Hold a Master's degree in Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or Computer Science.
• Possess advanced certifications such as VMware Certified Professional (VCP), MCSE, or Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE).
• Have experience with PowerShell or Python scripting to automate tasks and optimize workflows.
• Have experience configuring Arista and Cisco network switches.
• Have experience configuring Palo Alto firewalls.
• Are proficient with Rubrik, NetApp, Dell Unity, or S3-compatible storage solutions.
• Have led projects, mentored peers, or introduced process improvements in classified or enterprise environments.
• Understand and apply disaster recovery and business continuity best practices for virtualized and hybrid infrastructures.
• Hold an active Top-Secret clearance or higher.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.