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Senior Systems Administrator

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. The Leidos National Security Sector (NSS) combines technology-enabled services and mission software capabilities in the areas of cyber, logistics, security operations, and decision analytics to support our defense and intel customers’ mission to defend against evolving threats around the world.

Your greatest work is ahead!

The Multi-domain Solutions Division (MDS) within the Leidos National Security Sector is seeking a skilled Senior Systems Administrator to join a new cyber security program and play a key role in supporting government-critical systems. You will be part of a program that oversees development, integration, delivery, and operations and maintenance of IT managed security services, which encompasses support to monitor the cybersecurity threat and security posture situational awareness for the enterprise. This opportunity is in anticipation of a future contract award!

What you’ll be doing:

  • Manage, optimize, and secure our IT infrastructure, ensuring the reliability, scalability, and security of our systems. 
  • Oversee the installation, configuration, and maintenance of critical systems and applications, while proactively identifying and resolving technical issues.
  • Manage both on-premises and cloud environments, automating routine tasks, and implementing best practices to enhance system performance.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless IT operations and provide guidance to junior administrators to promote a culture of operational excellence.
  • Responsible for installation, configuration, administration, support and maintenance of systems, including associated hardware. 
  • Management of systems infrastructures, implementing best practices to Identify and recommend system functional specifications, configuration of physical and virtual systems, backup and recovery of IT infrastructure. 
  • Support duties may include updating and supporting systems by tuning performance, allocating storage space. Implementing critical patches, reviewing systems performance logs to identify anomalies and troubleshoot issues.
  • Influence development of solutions that impact strategic project/program goals and business results. 
  • Recommend and develop new technical solutions, products, and/or standards in support of function’s strategy and operations. 
  • Lead and manage works of other technical staff that has significant impact on project results/outputs.
  • Administer, maintain, and optimize Windows, Linux, and cloud-based systems to ensure high availability and performance.
  • Manage system configurations, updates, and patch management to minimize security vulnerabilities.
  • Monitor system health, performance, and capacity, and take proactive measures to prevent outages.
  • Develop and maintain documentation for system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting guidelines.
  • Configure and manage virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper-V, etc.) to ensure efficient resource utilization.
  • Oversee storage solutions, backup strategies, and disaster recovery planning to ensure data integrity and business continuity.
  • Implement and maintain infrastructure as code (IaC) using tools like Terraform or Ansible for system provisioning and automation.
  • Apply security best practices to harden systems, protect sensitive data, and ensure compliance with industry standards.
  • Manage identity and access management (IAM) solutions, enforce role-based access controls (RBAC), and implement multi-factor authentication (MFA).
  • Conduct regular system audits, vulnerability scans, and risk assessments to identify and mitigate security risks.
  • Ensure compliance with industry regulations and organizational security policies.
  • Investigate and resolve complex technical issues across systems, applications, and networks.
  • Perform root cause analysis of incidents and implement preventive measures to avoid future occurrences.
  • Develop and maintain incident response plans to minimize downtime and ensure rapid recovery.
  • Deploy and manage cloud-based infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid environments.
  • Implement and maintain secure virtual networks, VPNs, and cloud access controls.
  • Optimize cloud resources to improve performance and reduce costs.
  • Work closely with development, security, and operations teams to ensure seamless system integration and security.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior system administrators and IT staff.
  • Participate in project planning, system upgrades, and migration efforts, ensuring minimal impact on business operations.
  • Automate routine system administration tasks using PowerShell, Bash, or Python.
  • Develop scripts to monitor system health, automate patching, and enhance configuration management.
  • Continuously seek opportunities to improve operational efficiency through automation and process optimization.

What does Leidos need from me?

  • Active Top Secret/SCI (TS/SCI) with Polygraph security clearance required. Must be U.S. Citizen.
  • Bachelor's degree and 12 to 15 years of prior relevant experience or Master's with 10 to 13 years of prior relevant experience. Experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Understanding of DoD IT security protocols and requirements.
  • Expertise in administering and securing Windows and Linux operating systems.
  • Strong experience with virtualization technologies such as VMware, Hyper-V, or Proxmox.
  • Proficiency in managing cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
  • Solid understanding of networking protocols, firewall management, VPNs, and TCP/IP.
  • Hands-on experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions.
  • Strong knowledge of identity and access management (Active Directory, LDAP) and group policy management.
  • Proficiency in scripting languages (PowerShell, Bash, Python) to automate administrative tasks.
  • Experience with infrastructure as code (IaC) and configuration management tools such as Terraform, Ansible, or Puppet.

Favorable if you have:

  • Relevant certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator, CompTIA Security+ or similar security certifications.
  • Experience with containerization and orchestration technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
  • Familiarity with SIEM, IDS/IPS, and other security monitoring tools.

Original Posting:

March 30, 2025

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $112,450.00 - $203,275.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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Average salary estimate

$157862.5 / YEARLY (est.)
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$112450K
$203275K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Senior Systems Administrator, Leidos

Are you ready to take your career to the next level as a Senior Systems Administrator with Leidos in Chantilly, Virginia? We're on the lookout for a skilled professional to join our Multi-domain Solutions Division within the National Security Sector. Here at Leidos, we pride ourselves on delivering innovative solutions that drive our customers' success through the expertise of our diverse teams. In this role, you'll manage and secure our vital IT infrastructure, ensuring it’s reliable and scalable. You'll oversee installations, configurations, and maintenance of crucial systems while tackling technical issues proactively. Collaboration is key, as you'll work closely with cross-functional teams and provide mentorship to junior administrators, fostering a culture of operational excellence. You’ll also get engrossed in the exciting world of cybersecurity, configuring cloud platforms like AWS and ensuring compliance with security best practices. With your top-secret clearance and robust experience, you'll play an essential role in supporting government-critical systems while implementing cutting-edge solutions that drive our projects forward. If you’re looking for an impactful role where your contributions truly matter, your adventure with Leidos begins here!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior Systems Administrator Role at Leidos
What are the key responsibilities of a Senior Systems Administrator at Leidos?

A Senior Systems Administrator at Leidos is responsible for managing, optimizing, and securing IT infrastructures. This includes overseeing installations, configurations, and maintenance of critical systems, monitoring cybersecurity threats, and ensuring systems reliability. You will also collaborate across teams and guide junior administrators, ensuring operational excellence in support of government-critical systems.

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What qualifications are required for the Senior Systems Administrator position at Leidos?

To qualify for the Senior Systems Administrator role at Leidos, you need to hold a Bachelor's degree with 12 to 15 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with 10 to 13 years of experience. An active Top Secret/SCI clearance is essential and expertise with Windows and Linux operating systems, virtualization technologies, and cloud management is highly regarded.

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How does a Senior Systems Administrator at Leidos ensure system security?

In your capacity as a Senior Systems Administrator at Leidos, you’ll implement security best practices to harden systems and manage identity and access management solutions. Regular audits, vulnerability scans, and risk assessments will help you identify potential security risks, while automation tools streamline your maintenance tasks, ensuring systems are compliant with industry standards and organizational policies.

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What technologies will a Senior Systems Administrator at Leidos work with?

At Leidos, a Senior Systems Administrator will work with a variety of cutting-edge technologies, including cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, virtualization tools such as VMware and Hyper-V, as well as scripting languages like PowerShell and Python for task automation. You'll also deal with infrastructure as code (IaC) using tools like Terraform, ensuring effective system and resource management.

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What is the career growth potential for a Senior Systems Administrator at Leidos?

As a Senior Systems Administrator at Leidos, you'll be positioned to grow in your career through diverse experiences in managing critical systems and infrastructure. With ample opportunities for mentoring junior staff, leading projects, and exposure to advanced technologies, you can expand your skill set and move into higher-level technical, managerial, or specialized roles within the organization.

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Common Interview Questions for Senior Systems Administrator
Can you describe your experience with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure?

Talk about specific projects where you managed cloud resources, including tasks like provisioning services, optimizing costs, or ensuring high availability. Mention any specific cloud certification you hold, and be sure to illustrate how you keep current with evolving cloud technologies.

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How do you approach troubleshooting a critical system outage?

Outline your logical process for addressing outages, which may include identifying affected systems, gathering logs and performance data, and analyzing the root cause. Emphasize the importance of communication with stakeholders and your strategies for implementing preventive measures after the incident.

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What steps do you take to secure a Windows/Linux environment?

Detail your approach to hardening systems, such as applying security patches, configuring firewalls, and implementing role-based access controls. Talk about continuous monitoring practices, and how you ensure compliance with industry regulations.

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How do you handle automation in system administration?

Share specific examples of your experience using scripting languages like PowerShell or Bash to automate routine tasks. Explain how automation improves efficiency and reduces human error, and discuss the tools or methods you’ve employed to implement robust automation solutions.

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Describe a time when you had to mentor junior staff.

Provide an instance where you successfully guided junior administrators through a technical challenge or project. Discuss your methods for encouraging their growth and development, and how this experience impacted team performance.

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What is your experience with virtualization technologies?

Illustrate your hands-on experience with tools like VMware or Hyper-V, explaining how you have utilized them for efficient resource allocation and management. Share a specific project where virtualization made a significant difference in performance or cost-efficiency.

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How do you ensure compliance with security policies in your role?

Discuss your processes for conducting regular audits, vulnerability assessments, and your collaboration with security teams to ensure compliance. Provide examples of how these efforts improved security posture and reduced risks.

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What documentation practices do you follow as a Senior Systems Administrator?

Explain your systematic approach to maintaining comprehensive documentation of system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting steps. Emphasize how thorough documentation supports knowledge sharing and operational continuity.

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Can you provide an example of a successful project you led as a systems administrator?

Describe a specific project, detailing your leadership role, the challenges faced, and how you guided the team toward successful completion. Highlight the impact this project had on the organization and any key results achieved.

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What tools do you use for monitoring system performance?

Mention specific monitoring tools you utilize, such as Nagios, Zabbix, or cloud-native monitoring solutions, and how they help you ensure optimal system performance. Explain how you leverage data from these tools to make informed decisions.

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Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business. At Leidos, our mission is to make the world safer, healthier, and mor...

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