Systems Administrator (Windows/Linux)

As a Systems Administrator at Maxar, you will be primarily responsible for providing operational and support services, which includes managing ticket work, performing break/fix tasks, and assisting engineers on various projects. You'll manage Windows and Linux servers, ensuring they are well-maintained through patching, imaging, and troubleshooting. Your role will also involve identifying and resolving service impacts like outages and performance issues to keep everything running smoothly.

To apply for the Systems Administrator position at Maxar, you must be a U.S. citizen with an active TS/SCI security clearance. We prefer candidates who have at least two years of experience in an enterprise environment and a strong working knowledge of server operating systems, specifically Windows Server (2016+) and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. A current IAT Level II certification like CompTIA Security+ CE is essential, or the willingness to obtain it within six months of hire.

A Systems Administrator at Maxar should possess a strong understanding of Windows and Linux server management, including experience supporting virtualization environments like VMware. Knowledge of DHCP, DNS, and networking concepts is crucial, as well as familiarity with scripting and automation practices. Additional experience with vulnerability management suites such as Qualys and Tenable will give candidates a competitive edge.

Yes, the Systems Administrator role at Maxar may require occasional on-call duties. This means that, in addition to your regular work schedule, you will need to be available to address any urgent issues that arise outside of regular business hours. Flexibility and a proactive mindset are key to successfully handling these responsibilities.

Maxar is proud to provide a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, which includes competitive salaries ranging from $71,000 to $117,000 annually for the Systems Administrator position. In addition to salary, eligible employees can enjoy health and welfare insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan to help you plan for your future!

When answering this question, highlight specific projects or tasks you've managed that involved both Windows Server and Linux systems. Discuss the types of installations, configurations, and troubleshooting you've performed, ensuring to include any tools or methodologies used to enhance performance or security.

To effectively prioritize tickets, I assess the urgency and impact level of each issue. I use ticketing systems to track and categorize tasks while ensuring critical issues affecting production are addressed immediately. It's also essential to communicate with users about expectations and to update them regularly on the progress of their requests.

I approach patch management methodically: first, I identify all systems that need updates and research the patches provided by the vendor. Then, I test patches in a controlled environment before rolling them out to production systems, while monitoring for any potential conflicts. Documentation and reporting are also essential in this process.

I actively follow industry news, join forums, and participate in professional organizations. I also engage in continuous learning through courses, certifications, and webinars that focus on new technologies and best practices in systems administration. This helps me to stay knowledgeable and implement current solutions effectively.

At my previous positions, I have extensively worked with VMware to create and manage virtual machines. I’ve handled setting up virtual environments, configuring networking, and ensuring optimal resource allocation among various virtualized systems. Understanding the intricacies of VMware has enabled me to optimize performance and reduce downtime.

In troubleshooting server performance issues, I start by identifying symptoms and gathering relevant data on server performance metrics. I analyze logs to track down anomalies, assess workload distribution, and check network connections. My troubleshooting approach is methodical to ensure I effectively isolate and resolve the underlying problem.

I regularly conduct vulnerability assessments and manage patches to address security vulnerabilities promptly. When vulnerabilities are detected, I prioritize them based on risk level and develop a remediation plan that includes patch deployment and additional security measures if needed, ensuring the integrity of the server environment.

In one instance, I had to recover critical data following a server failure. I methodically diagnosed the hardware issue, coordinated with vendors for replacement parts, and executed a data recovery plan. It taught me the importance of backups and informed me on proactive measures to prevent future occurrences.

Documentation is vital to effective systems administration. I maintain detailed records of system configurations, troubleshooting steps, and resolutions. This not only aids in knowledge transfer during team transitions but also ensures consistency and facilitates faster resolution of issues in the future.

While technical skills are crucial, I believe strong communication skills are key for a Systems Administrator at Maxar. Communicating effectively with colleagues from various IT disciplines allows for efficient collaboration, ensuring that everyone is on the same page, especially when addressing complex issues or deploying new projects.