Systems Administrator

As a Systems Administrator at STR, your core responsibilities will include supporting senior administrators in the deployment and maintenance of both Linux and Windows operating systems, configuring essential network and storage services, and ensuring the security and efficiency of IT operations. You will also engage in performance monitoring, problem resolution, and project support to enhance our systems' capabilities.

To qualify for the Systems Administrator role at STR, you’ll need either a Bachelor’s degree with five years of experience, or a Master's degree with three years of experience, or a PhD, along with an active Secret or Top Secret security clearance. A strong background in Linux and Windows operating systems is essential to succeed in this position.

STR ensures the security and integrity of its IT systems by adhering to strict DoD security guidelines and implementing best practices in system administration. This includes configuring secure access controls, maintaining directory services, and utilizing tools and protocols such as Security Technical Implementation Guidelines (STIGS) and Host Based Security Systems (HBSS).

The work environment at STR in Woburn is collaborative and team-oriented, fostering innovation and collective problem-solving. You will work alongside professionals who are dedicated to advancing technology in national security, while also enjoying the challenge of maintaining critical IT infrastructure in a secure setting.

Yes, the Systems Administrator position at STR may require after-hours work for maintenance and patching tasks, ensuring that our systems are always secure and operational. This aspect of the role helps maintain high uptime and reliability for our technology infrastructure.

In answering this question, detail your hands-on experience with Linux distributions like Red Hat, CentOS, or Ubuntu, and Windows server environments. Highlight specific tasks you've managed such as installation, configuration, and troubleshooting, illustrating how you’ve ensured system resilience and security.

Discuss your familiarity with automation tools, focusing on your experience with PowerShell for Windows environments and Shell scripting for Linux. Provide examples of how you’ve used these tools to streamline processes, increase efficiency, or reduce downtime in systems management.

Explain your proactive approach towards continuing education and compliance. Mention specific resources, courses, and certifications you pursue to understand the changing landscape of DoD security guidelines, and how you apply this knowledge in your role.

Here, it’s beneficial to discuss any specific projects where you’ve implemented or managed NAS storage solutions or configured network firewalls. Highlight your understanding of network protocols and how they relate to ensuring data security and integrity.

Share a specific experience where you identified a problem, developed a plan for resolution, and implemented that plan, ideally resulting in minimal system downtime. Emphasize your problem-solving skills and the steps you took to communicate with stakeholders and keep operations running smoothly.

STIGS are security standards developed by the DoD to help organizations improve their security posture. Explain how you’ve applied STIGS in past roles to enhance compliance and ensure systems are configured according to best practices. Demonstrate your understanding of compliance requirements.

Discuss the strategies you use to assess task urgency and importance, referencing tools or methodologies like prioritization matrices or ticketing systems. Provide an example of a situation where effectively prioritizing tasks led to solutions being implemented successfully.

Stress the importance of collaboration in IT settings and share examples of how you work with other departments, like security teams or developers, to achieve common goals. Highlight any specific experiences where teamwork led to enhanced system performance or project completion.

Identify potential challenges such as adapting to new technologies, regulatory changes, or handling high-stakes responsibilities associated with classified environments. Discuss how you would approach overcoming these challenges through continued education, teamwork, and proactive problem-solving.

This is an opportunity to express your alignment with STR’s mission and values. Discuss your passion for technology, national security, and being part of a dedicated team that makes a difference in the world. Your genuine interest and shared vision will resonate positively with the interviewer.