Sr. Systems Administrator / Help Desk Engineer

Overview Sr. Systems Administrator / Help Desk Engineer Gaithersburg, MD Are you ready to enhance your skills and build your career in a rapidly evolving business climate? Are you looking for a career where professional development is embedded in your employer’s core culture? If so, Chenega Military, Intelligence & Operations Support (MIOS) could be the place for you! Join our team of professionals who support large-scale government operations by leveraging cutting-edge technology and take your career to the next level!   Chenega Agile Real-Time Solutions (CARS) was created with the purpose of providing integrated enterprise IT support to Federal customers both CONUS and OCONUS. CARS employs Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) with decades of experience working in the Federal marketplace.  We are seeking an experienced Senior Systems Administrator / Help Desk Engineer (SME) to provide technical leadership supporting mission-critical infrastructure, enterprise systems, and end-user services within a classified Intelligence Community environment. This role is responsible for administering, securing, and optimizing Windows and Linux systems, supporting hybrid cloud and on-premises environments, and ensuring the availability, reliability, and performance of enterprise infrastructure. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience with systems administration, virtualization, automation, cybersecurity compliance, cloud technologies, and customer support while serving as a senior technical resource for infrastructure modernization and operational excellence. Responsibilities Lead administration, maintenance, and optimization of enterprise Windows and Linux server environments supporting mission-critical operations. Serve as a senior technical resource for system administration, infrastructure operations, and enterprise IT support. Diagnose and resolve complex hardware, software, operating system, and end-user technical issues. Manage enterprise help desk incidents and service requests through successful resolution while providing exceptional customer service. Install, configure, harden, patch, and maintain Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) operating systems. Architect, deploy, administer, and maintain virtualization platforms including VMware and KVM. Monitor system availability, performance, capacity, and health while proactively identifying and resolving infrastructure issues. Conduct root cause analysis for system failures and implement corrective actions to improve reliability and operational stability. Develop, maintain, and execute backup, disaster recovery, and continuity of operations procedures. Develop and maintain automation solutions utilizing Ansible, PowerShell, Bash, Python, or similar scripting languages. Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and automation practices to improve operational efficiency. Collaborate with software developers, DevSecOps engineers, cybersecurity personnel, and network engineers to support secure software development environments. Maintain system documentation, configuration baselines, architecture diagrams, and standard operating procedures. Support configuration management, release management, and infrastructure modernization initiatives. Perform vulnerability remediation, system hardening, and security compliance activities in accordance with DoD STIGs, RMF, and agency security policies. Support ACAS vulnerability scanning, audit remediation, security assessments, and incident response activities. Manage enterprise storage resources, file systems, identity management, and access control services. Support hybrid cloud infrastructure and enterprise cloud migration initiatives. Coordinate infrastructure upgrades, maintenance windows, and deployment activities with cross-functional teams. Mentor junior administrators and provide technical leadership across systems operations. Participate in on-call support, scheduled maintenance, and shift coverage as required. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Engineering, or related technical discipline. 8+ years of progressively responsible systems administration experience (or Master's degree with 6+ years of experience). DoD 8570 IAT Level II or Level III certification (Security+ CE, CASP+, CISSP, or equivalent). Experience administering Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), CentOS, and Microsoft Windows Server environments. Experience supporting AWS GovCloud, Microsoft Azure Government, or hybrid cloud environments. Experience administering VMware, KVM, or similar virtualization platforms. Experience developing automation solutions utilizing Ansible, PowerShell, Bash, Python, or similar scripting languages. Experience implementing Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and automation best practices. Experience performing system hardening in accordance with DoD STIGs and cybersecurity requirements. TS/SCI clearance Successfully pass background and drug screening Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or related field. Experience supporting GEOINT, National Security, Intelligence Community, or DoD mission systems. Experience with DevOps and DevSecOps tools, including Git, GitLab, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, or similar platforms. Experience supporting enterprise backup and disaster recovery solutions. Experience administering Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, PKI, LDAP, and certificate management services. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to work independently and yet be effective within a team setting Must be capable of managing multiple efforts with time-related constraints in a fast-paced contracting environment Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse internal and ex