Sr. System Administrator

SMS is seeking a Sr. System Administrator at Fort Belvoir, VA to support the DTRA I3TS Infrastructure Services team to maintain and optimize the Linux production environment. The candidate will be responsible for sustaining Linux servers as well as the conceptualization, design, development and implementation of new Linux capabilities. The candidate is expected work well as a part of the DTRA Systems Administration team using ITIL best practices as well as work independently on assigned tasks. Candidate is expected to support the entire service lifecycle from design through development to production, building and deploying Linux based systems in a virtual environment.

 Candidate should be familiar with system automation technologies, basic database administration and tuning. Candidates must demonstrate a high degree of problem-solving ability in a complex environment and be able to communicate effectively, both to the customer and to team members.

 

As a dynamic systems integrator, SMS offers proven solutions in engineering, operations, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. With expertise in modernizing and optimizing legacy infrastructure and systems, ensuring operational efficiency, and designing, implementing, and managing secure environments, SMS supports business and mission goals with proficiency, quality, and integrity.

 

SMS has been serving the advanced information technology needs of the federal government since 1976, delivering talented teams and innovative, cost-effective solutions and services to support our customers’ missions for more than 45 years. SMS is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with offices and on-site operations at customer locations throughout the United States. For additional information on SMS, visit www.sms.com.

 

Submit your resume today!

• Lead administration and optimization of enterprise backup and recovery solutions (Commvault transitioning to Veeam).• Architect and implement backup, storage, and disaster recovery strategies across physical and virtual environments.• Serve as a subject matter expert for data protection, storage management, and recovery operations.• Administer and troubleshoot Windows Server environments, including performance tuning, patching, and system optimization.• Manage and optimize VMware infrastructure (vSphere, Horizon, VDI) supporting enterprise workloads.• Ensure systems meet DISA STIG and DoD security requirements, lead hardening and compliance efforts.• Analyze system performance, identify trends, and proactively resolve complex infrastructure issues.• Lead incident response and root cause analysis for backup, storage, and system failures.• Develop, maintain, and enforce SOPs, architecture documentation, and operational standards.• Collaborate with PMO, engineering, cybersecurity, and Tiered support teams to drive system improvements.• Evaluate and recommend new technologies, tools, and architectures to enhance performance and resiliency.• Mentor junior administrators and provide technical leadership across the team.

• Bachelor’s degree with 8-12 years of prior relevant experience or a Master’s Degree with 6-10 years of prior relevant experience. Additional experience may be taken into consideration in lieu of a degree.
• Candidate must, at a minimum, meet DoD 8570.11- IAT Level II certification requirements (currently Security+ CE, CCNA-Security, GSEC, or SSCP).
• An active Top Secret clearance is required for this position.
• Extensive experience with enterprise backup platforms (Veeam strongly preferred; Commvault experience highly desired).
• Strong expertise in Windows Server administration.
• Advanced experience with VMware technologies (vSphere, Horizon, VDI).
• Deep understanding of DISA STIGs, system hardening, and DoD security compliance frameworks.
• Proven experience designing and implementing backup, recovery, and storage solutions.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across systems, virtualization, and storage layers.
• Experience leading technical efforts and mentoring junior staff.
• Excellent documentation and communication skills.

 

SMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.