Classified Systems Administrator, IV Full Time

Overview

RAND offers aClassified Systems Administrator, IV opportunity to work as an integral part of our Security & Classified Operations (SCO) department providing technicalexpertisein the support of our classified local area network services. This role will have the opportunity to add value in the operation and maintenance of various IT technologies including Linux and Windows operating systems, VMWare, and network storage.

The Classified Systems Administrator, IV performs advanced to highly complex evaluation, design, implementation, and maintenance of classified servers, networks, and communications systems supporting secure computing environments. This role serves as a senior technical resource and integral member of the Classified IT Operations Team, ensuring the reliability, security, and performance of classified local and wide-area network infrastructure, systems, and services.

Responsibilities

• Operate independently with minimal supervision, prioritizing work and driving initiatives to completion.

• Lead medium- to large-scale projects and technology implementations for government- and contractor-owned classified systems, including solution architecture, design, and deployment.

• Assign, coordinate, monitor, and review technical work of peers; provide guidance and technical leadership across the Classified IT team.

• Serve as the senior escalation resource for platform-specific issues, providing guidance on Windows- or Linux-based infrastructure decisions.

• Maintain, configure, and support classified servers, operating systems, applications, and network infrastructure.

• Serve as a senior point of contact for diagnosing and resolving complex networking, hardware, software, and system issues in classified environments.

• Mentor and provide expert-level technical assistance to administrators and support staff.

• Verify integrity, availability, and performance of classified data, voice, and LAN/WAN networks and systems; identify issues, develop solutions, and ensure successful implementation.

• Analyze capacity and performance requirements and initiate system or network expansions, upgrades, or migrations.

• Evaluate and recommend enhancements to hardware, software, network architecture, and infrastructure for functionality, security, and cost-effectiveness.

• Ensure protection of classified information and systems by implementing and maintaining required security controls and operational procedures.

• Collaborate with classified IT, cybersecurity, and security compliance teams in evaluation, customization, accreditation, and implementation of classified hardware and software solutions.

• Manage classified cloud-based systems, including deployment, administration, performance monitoring, and compliance validation.

• Support classified data transfer operations in accordance with approved procedures and controls.

• Maintain working knowledge of policies, STIGs, NISPOM, NIST 800-53, ICD 503, ICD 1253, DAPPM guidance, and Cyber Operational Readiness Assessment (CORA) requirements.

• Prepare networks, servers, and workstations for announced and unannounced audits; document and report on auditable technical configurations and controls.

• Act as a technical resource to functional departments, providing consultation and training related to classified voice, data, network, and system applications.

• Collaborate with other Information Services groups and departments in the evaluation, adaptation, and implementation of infrastructure hardware, software systems, services, and networks.

• Adhere to ITIL best practices, including Change Management, Problem Management, and Service & Support standards.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Windows Systems Administration: Install, configure, and maintain modern Windows Server environments, Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and enterprise applications. Support Windows-based classified endpoints, servers, and workstations.

• Linux Systems Administration: Install, configure, and maintain Linux systems (e.g., RHEL 8), including OS upgrades, software packages, service configuration, shell scripting, VMWare, and network storage. Support TS/SCI and secret-classified Linux servers and workstations.

Basic Qualifications

• Senior level skills in supporting Red Hat Linux environment for those assigned in Linux.

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience with Linux and Windows environments that follow strict security and compliance requirements for Administrators assigned in Linux. For administrators assigned in Windows, Linux experience is desirable.

• Solid Mid-level skills of DNS, TCP/IP, HTTP, DHCP, server virtualization, and Active Directory

• Knowledge of resources and practices in the security community and current on changing requirements a plus

• Ability to adjust quickly, adapt to changing priorities and take initiative and own the task

• Strong attention to detail with excellent written and verbal communications skills

• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team with strong organizational skills

• Mid- level skills in supporting Windows Servers, SAN & NAS storage, ESX

• Minimum of 1 year of Cloud Operations experience

• Deep understanding of secure network protocols, encryption standards, and VPN technologies in classified environments.

• Knowledge of virtualization technologies and cloud-based classified solutions (e.g., government-authorized cloud platforms).

• Familiarity with incident response procedures, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning in classified IT environments.

• Knowledge of automated monitoring, logging, and alerting tools for proactive system management and security compliance.

• Understanding of configuration management and change control processes within classified systems.

• Knowledge of database administration and data integrity principles for classified applications.

• Awareness of emerging cybersecurity threats and mitigation strategies for mission-critical classified systems.

• Knowledge of identity and access management (IAM) and privileged user controls in classified IT environments.

• Advanced systems integration skills, including combining on-premises and cloud-based classified systems.

• Proficiency in performance tuning, capacity planning, and resource optimization for servers, networks, and applications.

• Strong analytical and diagnostic skills for identifying root causes of complex system failures.

• Ability to develop and enforce policies, standards, and procedures to ensure classified IT compliance.

• Expertise in managing classified endpoints, mobile devices, and remote access solutions securely.

• Skilled in designing, implementing, and maintaining backup, archiving, and disaster recovery solutions for classified environments.

• Strong documentation skills for technical procedures, system configurations, and audit compliance reports.

Education

• High School diploma or GED isrequired

• BA/BS degree preferred

• Extensive experience in classified, DoD, Intelligence Community, or secure enterprise IT environments, along with current professional certifications (e.g., Security+, CASP, COMSEC, or equivalent), may be considered as a full substitute for a degree from an accredited university or college recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Experience

• Minimum of9years of classified network systems experience in a professional and mixed technologies environment with high school diploma or GED

• Minimum of 6 years of classified network systems experience in a professional and mixed technologies environment with BS/BA degree

Security Clearance

U.S. Citizenship and active Secret Clearance (TS/SCI)with Polygraph isrequired. This position requires the ability to obtain andmaintainsecurity and technical certifications.

Location

This position is located in RAND’s Santa Monica office and will require a presence of 5 days per week. Relocation can be considered.

Salary Range :120,900 – 184,500

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills,expertise; and internal equity.The salary range includes base pay plus RAND’ssabbaticpay (which providesadditionalcompensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer