Principal Systems Administrator VI

MIT Lincoln Laboratory sits at the intersection of academia, industry, and government. Our nationally-recognized staff work collaboratively to solve some of the nation’s most challenging problems. As part of the ISR and Tactical Systems Division, we team broadly across MIT Lincoln Laboratory to address a wide variety of problems through analysis, design, prototyping, and testing. Our teaming culture energizes our staff and fosters a high level of collaboration among a wide array of skills and experience levels. In addition, the group values work-life balance, using hybrid arrangements and flexible schedules to maximize productivity.

The Embedded and Open Systems Group applies our expertise to developing software and processing architectures for aircraft, ground vehicles, unmanned systems, sensors, radios of all sizes, ground stations, and bases operating across the globe. We develop cutting-edge solutions for the nation's needs in the areas of embedded computing, distributed systems and global battle management for the future. We succeed by participating in all program phases of system analysis, architecture definition, design, prototyping, field testing, and ultimately the transfer of our technology. We get to see our technology make its way from early concepts all the way to flying on test aircraft or fielded at test sites.

The group is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We understand that a diverse workplace fosters a creative and productive atmosphere and we are dedicated to making sure that every staff member in the group is supported in their work and that every voice is heard. The Laboratory sponsors resource groups and events dedicated to a wide variety of identities.

Position Description

We need talented, experienced IT Systems Administrator Level VI who can bring fresh ideas and is capable of managing a small IT team and operate in a highly autonomous manner with minimal technical supervision to support unclassified and classified computing needs.  To be successful in this position, you must be versatile, innovative, self-disciplined, and highly collaborative in high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams spanning MIT LL and the broader Department of Defense (DoD) community.

What you’ll do

• Plan, organize, lead, and manage Group IT resources, and to make appropriate resource assignments to effectively and efficiently execute the day-to-day activities that drive business results across Group 102 programs
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the infrastructure strategy, architecture, service delivery standards and procedures across the group
• Work closely with Division 10 IT to shape Division-wide IT Policy and IT strategy
• Lead Group IT infrastructure projects from conception to completion, including planning, execution, and delivery
• Utilize project management tools to track progress, manage resources, and ensure timely completion of projects
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver projects that meet business requirements and objectives
• Lead and mentor a team of system administrators, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for IT infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
• Act as a technical advisor and leader in resolving complex system issues and challenges

To be successful in this role you will need

• Bachelor’s degree, or higher, in Computer and Information Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or related
• 10+ years of experience in system administration in both a Windows and Linux environment
• Experience managing and leading a small team
• Experience with DoD IT security requirements and procedures
• Proven track record of successfully managing IT infrastructure projects
• Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and inspire teams
• Excellent customer service, communication, and troubleshooting skills
• Applicant must have or obtain 8570 level 2 or higher certification within 6 months 
• Applicant must have highly effective verbal and written communication skills, proven experience working in a team environment, and the ability to complete assignments independently with minimal supervision
• Experience installing and configuring server, routers, and switch hardware and software
• Experience installing, configuring, and operating network services such as DNS, DHCP, NFS, SSH, SAMBA, and AD
• Experience working in a classified computing environment
• Ability to demonstrate highly effective knowledge of Microsoft Windows 10, Windows Server 2016 and 2019, Active Directory, PowerShell scripting 
• Experience with RedHat Enterprise Linux 8/9, Ansible, and shell scripting 
• Experience designing and implementing ESXi-based solutions 
• Experience with NetApp NAS/SAN and Juniper networking desired 
• Applicant must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret, Top Secret, and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance; applicant must be open to the possibility of obtaining and maintain Special Access Program security clearance

You will stand out if you also have

• Current in scope Secret or Top Secret level DoD security clearance 
• Certifications such as or from: Comp Tia A+, Security+, CISSP is desired; VMware, Juniper, Red Hat is a plus 
• Experience with Mac OS 
• Experience integrating and configuring rack-mounted embedded compute systems 
• Experience with DevSecOps pipeline processes and technologies 
• Experience with the concept of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Ansible or Terraform 
• Experience with container technology (i.e. Docker, Podman, etc.) and container orchestration tools (i.e. Kubernetes) 
• Experience with collaboration (Confluence) and issue tracking (JIRA) tools 
• Experience with AWS, Azure, or Google public clouds 

Growth Opportunities

The Group supports a wide variety of mechanisms for staff to grow their skills and create a continual path for growth, including:

• Direct mentorship within the group and across the lab for projects and career guidance
• Collaboration across the Laboratory’s suite of programs to broaden your network internally and externally

THIS POSITION REQUIRES ONSITE TIME TO PERFORM THE POSITION DUTIES AND CAN BE HYBRID.

#CJ

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT-funded pension
• Matching 401K
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
• Mentorship programs
• A range of work-life balance options
• ... and much more!  

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret level security clearance with compartmented program eligibility.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.