Systems Administrator / Systems Engineer

Overview

SMS is seeking a highly skilled and mission-driven Tier II/III Systems Administrator to provide embedded IT support to the RVS Division of AFRL's Space Vehicles Directorate at Kirtland AFB, NM. This role focuses on delivering advanced and dedicated support for Windows/Linux workstations and development environments, ensuring reliable operations for systems that underpin space research and technology development efforts.

The successful candidate will be directly embedded in a division that develops cutting-edge space component technologies and leads premier satellite experiment programs. Working side-by-side with leading scientists and engineers, this individual will help enable AFRL’s mission to maintain U.S. and allied space superiority through secure and resilient IT infrastructure.

This position operates independently on site, serving as a “one deep” technical presence with reach-back support from the central IT team, and in coordination with a System Administrator from an aligned Division.

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.

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Responsibilities

• Provide Tier II/III support for troubleshooting, resolving, and escalating hardware and software issues across Windows and Linux environments.
• Perform installation, configuration, maintenance, and upgrades of hardware and software on NIPRNet, SIPRNet, DREN, SDREN, stand-alone, and enclave networks.
• Maintain compliance with USAF Standard Desktop Configurations (SDC) and Air Force-approved software.
• Install and configure Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and Government Off-The-Shelf (GOTS) software.
• Work directly with developers for software installation and configuration.
• Provide guidance on hardware and software selection, as well as system capacity planning, to ensure performance and scalability.
• Ensure physical and administrative access to required systems and coordinate with centralized support for technical issues and continuity of operations.
• Provide reach-back capability to the main support facility and coordinate technical inquiries or emergency support needs.
• Manage and document IT hardware asset inventory and lifecycle processes.
• Ensure continuity of support during the absence of primary staff through coordination with backup personnel.
• Demonstrate proficiency in creating, maintaining, and referencing technical documentation and knowledge base (KB) articles to support consistent IT practices.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications / Certifications:

To thrive in this position, you'll need to bring a strong technical foundation, comfort working solo, and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues without missing a beat. These qualifications ensure you're ready to hit the ground running and support a high-impact environment.

• Active SECRET clearance (or ability to obtain).
• Security+ CE, CASP, CISSP, or other DoD 8570-compliant certifications (or ability to obtain).
• 3+ years of experience in systems administration and engineering.
• Experience with Windows and Linux operating systems and associated tools.
• Proficiency in installing and maintaining both COTS and GOTS applications.
• Understanding of system security, access control, and configuration management.
• Ability to operate independently and coordinate with remote teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

These aren't must-haves, but they’ll definitely help your resume rise to the top. If you’ve got extra credentials or experience that shows off your technical chops or your ability to thrive in remote or mission-focused environments, we want to hear about it!

• Knowledge of USAF and DoD IT policies and procedures, including STIG compliance.
• Technology certifications such as RHCSA, MCSE, or other credentials that show technical depth.
• Experience supporting DoD/DOE/ or research environments.
• Familiarity with IT asset management tools and processes.
• Experience with Air Force software baselines and SDC implementation.
• Prior experience working in isolated or "one deep" positions.
• Familiarity with virtualization technologies (VMware, Hyper-V).
• Exposure to backup, restore, and disaster recovery
• Knowledge of network configuration and troubleshooting (Ethernet, VLAN, etc.).
• Working knowledge of ticketing systems and IT service management tools.

SMS is a dynamic systems integrator established in 1976, delivering talented teams and innovative, cost-effective solutions and services to support our customers’ missions for more than 47 years. Our ability to hire and retain quality people in a rapidly evolving IT market is proven through our employee retention rate averaging over 3 years. At SMS, we place a high value on quality of service, customer satisfaction, and best-of-breed policies and practices, resulting in CMMI Level 3 certification and ISO registrations including 9001:2015, 20000-1:2018, and ISO/IEC 27001:2013. SMS is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with offices and on-site operations at customer locations throughout the United States. 

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.