Cyber Systems Administrator

Program Overview

About The Role

Currently seeking a Cyber Systems Administrator to support an Intel Community (IC) customer in the Herndon, Virginia area.

The Systems Administrator provides mid-level operational support for enterprise information systems within classified environments. This role is execution-focused and emphasizes privileged system administration, security tool operations, log analysis, scripting, and audit evidence production. Systems Administrator IV supports ongoing Authorization to Operate (ATO) activities by maintaining system security posture, generating technical artifacts, and implementing approved security controls under the direction of Information System Security Officers (ISSOs), System Engineers, and audit leads or audit SMEs.

This position requires hands-on experience administering Windows and Linux systems, executing Splunk queries, developing operational scripts, and supporting compliance activities through accurate and timely evidence generation.

Systems Administrator responsibilities for conducting information system activities for new or existing system(s) may include, but not limited to, the following:

• Perform Systems Administrator activities for Windows and Linux environments, including configuration, hardening, patching, and operational sustainment.
• Maintain and operate systems requiring privileged user access , ensuring least-privilege enforcement and auditability.
• Support system lifecycle activities including design changes, re-engineering efforts, upgrades, and performance tuning.
• Troubleshoot complex system issues across infrastructure, applications, and security tooling.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize Splunk searches, dashboards, and alerts to support, Security monitoring, audit evidence collection, and operational troubleshooting
• Write and refine Search Processing Language (SPL) queries to extract, correlate, and validate log data across multiple data sources.
• Ensure log sources are properly onboarded, retained, and aligned with audit and compliance requirements.
• Develop and maintain scripts (e.g., PowerShell, Bash, Python, SQL ) to automate data collection for audits, validate system configurations, and support continuous monitoring activities
• Assist with automating evidence generation for recurring FISCAM, RMF, and internal audits.
• Provide technical support to Audit SMEs and ISSOs by producing, validating, and explaining system-level artifacts required for FISCAM audits and RMF assessments.
• Support documentation and validation of technical controls related to logging and monitoring, configuration management, access control, system integrity
• Assist in responding to audit findings, including root cause analysis and technical remediation.
• Work closely with ISSOs, ISSEs, auditors, and operations teams to ensure systems are both secure and operationally effective .
• Translate technical system behavior into clear, defensible explanations for auditors and assessors.
• Participate in engineering reviews, change control boards, and security assessments as need ed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in an area relevant to the position and 8+ years of relevant experience; Master's degree in an area to the position and 6+ years of relevant experience; or 4+ additional years of experience in lieu of a degree.
• TS/SCI with polygraph clearance adjudication or ability to obtain SCI and pass a poly
• Hold active Security+, CISSP, CISA, or equivalent certifications (DoD 8570 IAM 2 equivalent)
• One (1) year of experience with IC Community
• Experience in systems engineering or system administration in enterprise environments.
• Hands-on experience with Splunk (searches, dashboards, or administration).
• Experience using scripting or query languages (PowerShell, Bash, Python, SQL).
• Familiarity with RMF , ATO processes , and audit support in federal environments.
• Ability to operate with privileged system access in classified environments.
• Proven experience with Linux/RedHat 8 or higher, Windows Server 2019 or higher and/or Networking Appliances in Virtualized/Cloud platforms (VMSphere or AWS)
• Proven experience with Oracle 19C or higher or SQL 2019 or higher database systems
• Proven experience with DISA Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) implementation and Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP) tool usage
• Hands on experience performing Systems Security tasks including: Security Information and Event Monitoring (Splunk); Endpoint security (HBSS); Compliance and vulnerability scanning (ACAS / Nessus)
• Demonstrated experience with creating and validating evidence for NIST security controls.
• Experience using and maintaining records in Xacta

Desired Qualifications:

• Skilled in implementing mitigation strategies and how to resolve problems, and to re-test/ re-evaluate systems
• Experience with IT general controls (ITGC), Financial Information System Control Audit Manual (FISCAM), and National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication (NIST) 800-53v4
• Experience with performing Security Control Assessment in compliance with NIST SP 800- 37, NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-53A, and other NIST 800 guide series
• IT audit advisory experience
• Experience with effective policy, instruction, and development for Federal or DoD Information Security Programs
• Experience with risk analysis and assessment determinations incorporating system/mission owner, and unique operational constraints
• Possess a working knowledge of administrating servers, system and application security threats and vulnerabilities
• Experience extending existing applications in areas such as security, monitoring, task automation, continuous integration, deployment, and performance optimization

Peraton offers enhanced benefits to employees working on this critical National Security program, which include heavily subsidized employee benefits coverage for you and your dependents, 25 days of PTO accrued annually up to a generous PTO cap and eligible to participate in an attractive bonus plan

SCA / Union / Intern Rate or Range

Details

Target Salary Range: $112,000 - $179,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Benefits Statement: Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at

Application Duration Statement: The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.