Senior IT Systems Administrator

Job Title: Senior IT Systems Administrator

Job No: 536142

Department: VTNSI

Work Type: Staff

Senior Management Area: Vice President for Research

General Benefits Info

Health Coverage Options

• Plans and premiums for July 2026 to June 2027

Paid Leave (Staff):

• Annual Leave: 144 hours/year (3.6 weeks for vacation that is accrued)
• Sick Leave: 120 hours/year (3 weeks)
• Additional Paid Holiday's: 8 holidays are observed throughout the year. In addition, the university is closed for “Winter Break” between Dec. 25 – Jan. 1 each year.

Continuing Education

• Tuition Assistance and Reimbursement

Job Description

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) seeks a highly skilled and experienced IT professional to join our team as an IT Systems Administrator to support multiple research testbeds and infrastructures. This position will be responsible for administering user access, applying security best practices, and supporting the development of new IT resources. The successful candidate will be responsible for deploying and maintaining physical and virtual servers, administering Linux and Microsoft Windows systems, and installing and maintaining an environment software stack, used to support AI/ML, cybersecurity, information domain, and other interdisciplinary research across multiple testbed instances.

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement with dedicated time in the office on a weekly basis.

• Degree in a relevant area such as computer science, information technology, or significant relevant IT experience.
• Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Experience using automation tools, such as Ansible, Chef, Puppet and/or other scripting, for configuration management, software deployment, and automation of routine tasks.
• Experience including installing, configuring, and maintaining common guest operating systems, including Linux and Windows, and managing user access for those systems.
• Experience with host scripting languages such as Power Shell, and Bash.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Active Directory and DNS administration and configuration.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Should be able to collaborate effectively with team members and clearly document work.
• Experience leading small teams through system administration tasks
• US Citizenship due to the nature of the Institute's work.

Significant experience in two or more of the following areas:

• Linux Administration: installing and configuring software packages, managing system updates and patches, and troubleshooting system issues.
• Python/Conda Administration: proficient in working with and managing dependencies in these environments. Experience in managing and configuring GPU-enabled systems for deep learning tasks.
• Network Administration:
  Strong understanding of networking concepts, including TCP/IP, routing protocols, VLANs, and Layer 2 switching. Experience with firewalls and security appliances is also important. Ability to troubleshoot networking issues and network security best practices.
• Virtualization Administration: extensive experience with virtualization technologies and hypervisors, including VMware, KVM, and Hyper‑V .

• Basic understanding of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Experience with Dell Power Edge servers and related technologies.
• Experience with switches and routers.
• Network+, Certified Kubernetes Admin, VMWare Certified Professional

Pay Band

5

Overtime Status

Exempt:
Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

starting at $90,000; salary commensurate with experience

40 hours per week

Additional Information

Due to the nature of work at the institute, position is restricted to a US Citizen.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life…