IT Specialist; System Administration

IT Specialist (System Administration), IS-2210-11/12

Final date to receive applications: 19 June 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $84,579 - $131,790 / year

OPENING DATE: May 20, 2026

CLOSING DATE: June 19, 2026

TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)

DIVISION: Information Technology Services

LOCATION: Cambridge, MA

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates within the local commuting area of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

SAO is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential to grade 12. Selection will be made at grade level 11. The candidate may be non-competitively promoted to the next higher grade level, up to grade 12, upon the supervisor's recommendation, based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance, and the employee's qualifications.

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side.

Trust employees have their own benefit program and may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Childcare), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education.

The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.

This IT Specialist (Unix Administrator) position is responsible for managing and maintaining Unix-based systems and infrastructure and ensuring optimal performance, security and reliability of IT infrastructure and support of astrophysical data analysis and processing.

• System Administration:
  Configures, installs, and manages Unix-based operating systems on servers and distributed computers, including but not limited to Linux, BSD, and Solaris. Plans and implements the computer management policy and the acquisition of servers and desktops. Manages system and user accounts. Manages cloud based systems and infrastructure. Manages NAS, and DAS systems including Netapp infrastructure.
• Performance Optimization:
  Monitors system performance and identifies areas for improvement. Optimizes system configurations, file systems, and network configurations to ensure optimal performance, resource utilization, and system response.
• System Security:
  Plans, implements, and enforces security protocols to protect Unix systems from unauthorized access, data breaches, and security threats. Updates and maintains security policies, access controls, and system firewall configurations in accordance with established organizational policies.
• System Monitoring and Troubleshooting:
  Develops and implements system monitoring tools and procedures to ensure high availability and reliability. Performs troubleshooting, root cause analysis and timely resolution of system issues. Works closely with cross-functional teams as…