Senior Windows Administrator

Description

Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic classified environment?

Do you want to be empowered to take ownership of enterprise active directory domain infrastructure and have a direct impact on the reliability, performance, and security of critically important systems?

Are you interested in working with a wide range of technologies, building supervising solutions from the ground up, and helping drive operational excellence across complex infrastructure environments?

If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), consistently ranked by Computerworld as one of the Top Places to Work in IT.

We are seeking a Senior Windows Systems Administrator to support and secure enterprise systems within a Department of Defense (DoD) environment. This role is responsible for endpoint management, Active Directory administration, and thorough security compliance aligned with DISA STIGs and RMF requirements. The ideal candidate has deep experience with MECM, strong automation skills, and a consistent record operating in highly regulated environments.

• Lead small teams and drive technical initiatives, successfully delivering complex projects with minimal supervision in a mission-critical environment.
• Deploy, configure, and sustain Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM/SCCM) for enterprise device management in a DoD environment.
• Administer Active Directory infrastructure, including advanced Group Policy design, enforcement, and troubleshooting.
• Implement, validate, and maintain DISA STIG compliance across Windows servers and endpoints.
• Lead the planning and execution of complex infrastructure and endpoint management projects with minimal supervision.
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, SOPs, and compliance artifacts.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• 5–10+ years of experience administering Windows Server and enterprise desktop environments
• Proven experience running MECM/SCCM in large, secure environments
• Advanced expertise in Active Directory, including GPOs, DNS, and identity/access management
• Hands‑on experience implementing and maintaining DISA STIG compliance
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities in high‑security environments
• Self‑directed with strong ownership mentality and the ability to prioritize and complete tasks in low‑supervision environments.
• Ability to work independently and lead technical initiatives
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, especially in documenting compliance and audit artifacts
• Thorough with a strong focus on security, accountability, and process adherence
• Active CompTIA Security+ certification (DoD 8570/8140 compliant) required
• Hold an active Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Prior experience supporting DoD or federal government systems
• Experience with virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper‑V, or KVM)
• Knowledge of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and secure automation pipelines
• Additional certifications (e.g., Microsoft, CISSP, CASP+)

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s…