Systems Administrator/Helpdesk Engineer
Job Description
Leidos is seeking a Mid-Level Systems Administrator / Helpdesk Engineer to support the Chinook Program for an Intelligence Community customer. This onsite role in St. Louis, MO focuses on Tier 1 and Tier 2 user support alongside day-to-day Windows and Linux administration, with documentation and operational responsibilities in a cleared environment.
The position covers incident and service request handling, system maintenance and availability monitoring, and coordination with systems engineering, cybersecurity, and network teams to resolve more complex issues. Work includes on-call and scheduled maintenance activities as required, along with shift coverage that may begin at 6 AM EST or extend until 10 PM EST.
Responsibilities
- Provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 helpdesk support, resolving hardware, software, network, and system-related issues in a timely manner.
- Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Windows and Linux workstations and servers.
- Manage user accounts, permissions, and access controls using Active Directory and related identity management tools.
- Monitor system performance, identify issues proactively, and apply corrective actions to maintain system availability.
- Install software updates, security patches, and operating system upgrades according to program and customer requirements.
- Document incidents, service requests, troubleshooting procedures, and system changes using established ticketing systems.
- Collaborate with systems engineers, cybersecurity personnel, and network administrators to resolve complex technical issues.
- Support system backups, disaster recovery activities, and configuration management processes.
- Assist with workstation deployments, hardware refreshes, asset management, and inventory tracking.
- Maintain automation scripts and infrastructure as code using tools such as Ansible, PowerShell, and Bash (as required).
- Maintain system documentation, configuration baselines, and participate in CM and RM activities.
- Participate in security audits, incident response, and operational readiness activities.
- Contribute to continuous process improvements to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
Requirements
- Active Top Secret/SCI with the ability to successfully pass a Polygraph.
- US citizenship is required per contract.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related discipline (or Master’s equivalen) plus 4-8 years of prior relevant experience, or a Master’s with 2-6 years of prior relevant experience (experience may be exchanged for degree requirements).
- DoD 8570 IAT Level II or III certification (examples: Security+ CE, CASP+, CISSP).
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government) and hybrid cloud environments.
- Experience with Linux (Red Hat Enterprise Linux or CentOS) and Windows Server platform system administration.
- Experience with virtualization platforms (VMware, KVM) and management tools.
- Experience with automation and scripting (Ansible, Bash, PowerShell, Python).
- Familiarity with STIG compliance, system hardening, ACAS scans, and RMF processes.
- Strong understanding of enterprise networking, identity/access management, and storage concepts.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot, document, and lead systems-related projects independently.
- Experience supporting IC or DoD classified environments.
Technologies
- Active Directory
- Ansible
- PowerShell
- Bash
- Python
- Windows
- Linux
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux
- CentOS
- Windows Server
- VMware
- KVM
- AWS GovCloud
- Azure Government
- STIG compliance
- ACAS
- RMF
Benefits
- competitive compensation
- Health and Wellness programs
- Income Protection
- Paid Leave
- Retirement
Additional Information
Location: St. Louis, MO (onsite). Candidate must be able to cover the morning shift starting at 6 AM EST or the evening shift working until 10 PM EST.
Other possible locations: Gaithersburg, MD (program’s primary work location), Alexandria, VA, Chantilly, VA, Englewood, CO, St. Louis, MO, Tucson, AZ.
Pay range: USD 73,450 - 132,775 per year.
Posting date: September 16, 2026.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting an Intelligence Community customer or GEOINT missions.
- Familiarity with DevOps tools and pipelines (Git, Jenkins, Docker, etc.).
- Knowledge of enterprise backup solutions, DNS, DHCP, Active Directory, and PKI.
- Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis abilities.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across technical teams.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and documentation.
- Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies in a dynamic environment.