Systems Administrator/Helpdesk Engineer

Leidos is hiring a Mid-Level Systems Administrator / Helpdesk Engineer for the Chinook Program supporting an Intelligence Community customer. The position is based onsite in Chantilly, VA and involves Tier 1/2 user support alongside hands-on system administration in a classified environment with Active Top Secret/SCI clearance requirements.

Onsite Location

• Chantilly, VA (onsite)

Other possible work locations: Gaithersburg, MD; Alexandria, VA; Chantilly, VA; Englewood, CO; St. Louis, MO; Tucson, AZ

Salary

• USD 73,450 - 132,775 per year

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver Tier 1 and Tier 2 helpdesk support, resolving hardware, software, network, and system 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 support availability.
• Install software updates, security patches, and operating system upgrades aligned to program and customer requirements.
• Record incidents, service requests, troubleshooting steps, and system changes using established ticketing systems.
• Coordinate with systems engineers, cybersecurity personnel, and network administrators to resolve complex technical problems.
• Support system backups, disaster recovery, and configuration management processes.
• Assist with workstation deployments, hardware refreshes, asset management, and inventory tracking.
• Perform on-call support and participate in scheduled maintenance activities as required.
• Maintain automation scripts and infrastructure as code using tools such as Ansible, PowerShell, and Bash.
• Maintain system documentation, configuration baselines, and support CM and RM activities.
• Participate in security audits, incident response, and operational readiness activities.
• Support continuous process improvements that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with the ability to successfully pass a Polygraph examination.
• US citizenship is required per contract.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related discipline; plus 4-8 years of prior relevant experience. A Master’s degree with 2-6 years of relevant experience may be substituted. Experience may be exchanged for degree requirements.
• DoD 8570 IAT Level II or III certification (examples: Security+ CE, CASP+, CISSP).
• Experience with cloud platforms including AWS GovCloud and Azure Government, including hybrid cloud environments.
• Hands-on experience with Linux (Red Hat Enterprise Linux or CentOS) and Windows Server system administration.
• Experience with virtualization platforms and tools including VMware and KVM.
• 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 and access management, and storage concepts.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot, document, and independently lead systems-related projects.
• Experience supporting IC or DoD classified environments.

Technologies

• Active Directory; Active Directory and related identity management tools
• Windows; Windows Server
• Linux
• Ansible; PowerShell; Bash
• Infrastructure as code
• AWS GovCloud; Azure Government
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux; CentOS
• VMware; KVM
• Python
• STIG compliance; ACAS scans; RMF processes
• Security+ CE; CASP+; CISSP
• CM and RM activities
• Ticketing systems

Schedule and Shift Coverage

• Candidate must be able to cover a morning shift starting at 6 AM EST or cover an evening shift until 10 PM EST.

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 across technical teams.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and documentation.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness programs
• Income Protection
• Paid Leave
• Retirement
• Competitive compensation