Job Description

Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc. is seeking an experienced IT professional to serve as a Staff Systems Administrator supporting the Integrated Mission Systems Sector in Raleigh, NC. This role is responsible for administration of Windows-based enterprise environments, virtualization platforms, and enterprise patching and vulnerability management activities. The Systems Administrator works closely with Information System Security Managers (ISSMs), Information System Security Officers (ISSOs), Information System Security Engineers (ISSEs), System Administrators and Program Teams to ensure systems are compliant, secure, and operational in accordance with System Security Plans and applicable DoW cybersecurity guidance.

Staff Systems Administrator Primary Responsibilities:

• Administer and maintain Windows 11 workstations and Windows Server 2019/2022 environments
• Manage Active Directory, Group Policy Objects (GPO), DNS, and core Windows infrastructure services
• Support and maintain Hyper-V virtualization environments, including VM provisioning and lifecycle management
• Perform patch management using WSUS, PDQ Deploy, or similar tools
• Execute vulnerability scanning and remediation using ACAS, Tenable, or equivalent tools
• Identify, track, and remediate system vulnerabilities in accordance with DoD requirements
• Support system hardening and security configuration baselines in alignment with STIGs and RMF controls
• Maintain system documentation, configuration records, and operational SOPs
• Support continuous monitoring, system audits, and inspection readiness activities
• Collaborate with ISSM and ISSO/ISSE teams to ensure systems meet cybersecurity compliance requirements
• Provide troubleshooting and technical support for system performance and user issues

Staff Systems Administrator Candidate Qualifications:

• US Citizen with an active DoD Top Secret clearance; SCI eligibility preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field with 2-4 years of hands-on technical experience OR 8-10 years of relevant work experience will be considered for talented candidates without a degree
• 2–4 years of experience of technical support / help desk / system support experience in a classified or enterprise environment
• Experience administering Windows Server 2019/2022 and Windows 10/11 environments
• Strong experience with Active Directory, Group Policy, and DNS administration
• Experience with enterprise patch management tools (WSUS, PDQ Deploy, SCCM/MECM, or similar)
• Experience using ACAS, Tenable, or similar vulnerability scanning tools
• Experience supporting vulnerability remediation and system hardening activities
• CompTIA Security+ or equivalent DoD 8570 baseline certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment

Staff Systems Administrator Candidate Preferences:

• Experience administering Windows Server 2019/2022 and Windows 10/11 environments
• Strong experience with Active Directory, Group Policy, and DNS administration
• Experience with enterprise patch management tools (WSUS, PDQ Deploy, SCCM/MECM, or similar)
• Experience using ACAS, Tenable, or similar vulnerability scanning tools
• Experience supporting vulnerability remediation and system hardening activities

Who is ARA?

Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,282 employee owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice with what happens in the company. We are also very proud of our Women’s Initiative Network (WIN), whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.

To find out more about what the Integrated Mission Systems Sector has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/