Systems Administrator/Helpdesk Engineer

Leidos is seeking a mid-level Systems Administrator and Helpdesk Engineer for the Chinook Program, supporting an Intelligence Community customer. The position is based onsite in Chantilly, VA and includes Tier 1 and Tier 2 helpdesk responsibilities alongside hands-on systems administration in a classified environment.

Onsite Location

• Primary: Chantilly, VA (onsite)
• Other possible locations: Gaithersburg, MD; Alexandria, VA; Englewood, CO; St. Louis, MO; Tucson, AZ

Salary

USD 73,450 - 132,775 per year

Role Responsibilities

• Provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 helpdesk support for end users, addressing hardware, software, network, and system issues in a timely manner.
• Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Windows and Linux workstations and servers.
• Manage user accounts and access controls using Active Directory and related identity management tools.
• Monitor system performance, proactively identify potential issues, and apply corrective actions to support system availability.
• Apply software updates, security patches, and operating system upgrades in alignment with 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.
• Participate in on-call support and scheduled maintenance activities as required.
• Maintain automation scripts and infrastructure as code using Ansible, PowerShell, Bash, and similar technologies.
• Maintain system documentation, configuration baselines, and support CM and RM activities.
• Support security audits, incident response, and operational readiness activities.
• Contribute to process improvements to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

Required Clearance and Eligibility

• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with the ability to successfully pass a Polygraph examination.
• US citizenship is required per contract.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
• 4-8 years of prior relevant experience (or Master’s with 2-6 years of prior relevant experience). Experience may be exchanged for degree requirements.
• Minimum experience: 4 years

Certifications

• Must hold DoD 8570 IAT Level II or III certification (examples include Security+ CE, CASP+, CISSP).

Technical Skills and Tools

• Active Directory and related identity/access management tools
• Windows and Windows Server administration
• Linux administration (Red Hat Enterprise Linux or CentOS)
• Ansible, PowerShell, Bash, and Python for automation and scripting
• Infrastructure as code
• Cloud platforms: AWS GovCloud and Azure Government; experience with hybrid cloud environments
• Virtualization: VMware and KVM
• STIG compliance, system hardening, ACAS scans, and RMF processes
• Strong understanding of enterprise networking, identity/access management, and storage concepts
• Experience with ticketing systems and ability to troubleshoot, document, and lead systems-related projects independently
• Experience supporting IC or DoD classified environments

Automation, Documentation, and Compliance

• Oversee and maintain automation scripts and infrastructure as code.
• Maintain system documentation, configuration baselines, and support CM and RM activities.
• Participate in security audits, incident response, and operational readiness activities.

Required Shift Commitment

• Candidate must cover the morning shift starting at 6 AM EST or the evening shift working until 10 PM EST.

Benefits

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

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.