Systems Administrator II

Who is Trace3?

Trace3 is a leading Transformative IT Authority, providing unique technology solutions and consulting services to our clients. Equipped with elite engineering and dynamic innovation, we empower IT executives and their organizations to achieve competitive advantage through a process of Integrate, Automate, Innovate.

Our culture at Trace3 embodies the spirit of a startup with the advantage of a scalable business. Employees can grow their career and have fun while doing it!

Trace3 is headquartered in Irvine, California. We employ more than 1,200 people all over the United States. Our major field office locations include Denver, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, Lexington, Los Angeles, Louisville, Texas, San Francisco.

Street-Smart - Thriving in Dynamic Times

We are flexible and resilient in a fast-changing environment. We continuously innovate and drive constructive change while keeping a focus on the "big picture." We exercise sound business judgment in making high-quality decisions in a timely and cost-effective manner. We are highly creative and can dig deep within ourselves to find positive solutions to different problems.

Juice - The "Stuff" it takes to be a Needle Mover

We get things done and drive results. We lead without a title, empowering others through a can-do attitude. We look forward to the goal, mentally mapping out every checkpoint on the pathway to success, and visualizing what the final destination looks and feels like.

Teamwork - Humble, Hungry and Smart

We are humble individuals who understand how our job impacts the company's mission. We treat others with respect, admit mistakes, give credit where it's due and demonstrate transparency. We "bring the weather" by exhibiting positive leadership and solution-focused thinking. We hug people in their trials, struggles, and failures - not just their success. We appreciate the individuality of the people around us.

*This position will be a W2 Contract for 6 months potential to be extended or converted FTE - Eligibility to obtain Government clearance - This role is fully on site in the Baltimore/Annapolis Junction area - 3 Office locations are 15 min apart

Job Summary

The System Administrator II provides advanced system administration, maintenance, and support for government clients within Trace3's Federal, State, and Local practice. This role ensures the availability, performance, and security of IT infrastructure across on-premises and cloud environments.

The administrator will manage and troubleshoot systems, implement security controls, support compliance requirements, and collaborate with engineering and cybersecurity teams to sustain mission-critical operations. This position requires strong technical expertise, customer engagement skills, and the ability to work within regulated environments.

Summary of Essential Job Functions

Systems Administration & Maintenance

• Administer, configure, and maintain Windows and/or Linux servers in production, staging, and development environments.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting of system, network, and application issues.
• Monitor system performance, availability, and capacity; recommend and implement optimizations.
• Manage patching, updates, and server lifecycle tasks according to government security and compliance requirements.

Infrastructure Operations

• Support Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and identity management.
• Administer virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware vSphere/ESXi, Hyper-V).
• Manage storage systems, backup/recovery tools, and disaster recovery procedures.
• Support cloud environments (Azure, AWS, GCC High) including provisioning, monitoring, and policy enforcement.

Security & Compliance

• Implement and maintain security baselines, STIGs, IAVA updates, and hardening activities.
• Conduct vulnerability scanning, remediation, and documentation as required by client compliance frameworks.
• Assist with audit preparation and continuous monitoring under NIST, FedRAMP, CMMC, RMF, or agency-specific controls.
• Ensure proper logging, encryption, access controls, and incident response support.

Operational Support

• Provide Tier II/III support for escalated service desk tickets and operational issues.
• Create and maintain system documentation, runbooks, and standard operating procedures.
• Support onboarding of new systems, services, and technologies.
• Collaborate with network engineering, cybersecurity, and cloud engineering teams to resolve cross-functional issues.

Project & Customer Engagement

• Participate in technical planning and deployment of infrastructure improvement projects.
• Interface with government clients, program managers, and stakeholders to gather requirements and provide status updates.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies, tools, and automation opportunities to improve environments.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or equivalent experience preferred.
• 3-5 years of hands-on system administration experience supporting Windows and/or Linux environments.
• Experience supporting enterprise infrastructure (Active Directory, VMware, cloud services, storage, backups, etc.).
• Knowledge of cybersecurity practices, STIG/SCC tools, and vulnerability remediation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance (Secret or higher as required).
• DoD 8570/8140 Baseline Certification (e.g., Security+, CCNA Security, CySA+, or equivalent).
• Experience supporting federal, state, local, or DoD client environments.
• Familiarity with RMF, NIST 800-53, CMMC, or FedRAMP compliance frameworks.
• Microsoft, VMware, AWS, or Azure technical certifications (MCSA/MCSE, VCP, AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator, etc.).
• Experience with automation/scripting (PowerShell, Bash, Python).
• Experience with configuration management (Ansible, SCCM/MECM, Chef, or Puppet).

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Operate a computer, keyboard, and other office equipment using hands and fingers.
• Communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and through electronic means.
• Occasionally move about the office to access files, office equipment, and meeting spaces.
• Lift and/or move up to 15 pounds as needed.
• Maintain specific vision abilities, including close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

This position is performed within a secure, classified workspace. Employees must comply with all applicable security protocols and access control procedures, including restrictions on personal electronic devices and the handling of sensitive information.

Pay and benefits

Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors, including location, experience, skill set, performance, licensure and certification, and business needs. The range for this position in other geographic locations may differ. Certain positions may also be eligible for variable incentive compensation, such as bonuses or commissions, that is not included in the base salary.

Estimated Pay Range $100,000—$110,000 USD

The Perks

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match, 529 College Savings Plan, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability
• Competitive Compensation
• Training and development programs
• Major offices stocked with snacks and beverages
• Collaborative and cool culture
• Work-life balance and generous paid time off

Our Commitment

At the core of Trace3's DNA is our people. We are a diverse group of talented individuals who understand the importance of teamwork and demonstrating leadership, character, and passion in all that we do.

We're committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to grow. We recognize that embracing diversity drives innovation, improves outcomes, fosters collaboration, boosts teammate satisfaction, and builds a more inclusive culture.

• To all recruitment agencies: Trace3 does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs.
• Please do not forward resumes/CVs to our careers email addresses, Trace3 employees or any other company location.
• Trace3 is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.