Systems Administrator - DNS, DHCP, IPAM

Description

SAIC has an opportunity for a DNS Administrator in Beltsville, MD to support the Department of State's (DoS) Bureau of Diplomatic Technology (DT). This highly technical role requires a candidate with a strong foundation in DNS and networking, as well as the ability to troubleshoot, document, and resolve complex issues effectively.

The DNS Administrator will play a critical role in ensuring the secure, efficient, and scalable operation of DNS systems in a large enterprise environment. The ideal candidate will possess comprehensive expertise in the engineering, implementation, and management of network monitoring, security, and performance systems. This position directly supports the Department of State on-site, providing network engineering services to over 100,000 customers globally.

Work Schedule: Hybrid (3 days onsite, 2 days remote); M-F, 0830-1700 (subject to mission priorities, including potential on-call duties or shift migration TBD).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• DNS Configuration and Management:
  • Design, configure, and manage DNS systems in a large enterprise environment.
  • Ensure DNS architecture is secure, efficient, and scalable to meet enterprise needs.
  • Troubleshoot DNS issues at both intra-network and inter-network levels, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.
• Network Protocols and Systems:
  • Manage and optimize IP Address Management (IPAM), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), and Network Time Protocol (NTP) systems.
  • Support and maintain Active Directory integration with DNS to ensure seamless operations.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  • Create detailed documentation of root causes for issues, including remediation and detection strategies.
  • Maintain clear and accurate records of DNS configurations, changes, and system updates.
  • Provide regular reports on DNS performance, security, and scalability to stakeholders.
• Collaboration and Support:
  • Work closely with technical subject matter experts (SMEs) to design and implement DNS solutions.
  • Collaborate with network engineering and operations teams to ensure DNS systems align with enterprise architecture standards.
  • Participate in technical working groups and contribute to advisory boards to support enterprise-wide initiatives.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• BS in a computer science, IT, or related field and 5+ years experience in IT, with a focus on DNS, IP, and related systems; MS & 3 years; may accept additional experience in lieu of degree.
• Proven ability to debug complex, cross-system DNS and IP-related issues in a large enterprise environment.
• In-depth knowledge of DNS protocols and enterprise-level BIND DNS management.
• Familiarity with DNS server types, resource records, DNSSEC (DNS Security Extensions), and DNS communication within and outside the enterprise.
• Strong understanding of IP Address Management (IPAM), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), and Network Time Protocol (NTP).
• Knowledge of Active Directory and its integration with DNS.
• Understanding of TCP/IP subnetting, including:
  • CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) calculations.
  • Differentiating between public and private subnets.
  • Identifying hosts within a subnet.
• Basic knowledge of routing and routing protocols.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to document root causes, remediation steps, and detection methods for issues within the specified technologies.

REQUIRED CLEARANCE:

• US Citizenship.
• Active interim secret or higher is required.
• Ability to obtain a top secret clearance.

PREFERRED:

• Advanced knowledge of TCP/IP subnetting and routing protocols.
• Experience with DNSSEC implementation and management.
• Familiarity with enterprise-level DNS tools and technologies, such as SolarWinds, Infoblox, or similar platforms.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Perl, Bash) to automate DNS and network tasks.
• Knowledge of cloud-based DNS solutions and integration with platforms like Microsoft Azure or AWS.

Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.