Network and Computer Systems Administrator, Journeyman

SMX is seeking a System Administrator to join our team! This position will provide on-site support for the Navy Region Southwest command in San Diego, California.

As a System Administrator, you will be responsible for administering and maintaining Windows based operating environments across enterprise systems and dependent sub systems. Your role includes executing configuration management, system hardening, patch deployment, and performance tuning in accordance with organizational baselines and security compliance requirements.

You will provide Tier II/III support to field technicians and operations by validating, diagnosing, and resolving incidents and service requests in alignment with defined SLAs. This includes analyzing system logs, performing root cause analysis, and implementing corrective and preventive actions to ensure system stability and availability.

You'll collaborate with project managers, field engineering teams, and government stakeholders to deploy system enhancements, integrate new capabilities, and optimize system performance in compliance with Authority to Operate (ATO) controls and cybersecurity frameworks. Operating within a mission critical environment, you will lead core system administration functions-leveraging telemetry, monitoring tools, and operational metrics to generate actionable insights that strengthen system reliability, security posture, and operational readiness.

This position requires a DoD secret security clearance which requires US citizenship for work on DoD contracts.

Application Deadline: March 9, 2026

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Network Administration & Architecture

• Implement computer networking concepts, protocols, and security methodologies to support secure and reliable system operations
• Conduct detailed network mapping to document system interconnections, identify data flows, validate network architecture, and support troubleshooting and RMF documentation
• Implement secure network architecture principles, including system configuration, routing, and LAN topology design
• Apply network and computer protection protocols such as firewalls, access control, and account management

System Maintenance & Operations

• Apply weekly and as needed software updates and patches across all system components to meet cybersecurity requirements
• Perform and maintain monthly system backups to ensure data integrity and recoverability
• Manage Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) to support remediation efforts and field system troubleshooting
• Apply monthly maintenance and vulnerability mitigation on Windows OS GFE systems
• Ensure monitoring tools remain operational and provide accurate alerting for events, incidents, and system anomalies

Help Desk & Customer Support

• Deliver comprehensive help desk support to local and remote users, ensuring system functionality, interoperability, and rapid issue resolution
• Proactively diagnose hardware, software, network, and account related issues using structured troubleshooting methodologies
• Provide clear, step by step technical guidance to users with varying levels of technical proficiency
• Document incidents, service requests, troubleshooting steps, and resolutions in accordance with organizational standards
• Escalate complex issues to SMEs or higher tier support and coordinate equipment replacement or configuration as needed
• Consistently meet help desk response and resolution requirements for government customers

Cybersecurity Operations & RMF Compliance

• Execute system changes and configuration modifications as directed by the Information Systems Security Engineer (ISSE) to maintain cybersecurity compliance
• Maintain and update documentation required for RMF Step 6 - Continuous Monitoring activities
• Monitor CVEs and cybersecurity directives to ensure continuous compliance with evolving security requirements
• Prepare and deliver monthly cybersecurity posture reports to the Regional ISSM

ACAS Vulnerability Analysis & Remediation

• Review, analyze, and validate ACAS scan results to identify vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and compliance gaps
• Assess findings against system baselines and security controls to determine severity, operational impact, and remediation priority
• Provide detailed feedback to ISSE and SMEs, clearly outlining root causes, affected components, and recommended corrective actions
• Develop structured remediation plans with defined timelines, responsible parties, and verification steps
• Track remediation progress and follow up with technical teams to ensure timely closure of findings
• Perform targeted re-scans to validate that corrective actions fully resolved vulnerabilities without introducing new issues
• Document findings, remediation actions, and verification results for submission to VRAM and eMASS in alignment with RMF reporting standards
• Identify recurring or systemic issues and recommend long term improvements to strengthen overall cyber posture

Advanced Troubleshooting & SME Coordination

• Coordinate with system SMEs to resolve advanced application and system issues
• Support remediation plans and field troubleshooting through effective GFE management and technical collaboration
• Required Skills & Experience

Required Skills & Experience

Security Clearance: Active Secret or higher

Education: Bachelor's degree + 4 years DoD experience

Substitutions: Associate + 8 years total experience OR High School Diploma + 10 years total experience

Certifications: Current Security+ or equivalent DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II (Navy CSWF compliant)

Technical Proficiency:

Networking: Cisco/Juniper routing, switching, port management, mapping, and complex troubleshooting

Systems Admin: Windows administration, GPO, patching, backups, and vulnerability mitigation

Cybersecurity: RMF Step 6 Continuous Monitoring, STIG implementation, CVE analysis, and DoD compliance

Vulnerability Management: ACAS scan validation, remediation planning, and VRAM/eMASS documentation

Database & Systems: SQL/DQL data retrieval and IP-based camera system support

Specialized Security Platforms

Access Control: Hands-on expertise with Milestone, Lenel OnGuard, DAQ SMS, CCure 9000, and Honeywell-Vindicator

Hardware: Proficient with Magnasphere, HID, Axis, Pelco, and Bosch Security Systems

Professional Capabilities

Operations: Collaborative liaison for DoD organizations, SMEs, and government customers to ensure readiness

Execution: Expert in technical writing, incident documentation, and multi-project management

Problem Solving: Analytical thinker capable of delivering clear guidance in fast-paced environments

Desired Skills & Experience

• Experience working with ISSE, ISSM, or ISSO in fast paced DoD, deadline-driven environment
• Milestone, Lenel OnGuard, AXIS Certified Professional or similar industry certification, Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification, CompTIA A+, Network+, VMWare/VCP certifications
• Ability to clearly communicate technical network and computer troubleshooting concepts, protocols and methods
• Experience with SQL, VMWare or other database repositories
• Experience with DoD Electronic Security System (ESS) programming and admin

#CJPOST #LI-KK1

The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.

The proposed salary for this position is:

$86,000 - $143,200 USD

At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.

We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what's possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.

SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.

Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).