Senior Server Administrator

Description:
On-site in Washington, DC

Our client seeks a Senior Server Windows Engineer to provide systems administration, engineering, implementation, and migration support for a large Windows server estate across on-premises and cloud environments in AWS, Azure, Google, and Oracle. The role supports troubleshooting across multiple data centers, manages change requests, serves as an escalation point, and partners with cross-functional teams to operate, monitor, audit, and harden server assets. The position blends engineering, operations, and hands-on support with a focus on vulnerability remediation, patching, automation, and documentation.

Due to federal security clearance requirements, applicant must be a United States Citizen or Permanent Resident with an active Public Trust clearance. This is a contract to hire opportunity. Applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis and convert to FTE following contract duration. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $45.00 to $50.00/hr. w2

Responsibilities:

• Provide full-time on-site support at DOT HQ in Washington, DC, with coverage ending between 5pm and 7pm.
• Participate in a 24x7 on-call escalation rotation every 2-3 months.
• Identify opportunities to improve and automate service delivery through scripting.
• Perform security hardening, patching, and server certificate updates.
• Run and analyze vulnerability scans for an enterprise of 2000+ Windows servers.
• Maintain standard operating procedures and engineering documentation.
• Provide escalation support to system administrators and conduct root cause analysis for outages.
• Recognize and escalate risks, issues, and concerns.
• Analyze vulnerability reports, define remediation ownership, and prioritize critical items.
• Coordinate and implement vulnerability remediations across teams.
• Harden Windows OS per NIST policy, including TLS and cipher suites.
• Assist with POA&Ms for long-lead remediation items.
• Partner with SCCM/Deployment teams for routine and bulk patching and reporting.
• Provide on-call support and manage ticket queues.
• Drive continuous improvement of processes and documentation.
• Support new enterprise systems and engineering solutions.
• Create and maintain domain technology documentation for installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years administering and managing Windows servers, systems, and cloud infrastructure, including file and print.
• Experience managing 2000+ servers across multiple field locations.
• Proven leadership of cross-team troubleshooting calls using a multi-discipline approach.
• Extensive knowledge of multi-vendor server operating systems.
• Senior-level MS Server Administration.
• Senior-level scripting with MS Graph/PowerShell and VBScript.
• Senior-level experience with Windows Server 2019-2022.
• Senior-level VMware vSphere.
• Intermediate-level Active Directory / Entra.
• Strong skills resolving failed Windows update installations.
• Strong knowledge of AD Group Policy and applying security posture via GPOs.
• Strong knowledge of SCCM.
• Experience with root cause analysis, risk identification, and mitigation.
• Self-starter with strong problem solving and communication skills.
• Experience installing drivers, firmware, BIOS, and hardware upgrades on Dell servers.
• Knowledge of common Windows server and client ports and protocols.
• Experience in a fast-paced ITSM support environment.
• Preferred: Intune co-management with SCCM/MECM.
• Preferred: ITSM service delivery to the US Government.
• Preferred: Microsoft certifications such as Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate, Endpoint Administrator Associate, Azure Fundamentals, Azure Administrator Associate, MS365 Administrator Expert.
• Preferred: AWS/Azure cloud certifications and VMware certifications.
• Preferred: Experience with Windows Server 2025, image building, and applying STIGs.
• Preferred: Admin proficiency with vulnerability tools such as Tenable Nessus, Qualys WAS, Invicti, and BigFix.
• Preferred: Experience with Dell OpenManage Enterprise and Power BI.