Systems Administrator

Systems Administrator - Mid-Level / Senior-Level

Colorado Springs, CO | $90,000-$116,000 | Active TS/SCI Clearance with SAP Eligibility Required

Support real-time satellite operations where mission availability, telemetry accuracy, and system security directly impact national space defense. Caribou Thunder is seeking a Systems Administrator to maintain and secure mission-critical satellite operations infrastructure supporting 24/7 mission execution. This position combines Linux and Windows systems administration, VMware virtualization, cybersecurity compliance, and satellite communications support.

The successful candidate will help maintain operational readiness across server environments, troubleshoot complex system and network issues, implement security hardening measures, and support satellite telemetry and Remote Tracking Station (RTS) operations. Working closely with mission operators, engineering teams, and the 22nd Space Operations Squadron, you will help ensure reliable data collection, secure infrastructure, and uninterrupted satellite mission support. Candidates must be willing to work rotating shifts in a 24/7 operational environment.

A Day in the Life - What you'll do

• Lead and execute system security activities, including DISA STIG compliance, vulnerability scanning, security remediation, and patch management across mission-critical satellite infrastructure.
  
• Provision, configure, administer, and maintain Linux servers within VMware virtualized environments to support continuous 24/7 operations.
  
• Monitor system health and performance across Linux and Windows environments, analyzing system logs and resolving hardware, software, connectivity, and access-related issues.
  
• Perform root-cause analysis and troubleshooting to identify and resolve system anomalies, operational disruptions, and infrastructure deficiencies.
  
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert supporting satellite telemetry and Remote Tracking Station (RTS) operations, helping maintain data integrity and accurate command uplink activities.
  
• Coordinate with the 22nd Space Operations Squadron to support satellite data collection, communications, and mission execution.
  
• Maintain network infrastructure supporting satellite operations, including firewalls, routers, switches, network topologies, and data flows.
  
• Implement and maintain automation tools and configuration management processes to streamline server provisioning, system configuration, and software deployment.
  
• Support virtualization infrastructure, ensuring efficient resource utilization, system availability, and operational reliability.
  
• Apply cybersecurity policies and technical standards to maintain secure system configurations and protect mission information.
  
• Develop, update, and maintain technical documentation, system configurations, operational procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
  
• Support system upgrades, infrastructure maintenance, and technology refresh activities while minimizing operational disruptions.
  
• Collaborate with satellite operators, network engineers, cybersecurity personnel, and mission stakeholders to resolve technical issues and maintain operational readiness.
  
• Provide technical guidance and support during operational events, system outages, and mission-critical troubleshooting activities.
  
• Work rotating shifts as part of a 24/7 operational support team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
  
• 5+ years of relevant systems administration and/or satellite operations experience.
  
• Minimum of 6 months of direct satellite operations and communications experience.
  
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance, with the ability to obtain SCI access within three months of start.
  
• DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification.
  
• Proficiency in Linux/UNIX systems administration, including server configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and system security.
  
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Windows Server environments and associated network protocols.
  
• Experience supporting network infrastructure, including firewalls, routers, switches, network topologies, and data flows.
  
• Experience monitoring system performance, analyzing logs, troubleshooting infrastructure issues, and maintaining system availability.
  
• Knowledge of cybersecurity hardening, vulnerability management, DISA STIG compliance, and security patching.
  
• Ability and willingness to work rotating shifts supporting 24/7 satellite operations.
  
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
  
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate with technical teams and mission operators.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with Special Access Program (SAP) eligibility.
  
• Advanced experience with VMware virtualization technologies and virtual infrastructure administration.
  
• Experience with remote system management tools and administration of geographically distributed systems.
  
• Strong experience with automation, scripting, and configuration management.
  
• Experience supporting satellite communications, telemetry processing, Remote Tracking Station operations, or space-based mission systems.
  
• Demonstrated project leadership experience, including coordinating technical activities and supporting infrastructure initiatives.
  
• Experience supporting secure DoD operational environments and mission-critical systems.
  
• Exceptional analytical, troubleshooting, and critical-thinking capabilities.
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including customer-facing technical support and operational briefings.

Who is Caribou Thunder?

Caribou Thunder is a HUBZone-certified small business providing advanced technical and engineering services to the U.S. Department of War and its mission partners. 35+ states and 20+ countries. We've delivered trusted solutions for over two decades - strengthening national readiness across missions on land, undersea, in the air, and throughout LEO, MEO, GEO, and deep space.

Why Caribou Thunder?

TEAM THUNDER - Mission Focused. Delivery Proven. Ready to Serve.

Employee Advocacy Mission Proven Global Reach Skilled Teams Modern Tools Empowering Culture

Our engineers and innovators ensure capability from sea floor to space frontier - delivering on time, maintaining compliance, and performing with precision in high-consequence environments.

We specialize in Engineering Services, Cybersecurity, Software Development, Modeling & Simulation, Digital Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence - disciplines powering the nation's most complex technical missions.

Employee Advocacy + Benefits

Our people are the heart of Caribou Thunder. We invest in their growth, flexibility, and well-being - knowing their success drives ours.

• Premium Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  
• 401(k) with 6% Company Match
  
• Flexible PTO & Work Schedule
  
• Education & Certification Reimbursement
  
• Support for Military Leave
  
• Work-Life Balance & Traditional Family Values

Your future, your flexibility, your well-being - we invest in you.

Apply and let's connect.