IT Systems Administrator I
📍 Job Overview
- Job Title: IT Systems Administrator I
- Company: CAE
- Location: Arlington, TX, USA
- Job Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote)
- Category: IT Infrastructure & Support
- Date Posted: June 18, 2025
- Experience Level: Entry-level to Mid-level (0-2 years)
- Remote Status: Hybrid
🚀 Role Summary
- Key Responsibilities: Support mixed Windows and Linux infrastructure, automate system configuration, and provide technical support to engineers.
- Key Skills: Linux and Windows system administration, scripting, networking, and problem-solving.
- Team Dynamics: Collaborate with cross-functional teams from multiple disciplines to develop, maintain, and deploy advanced simulation devices.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on supporting and maintaining mixed infrastructure, requiring strong technical skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
💻 Primary Responsibilities
- Infrastructure Management: Build, document, and maintain mixed (Windows and Linux) closed room infrastructures and software development environments.
- Automation: Create, test, update, and execute automated and semi-automated procedures for configuring all components of our systems.
- Technical Support: Support engineers and continuously solve problems, ensuring the reliability and availability of infrastructure services.
- Hardware and Network Management: Support and monitor infrastructure hardware systems, operating systems, and infrastructure applications, including managed switch and router setup.
- Security: Ensure the security of our systems by implementing and managing security measures, such as centralizing auditing and patching, and conducting vulnerability assessments.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on security, with responsibilities including implementing and managing security measures and obtaining relevant certifications.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: A BS/BA in an engineering, computer science, or information technology discipline, or equivalent work experience.
Experience: Less than 3 years of related experience.
Required Skills:
- Linux and Windows system administration
- Knowledge of hardware and command line tools
- Event, audit, and syslog analysis
- TCP/IP networking and managed switch and router setup
- Scripting languages such as bash, csh, Python, and PowerShell
- Advanced problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail and strong communication skills
Preferred Skills:
- Strong Windows Server system setup and administration
- Windows/Linux integration: File Sharing, authentication
- Experience with Domain Controller setup and creation, management, update, and deployment of Group Policy Objects
- Configure, manage, and monitor storage systems (NAS, SAN, NFS, etc.)
- Experience configuring Cisco and/or HP Networking
- Custom automated operating system deployment, such as Windows Deployment Toolkit
- Experience with Configuration Management
- Setup and management of centralized auditing and patching (such as WSUS)
- Experience with System hardening (Implementation of the Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIG))
- Experience with vulnerability scanners such as ACAS/Nessus and SCAP
- Experience with version control tools such as ClearCase, Git, Bitbucket
- Security+ or CISSP Certification
📝 Enhancement Note: While not required, obtaining relevant certifications such as Security+ or CISSP can enhance the candidate's competitiveness for this role.
📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrate experience in Linux and Windows system administration, with a focus on mixed infrastructure management.
- Showcase scripting projects that automate system configuration tasks.
- Highlight problem-solving skills through case studies or examples of troubleshooting complex infrastructure issues.
- Include any relevant security projects or certifications.
Technical Documentation:
- Documented procedures for system configuration, including step-by-step guides and any relevant scripts.
- Examples of system hardening and security best practices implementation.
- Evidence of participation in vulnerability assessments and remediation efforts.
📝 Enhancement Note: As this role requires a strong focus on security, candidates should emphasize their security-related projects and certifications in their portfolio.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $65,000 - $85,000 per year (Based on industry standards for entry-level to mid-level IT Systems Administrators in the Arlington, TX area)
Benefits:
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexibility and work-life balance, with a hybrid work arrangement
- Professional development and advancement opportunities
- Recognition and rewards programs
- Retirement savings plans
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with a flexible schedule that allows for remote work up to two days per week.
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on market research for entry-level to mid-level IT Systems Administrators in the Arlington, TX area. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's work experience, qualifications, skills, internal equity, and market conditions.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: CAE is a global leader in training for the civil aviation, defense, and security, and healthcare markets.
Company Size: CAE has over 10,000 employees worldwide, providing a large and diverse team environment.
Founded: 1947, with a rich history in simulation and training solutions.
Team Structure:
- Cross-functional teams from multiple disciplines, including engineers, project managers, and other IT professionals.
- Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Flat organizational structure with opportunities for growth and advancement.
Development Methodology:
- Agile/Scrum methodologies for software development and project management.
- Continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipelines for automated testing and deployment.
- Regular code reviews and quality assurance practices.
Company Website: CAE Website
📝 Enhancement Note: CAE's industry focus and large team size provide opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects and technologies.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
IT Systems Administrator I Career Level: Entry-level to mid-level role, responsible for supporting and maintaining mixed infrastructure, with opportunities for growth into senior IT roles or specialized areas such as security or architecture.
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the IT Infrastructure Manager, with a flat organizational structure that encourages collaboration and communication.
Technical Impact: Directly impacts the reliability, availability, and security of CAE's simulation devices and infrastructure, ensuring that engineers have the tools they need to develop and maintain advanced training solutions.
Growth Opportunities:
- Senior IT Systems Administrator: After 2-3 years of experience, candidates may advance to senior IT roles, managing teams and overseeing larger infrastructure projects.
- Specialized IT Roles: With relevant experience and certifications, candidates may transition into specialized areas such as security, architecture, or cloud infrastructure.
- Technical Mentoring: Opportunities to mentor junior team members and contribute to their professional development.
📝 Enhancement Note: CAE's flat organizational structure and focus on collaboration provide ample opportunities for career growth and advancement within the IT department and across the company.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid office environment, with on-site work required three days per week and remote work allowed up to two days per week.
Office Location(s): CAE's Arlington, TX office is located at 2200 Arlington Downs Rd, Arlington, TX 76010, with convenient access to major highways and public transportation.
Workspace Context:
- Standard office equipment, including desks, chairs, and monitors.
- Access to rack-mounted hardware and other specialized equipment as needed.
- Collaborative workspaces and meeting rooms for team discussions and brainstorming sessions.
- Secure closed areas for sensitive work and classified information.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with a flexible schedule that allows for remote work up to two days per week. Domestic and international travel up to 50% of the year may be required.
📝 Enhancement Note: CAE's hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility for employees to balance their work and personal lives while maintaining a collaborative and productive work environment.
📄 Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Phone Screen: A brief phone call to assess communication skills and technical fit for the role.
- On-site Technical Assessment: A hands-on technical assessment, focusing on Linux and Windows system administration, scripting, and problem-solving skills.
- Behavioral Interview: An in-depth discussion of the candidate's experience, skills, and cultural fit for the role and CAE's team environment.
- Final Review: A review of the candidate's qualifications and fit for the role by the hiring manager and other stakeholders.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Highlight Linux and Windows system administration projects, with a focus on mixed infrastructure management.
- Include examples of scripting projects that automate system configuration tasks.
- Showcase problem-solving skills through case studies or examples of troubleshooting complex infrastructure issues.
- Emphasize any relevant security projects or certifications.
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Brush up on Linux and Windows system administration fundamentals, with a focus on mixed infrastructure management.
- Practice scripting exercises to improve automation skills and efficiency.
- Familiarize yourself with CAE's company culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the role and the organization.
📝 Enhancement Note: CAE's interview process focuses on assessing the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit for the role and the organization.
🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure
Operating Systems:
- Windows Server (2012, 2016, 2019)
- Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, Red Hat Enterprise Linux)
Server Technologies:
- Microsoft SQL Server
- MySQL
- Apache Tomcat
- JBoss Application Server
Networking:
- Cisco routers and switches
- HP ProCurve networking equipment
Automation & Configuration Management:
- Ansible
- Puppet
- Chef
Version Control:
- Git
- Bitbucket
- ClearCase
Monitoring & Logging:
- Nagios
- Zabbix
- ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana)
- Graylog
📝 Enhancement Note: CAE's technology stack includes a mix of open-source and proprietary tools, with a focus on automation, configuration management, and monitoring to ensure the reliability and availability of its infrastructure.
👥 Team Culture & Values
CAE Values:
- Empowerment: Encouraging innovation, creativity, and initiative.
- Innovation: Pursuing continuous improvement and cutting-edge solutions.
- Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in training and simulation.
- Integrity: Upholding ethical and professional conduct in all aspects of the business.
- OneCAE: Fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-functional teams working together to develop, maintain, and deploy advanced simulation devices.
- Regular team meetings and communication to ensure alignment and progress towards shared goals.
- A flat organizational structure that encourages open communication and decision-making.
📝 Enhancement Note: CAE's values and collaboration style foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and teamwork, enabling employees to make a significant impact on the organization's success.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Managing mixed (Windows and Linux) infrastructure, requiring strong technical skills and adaptability.
- Ensuring the security of CAE's systems, with a focus on implementing and managing security measures and obtaining relevant certifications.
- Troubleshooting complex infrastructure issues and providing technical support to engineers.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Technical Skills Development: Opportunities to learn and develop skills in emerging technologies, automation, and security.
- Certification Programs: CAE supports employees in obtaining relevant certifications, such as Security+ or CISSP, to enhance their technical expertise and career prospects.
- Mentoring and Knowledge Sharing: Regular mentoring and knowledge-sharing sessions to facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices among team members.
📝 Enhancement Note: CAE's technical challenges and learning opportunities provide ample opportunities for candidates to grow their skills, advance their careers, and make a significant impact on the organization's success.
💡 Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Linux and Windows System Administration: Describe your experience with Linux and Windows system administration, with a focus on mixed infrastructure management. Provide examples of projects or tasks that demonstrate your skills in this area.
- Scripting and Automation: Explain your approach to scripting and automation, and provide examples of projects or tasks that showcase your ability to create efficient and effective automation solutions.
- Problem Solving: Describe your problem-solving process and provide examples of complex infrastructure issues you've troubleshot and resolved. Explain how you approach and document your solutions.
- Security: Discuss your understanding of security best practices and provide examples of projects or tasks that demonstrate your ability to implement and manage security measures.
Company and Culture Questions:
- CAE's Industry and Mission: Explain your understanding of CAE's industry and mission, and how this role fits into the organization's overall goals and objectives.
- CAE's Values and Collaboration Style: Describe how you align with CAE's values and collaboration style, and provide examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities in previous roles or projects.
- CAE's Technology Stack: Explain your familiarity with CAE's technology stack and how you plan to leverage your existing skills and knowledge to contribute to the organization's success.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Demonstration: Prepare a live demonstration of your Linux and Windows system administration skills, with a focus on mixed infrastructure management. Include examples of scripting projects that automate system configuration tasks and showcase your problem-solving skills.
- Documentation: Prepare a portfolio or document that outlines your experience, skills, and accomplishments in Linux and Windows system administration, scripting, and security. Include any relevant certifications or projects that demonstrate your technical expertise.
- Case Studies: Prepare case studies or examples that highlight your ability to troubleshoot complex infrastructure issues and provide technical support to engineers. Emphasize any relevant security projects or certifications.
📝 Enhancement Note: CAE's interview process focuses on assessing the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit for the role and the organization. By preparing thoroughly and tailoring your responses to CAE's values and technology stack, you'll increase your chances of success in the interview process.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this IT Systems Administrator I position at CAE:
- Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your Linux and Windows system administration skills, scripting experience, and problem-solving abilities. Include any relevant security projects or certifications.
- Prepare Your Portfolio: Organize your portfolio or document to showcase your experience, skills, and accomplishments in Linux and Windows system administration, scripting, and security. Include any relevant case studies or examples that demonstrate your technical expertise.
- Practice Technical Interview Questions: Familiarize yourself with CAE's technology stack and prepare for technical interview questions focusing on Linux and Windows system administration, scripting, and security. Practice your responses and refine your approach based on feedback from mentors or peers.
- Research CAE: Thoroughly research CAE's industry, mission, values, and collaboration style. Prepare thoughtful and insightful responses to company and culture questions, demonstrating your understanding of the organization and your alignment with its goals and objectives.
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates should have a BS/BA in a relevant field or equivalent experience, with less than 3 years in related roles. Knowledge of Linux and Windows system administration, networking, and scripting is essential, along with the ability to obtain a CompTIA Security+ certification and a DoD Secret Clearance.