📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Systems Administrator (5936)
Company: MetroStar
Location: Rosslyn, VA
Job Type: On-site
Category: System Administrator
Date Posted: 2025-06-20
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Manage and maintain server infrastructure, ensure availability and reliability, troubleshoot issues, provide technical support, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Key Skills: Systems Administration, IT Infrastructure, Windows Operating Systems, Virtualization Technologies, Network Protocols, Firewall Management, Security Best Practices, System Monitoring, Management Tools, Scripting Skills (PowerShell, Bash), Technical Documentation, User Account Administration, Troubleshooting, Collaboration.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

🟩 Manage and maintain server infrastructure: Ensure the availability, scalability, and reliability of physical and virtual servers.
🟩 Install, configure, and maintain operating systems, software applications, and security patches: Keep systems up-to-date and secure.
🟩 Monitor system performance: Proactively address performance issues, bottlenecks, and potential problems.
🟩 Administer user accounts, permissions, and access rights: Ensure data security and compliance with company policies.
🟩 Troubleshoot hardware and software issues: Perform root cause analysis and implement solutions to prevent recurring problems.
🟩 Collaborate with cross-functional teams: Implement and support new technologies, systems, and applications.
🟩 Provide technical support to end-users: Assist with IT-related problems and inquiries.
🟩 Maintain and update documentation: Document system configurations, processes, and procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of IT infrastructure and systems management, as well as excellent troubleshooting and communication skills to effectively manage server infrastructure and provide technical support to end-users.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Experience: Proven experience as a Systems Administrator or similar role, with a strong understanding of IT infrastructure and systems management.

Required Skills:

Proficiency in managing Windows operating systems.
Familiarity with virtualization technologies such as VMware or Hyper-V.
Knowledge of network protocols, firewall management, and security best practices.
Experience with system monitoring and management tools.
Strong scripting skills (e.g., PowerShell, Bash) for automation and task scripting.
Experience working with technical teams to develop and deliver technical documentation.
An active TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred Skills:

Certification in ITIL or other relevant service management certifications.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience in managing and maintaining server infrastructure.
Showcase your ability to troubleshoot hardware and software issues, and implement solutions.
Highlight your experience with system monitoring and management tools, as well as scripting skills.
Include examples of technical documentation you have created and maintained.

Technical Documentation:

Code quality, commenting, and documentation standards.
Version control, deployment processes, and server configuration.
Testing methodologies, performance metrics, and optimization techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Sr. Systems Administrator, you should be able to demonstrate your technical expertise through your portfolio, highlighting your experience in managing and maintaining server infrastructure, troubleshooting issues, and creating technical documentation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000 per year (based on experience and regional market rates for senior systems administrator roles in the Rosslyn, VA area).

Benefits:

Health, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
Parental Leave and dependent care.
Flexible work arrangements.
Professional development opportunities.
Employee assistance and wellness programs.

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional overtime may be required to address system issues or deployments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range for this role is based on regional market rates for senior systems administrator roles in the Rosslyn, VA area, with consideration for the candidate's experience level. Benefits include a comprehensive package to support the employee's health, financial, and professional development needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: MetroStar is a technology services company that specializes in delivering innovative solutions to government and commercial clients. The company focuses on emerging technologies, agile development methodologies, and a customer-centric approach to drive business outcomes.

Company Size: MetroStar is a mid-sized company with a team of over 500 employees, providing a collaborative and dynamic work environment for systems administrators.

Founded: 2002

Team Structure:

MetroStar's systems administration team consists of experienced professionals responsible for managing and maintaining the company's server infrastructure.
The team works closely with other technical teams, such as software development, DevOps, and IT, to ensure the reliable operation of critical systems and services.
The team follows an on-call rotation to provide 24/7 support for mission-critical systems.

Development Methodology:

MetroStar follows Agile development methodologies, including Scrum and Kanban, to deliver high-quality solutions to clients.
The company emphasizes collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction in its development processes.
Systems administrators work closely with development teams to ensure that new technologies and systems are integrated into the existing infrastructure seamlessly.

Company Website: MetroStar

📝 Enhancement Note: MetroStar's company culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and customer focus. The systems administration team plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliable operation of critical systems and services, working closely with other technical teams to deliver high-quality solutions to clients.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Systems Administrator

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Systems Administrator reports directly to the Director of IT and works closely with other systems administrators, IT team members, and cross-functional teams to manage and maintain the company's server infrastructure.

Technical Impact: The Sr. Systems Administrator has a significant impact on the company's IT infrastructure, ensuring the reliable operation of critical systems and services. They play a crucial role in maintaining data security, optimizing system performance, and implementing new technologies to support business goals.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Expand your expertise in emerging technologies, such as cloud infrastructure, containerization, and microservices.
Leadership Development: Develop your leadership skills by mentoring junior team members, leading projects, and contributing to strategic decision-making processes.
Architecture and Design: Gain experience in designing and implementing scalable, secure, and high-performing IT architectures to support business growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Sr. Systems Administrator at MetroStar, you have the opportunity to grow technically by expanding your expertise in emerging technologies and developing your leadership skills. You can also contribute to strategic decision-making processes by designing and implementing scalable, secure, and high-performing IT architectures.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: MetroStar's office in Rosslyn, VA, is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and teamwork. The office features open-concept workspaces, conference rooms, and breakout areas for employees to use.

Office Location(s): Rosslyn, VA

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: The open-concept workspace encourages collaboration and communication among team members, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and continuous learning.
State-of-the-Art Technology: MetroStar provides its employees with access to the latest tools and technologies, ensuring they have the resources they need to perform their jobs effectively.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Systems administrators work closely with other technical teams, such as software development, DevOps, and IT, to ensure the reliable operation of critical systems and services.

Work Schedule: Full-time position with standard business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional overtime may be required to address system issues or deployments. MetroStar offers flexible work arrangements, such as remote work and flexible hours, to accommodate employees' personal and professional needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: MetroStar's work environment is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and teamwork. The company provides its employees with access to the latest tools and technologies, ensuring they have the resources they need to perform their jobs effectively. The flexible work arrangements allow employees to balance their personal and professional needs.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss your experience, qualifications, and career goals. Be prepared to answer questions about your systems administration experience and technical skills.
On-site Interview: A visit to MetroStar's Rosslyn, VA, office for a series of interviews with IT team members, systems administrators, and other technical team members. Be prepared to discuss your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Technical Assessment: A hands-on assessment of your systems administration skills, including tasks such as configuring and managing servers, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, and creating technical documentation.
Final Interview: A meeting with the Director of IT to discuss your fit for the role, career goals, and any remaining questions you may have.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience in managing and maintaining server infrastructure, as well as your ability to troubleshoot hardware and software issues.
Include examples of technical documentation you have created and maintained, demonstrating your attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Showcase your scripting skills (e.g., PowerShell, Bash) by including examples of automation scripts you have written to streamline systems administration tasks.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of Windows operating systems, virtualization technologies, network protocols, and security best practices.
Familiarize yourself with MetroStar's technology stack and be prepared to discuss how you would approach managing and maintaining the company's server infrastructure.
Practice your problem-solving skills by working through systems administration challenges and scenarios.

ATS Keywords: Windows Server, Virtualization, Networking, Security, Systems Administration, Technical Documentation, Scripting, Problem-Solving, Collaboration, IT Infrastructure, Server Management, Technical Support.

📝 Enhancement Note: MetroStar's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. By preparing for each stage of the interview process and showcasing your relevant experience and skills, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Sr. Systems Administrator role.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Server Technologies:

Windows Server 2016 and 2019
VMware vSphere
Hyper-V
Active Directory
Microsoft Exchange
Microsoft SQL Server

Networking Technologies:

Cisco routers and switches
Fortinet firewalls
Microsoft Network Policy Server (NPS)
DNS, DHCP, and VPN services

Monitoring and Management Tools:

SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM)
SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor (SAM)
Microsoft System Center Operations Manager (SCOM)
Nagios and Zabbix (open-source alternatives)

Scripting Languages:

PowerShell
Bash

📝 Enhancement Note: MetroStar's technology stack includes a range of server, networking, and monitoring technologies. Familiarity with these technologies and relevant scripting languages is essential for success in the Sr. Systems Administrator role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Systems Administration Values:

Reliability: Ensure the availability and performance of critical systems and services to support business operations and customer needs.
Proactivity: Anticipate and address potential issues before they impact business operations, minimizing downtime and maximizing system performance.
Collaboration: Work closely with other technical teams, such as software development, DevOps, and IT, to ensure the reliable operation of critical systems and services.
Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and best practices in systems administration to improve your skills and contribute to the team's growth.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Systems administrators work closely with other technical teams to ensure the reliable operation of critical systems and services.
Code Review Culture: MetroStar encourages a culture of knowledge-sharing and continuous learning, with regular code reviews and peer programming sessions.
Knowledge Sharing: Systems administrators are encouraged to share their expertise and experiences with their colleagues, contributing to the team's growth and success.

📝 Enhancement Note: MetroStar's systems administration team values reliability, proactivity, collaboration, and continuous learning. By embracing these values and working closely with other technical teams, systems administrators can contribute to the company's success and grow both technically and professionally.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Scalability: Design and implement scalable server infrastructure to support business growth and expansion.
Security: Ensure the security of critical systems and data by implementing and maintaining robust security controls and best practices.
Performance Optimization: Identify and address performance bottlenecks and optimize system performance to meet business needs.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies, such as cloud infrastructure, containerization, and microservices, and evaluate their potential impact on the company's IT infrastructure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Expand your technical skills by pursuing certifications, attending training courses, and engaging in continuous learning opportunities.
Conference Attendance: Attend industry conferences and events to network with other professionals, learn about emerging technologies, and gain insights into best practices in systems administration.
Technical Mentorship: Seek mentorship opportunities from experienced systems administrators and other technical team members to gain insights into their experiences and learn from their expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Sr. Systems Administrator at MetroStar, you will face technical challenges that require you to design and implement scalable, secure, and high-performing IT architectures. By embracing a culture of continuous learning and seeking mentorship opportunities, you can expand your technical skills and contribute to the team's growth and success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Windows Server: Prepare for questions about managing and maintaining Windows Server environments, including installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.
Virtualization: Brush up on your knowledge of virtualization technologies, such as VMware and Hyper-V, and be prepared to discuss their implementation and management.
Networking: Familiarize yourself with networking protocols, firewall management, and security best practices, and be prepared to discuss their application in a systems administration role.
Scripting: Prepare for questions about your scripting skills (e.g., PowerShell, Bash) and be ready to discuss how you have used scripting to automate and streamline systems administration tasks.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: Research MetroStar's company culture and be prepared to discuss how your values and work style align with the company's mission and goals.
Team Dynamics: Familiarize yourself with the systems administration team's structure and dynamics, and be prepared to discuss how you would collaborate with other team members to ensure the reliable operation of critical systems and services.
Customer Focus: Understand MetroStar's customer-centric approach and be prepared to discuss how you would prioritize customer needs and expectations in your systems administration role.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Live Demonstration: Prepare a live demonstration of your technical skills, including managing and maintaining server infrastructure, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, and creating technical documentation.
Code Walkthrough: Include a code walkthrough of your automation scripts, highlighting your scripting skills (e.g., PowerShell, Bash) and attention to detail.
Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare for problem-solving scenarios that test your ability to identify and address performance bottlenecks, optimize system performance, and ensure the security of critical systems and data.

📝 Enhancement Note: By preparing for technical and company-specific questions, as well as developing a strategic portfolio presentation strategy, you can effectively showcase your skills and qualifications for the Sr. Systems Administrator role at MetroStar.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Systems Administrator position at MetroStar:

Submit your resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience and skills in systems administration, including managing and maintaining server infrastructure, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, and creating technical documentation.
Prepare your portfolio: Showcase your experience in managing and maintaining server infrastructure, as well as your ability to troubleshoot hardware and software issues and create technical documentation.
Research MetroStar: Familiarize yourself with MetroStar's company culture, technology stack, and customer-centric approach to ensure a strong fit for the role and prepare for company-specific interview questions.
Practice problem-solving: Brush up on your problem-solving skills by working through systems administration challenges and scenarios to ensure you are well-prepared for the technical assessment and interview process.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Sr. Systems Administrator (5936)