📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Sr VMWare Systems Administrator
• Company: Leidos
• Location: Alexandria, Virginia, United States
• Job Type: On-site, Full-time
• Category: System Administration, Infrastructure
• Date Posted: July 28, 2025
• Experience Level: 10+ years
• Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Leidos is seeking a Senior VMWare Systems Administrator to support a large enterprise IT contract for the DOD.
• This role requires a technical expert in VMware administration, providing senior-level support to other systems administrators on configuration best practices.
• The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, able to capture customer inquiries appropriately, and analyze recurring problems to initiate solutions for preventing reoccurrence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on senior-level VMware administration, requiring extensive experience and a deep understanding of VMware technologies to provide guidance and mentorship to other administrators.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• VMware Environment Management: Administer VMware virtual environments using vSphere, spanning multiple data centers and networks. Install and configure VMware vCenter Server and related management servers, as well as ESXi hosts.
• Troubleshooting: Perform troubleshooting of existing environments and new deployments in VMware servers. Conduct active monitoring of the environment and respond to alerts and errors.
• Documentation: Document, review, and update system administration guides and procedures. Configure and troubleshoot VMware virtual switches and NSX switches, as well as vSAN, ISCSI, and NFS datastores.
• Mentoring: Mentor junior team members and assist other system administrators with troubleshooting virtual machines and virtual desktops.
• Customer Interaction: Interact with customers and senior managers to handle service requests, inquiries, and problems. Support customer requirements in a 24/7/365 mission environment via after-hours emergency support, planning and scheduling downtime, and routine maintenance scheduling.
• Process Improvement: Develop solutions to complex technical issues, document updates to procedures and knowledge articles, and implement solutions. Provide follow-up reports for Root Cause Analysis, engineering technical assessment, and process improvement initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves a mix of technical tasks, customer interaction, and process improvement, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree with 8 years of prior relevant experience, Masters with 6 years of prior relevant experience, an Associates’ Degree with 10 years of prior relevant experience, or 12 years of prior relevant experience in lieu of education.

Certifications:

• Candidate must, at a minimum, meet DoDM 8140.03 (previously DoD 8570) – IT System Admin Intermediate certification requirements (Cloud+, GICSP, SSCP, Security+ CE, GSEC, or higher). Specific “or higher” certifications for systems administrators include FITSP-O, GFACT, CASP+, CCNP Security, or CCSP.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience with VMware vCenter, ESXi, vSAN, NSX, datastore management, and automation scripts using PowerShell and PowerCLI.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage time appropriately, triage incidents, and respond accordingly to issues impacting mission-critical customers and services.
• Experience implementing system patches and upgrades with minimal downtime to customers.
• Experience with IT Service Management solutions such as Service Now or Remedy.

Preferred Skills:

• VCP certification.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the required certifications focus on IT System Admin Intermediate level, the preferred VCP certification demonstrates a strong commitment to VMware technologies and a desire to advance one's career in this field.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

• Portfolio Essentials: A well-structured portfolio showcasing the candidate's experience with VMware technologies, including vCenter, ESXi, vSAN, and NSX. The portfolio should demonstrate the candidate's ability to administer, configure, secure, manage, troubleshoot, backup/restore, and upgrade these systems.
• Technical Documentation: The portfolio should include technical documentation, such as system administration guides, procedures, and knowledge articles, demonstrating the candidate's ability to document and communicate complex technical information effectively.
• Case Studies: The portfolio should include case studies demonstrating the candidate's ability to analyze recurring problems, initiate solutions, and prevent reoccurrence. These case studies should highlight the candidate's problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and understanding of best practices in system administration.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role focuses on senior-level VMware administration, the portfolio should emphasize the candidate's experience, expertise, and ability to provide guidance and mentorship to other administrators.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

• Benefits: Health and Wellness Programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave, Retirement.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the possibility of after-hours emergency support and routine maintenance scheduling in a 24/7/365 mission environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the salary range is provided, the final compensation may vary based on various factors, including the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the company's internal equity and market data alignment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

• Leidos delivers innovative solutions through the efforts of its diverse and talented people who are dedicated to its customers' success. They empower their teams, contribute to their communities, and operate sustainably. Their mission, vision, and values guide the way they do business.

Team Structure:

• The team consists of systems administrators, with this role providing senior-level support and mentorship to other team members.
• The team works closely with customers and senior managers to handle service requests, inquiries, and problems, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills.

Development Methodology:

• Leidos follows IT Service Management (ITSM) best practices, utilizing tools such as Service Now or Remedy to manage incidents, problems, and changes effectively.
• The team employs a structured approach to problem-solving, focusing on analyzing recurring problems, initiating solutions, and preventing reoccurrence.

Company Website: Leidos Website

📝 Enhancement Note: Leidos is a large, global company with a strong focus on delivering innovative solutions to its customers. This role plays a crucial part in supporting the company's mission-critical IT infrastructure and requires a candidate with extensive experience in VMware administration and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is at the senior level within the system administration career path. It requires extensive experience with VMware technologies and a deep understanding of system administration best practices. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of providing guidance and mentorship to other administrators and driving process improvement initiatives.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the IT Operations Manager and works closely with other systems administrators, customers, and senior managers. The candidate will be expected to provide senior-level support, mentorship, and technical leadership to the team.

Technical Impact: The Senior VMWare Systems Administrator will have a significant impact on the company's IT infrastructure, ensuring high availability, performance, and security of the VMware environment. This role will also drive process improvement initiatives, enhancing the team's efficiency and effectiveness in managing the IT infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: The candidate may have the opportunity to specialize further in specific VMware technologies or related fields, such as cloud computing or containerization.
• Technical Leadership: With experience and proven performance, the candidate may progress to a technical lead or architect role, driving strategic decisions and influencing the company's IT roadmap.
• Management: The candidate may also transition into a management role, overseeing a team of systems administrators and driving the team's success through effective leadership and mentorship.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to specialize in specific VMware technologies, advance to technical leadership or architect roles, or transition into management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Leidos' office environment is collaborative and dynamic, with a strong focus on teamwork and communication. The company fosters a culture of innovation and continuous learning, encouraging employees to develop their skills and advance their careers.

Office Location(s): Leidos has multiple office locations across the United States and internationally. The specific office location for this role is in Alexandria, Virginia.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Workspace: The office features collaborative workspaces, enabling team members to work together effectively and share knowledge and best practices.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: The workspace is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including multiple monitors and testing devices, to support the team's technical needs.
• Cross-Functional Interaction: The team works closely with other departments, such as design, marketing, and business teams, to ensure that the IT infrastructure supports the company's overall goals and objectives.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, with the possibility of after-hours emergency support and routine maintenance scheduling in a 24/7/365 mission environment. The candidate must be able to manage their time effectively, triage incidents, and respond accordingly to issues impacting mission-critical customers and services.

📝 Enhancement Note: Leidos' work environment is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, with a strong focus on teamwork and communication. The company's culture and workspace context provide an ideal setting for a Senior VMWare Systems Administrator to thrive and grow professionally.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

• Technical Assessment: The interview process will include a technical assessment, focusing on the candidate's experience with VMware technologies, system administration best practices, and problem-solving skills. The assessment may involve live coding exercises, case studies, or technical architecture discussions.
• Behavioral Assessment: The interview process will also include a behavioral assessment, evaluating the candidate's communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. The assessment may involve scenario-based questions, role-playing exercises, or group discussions.
• Final Evaluation: The final evaluation will focus on the candidate's technical and cultural fit, as well as their potential for growth and development within the company. The evaluation may involve a presentation of the candidate's portfolio, a discussion of their career goals, and an assessment of their alignment with the company's mission, vision, and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Portfolio Structure: The portfolio should be well-structured, with clear sections dedicated to the candidate's experience with VMware technologies, system administration best practices, and problem-solving case studies.
• Technical Documentation: The portfolio should include technical documentation, such as system administration guides, procedures, and knowledge articles, demonstrating the candidate's ability to document and communicate complex technical information effectively.
• Case Studies: The portfolio should include case studies demonstrating the candidate's ability to analyze recurring problems, initiate solutions, and prevent reoccurrence. These case studies should highlight the candidate's problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and understanding of best practices in system administration.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Skills: The candidate should brush up on their technical skills, focusing on VMware technologies, system administration best practices, and problem-solving techniques.
• Problem-Solving Strategies: The candidate should review and practice problem-solving strategies, such as root cause analysis, incident management, and process improvement methodologies.
• Communication Skills: The candidate should polish their communication skills, focusing on effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders, as well as presentation and negotiation skills.

ATS Keywords: [Comprehensive list of web development and server administration-relevant keywords for resume optimization, organized by category: programming languages, web frameworks, server technologies, databases, tools, methodologies, soft skills, industry terms]

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is comprehensive and multi-faceted, focusing on the candidate's technical expertise, problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit. The candidate should prepare thoroughly for each stage of the interview process, utilizing their portfolio, technical skills, and problem-solving strategies to demonstrate their qualifications and potential for success in the role.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

VMware Technologies:

• vCenter: The candidate should have extensive experience with VMware vCenter, including installing, configuring, securing, managing, troubleshooting, backup/restore, and upgrading on versions 6.0 and newer.
• ESXi: The candidate should have extensive experience with ESXi host management, including installing, configuring, securing, troubleshooting, and upgrading.
• vSAN: The candidate should have extensive experience with vSAN, including server-side configuring, management, and troubleshooting virtual storage.
• NSX: The candidate should have extensive experience with NSX virtual networking, including installing virtual switches, configuring VLANs/subnets, and NSX command line.
• Datastore Management: The candidate should have experience with datastore management, utilizing ISCSI and NFS.

Automation Tools:

• PowerShell and PowerCLI: The candidate should have experience with creating and managing automation scripts using PowerShell and PowerCLI, as well as configuring and scheduling automated backups.
• IT Service Management Tools: The candidate should have experience with IT Service Management solutions such as Service Now or Remedy, utilizing these tools to manage incidents, problems, and changes effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is centered around VMware technologies, with a strong focus on automation, troubleshooting, and process improvement. The candidate should have extensive experience with these technologies and a deep understanding of system administration best practices.

👥 Team Culture & Values

VMware Administration Values:

• Technical Expertise: Leidos values technical expertise and a deep understanding of VMware technologies, as well as a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Collaboration: Leidos emphasizes collaboration and teamwork, with a strong focus on knowledge sharing, mentoring, and supporting the team's success.
• Customer Focus: Leidos is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet its customers' needs and exceed their expectations. The Senior VMWare Systems Administrator will be expected to work closely with customers and senior managers to handle service requests, inquiries, and problems effectively.
• Process Improvement: Leidos values a structured approach to problem-solving, focusing on analyzing recurring problems, initiating solutions, and preventing reoccurrence. The Senior VMWare Systems Administrator will be expected to drive process improvement initiatives, enhancing the team's efficiency and effectiveness in managing the IT infrastructure.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team works closely with other departments, such as design, marketing, and business teams, to ensure that the IT infrastructure supports the company's overall goals and objectives.
• Code Review Culture: The team fosters a culture of code review, with a strong focus on peer programming, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.
• Mentoring and Knowledge Sharing: The team encourages mentoring and knowledge sharing, with a strong focus on supporting the professional development of its members and driving the team's success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Leidos' team culture is collaborative, customer-focused, and committed to continuous learning and improvement. The Senior VMWare Systems Administrator will be expected to embody these values, working closely with customers and senior managers to handle service requests, inquiries, and problems effectively, as well as driving process improvement initiatives and supporting the team's success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• VMware Environment Complexity: The candidate may face complex challenges in managing a large, enterprise-level VMware environment, requiring a deep understanding of VMware technologies and system administration best practices.
• Performance Optimization: The candidate may need to optimize the performance of the VMware environment, ensuring high availability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Security and Compliance: The candidate may need to address security vulnerabilities, ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations, and implement robust access controls and monitoring solutions.
• Emerging Technologies: The candidate may need to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies, such as cloud computing, containerization, and microservices, and evaluate their potential impact on the VMware environment and the company's IT infrastructure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: The candidate may have the opportunity to specialize further in specific VMware technologies or related fields, such as cloud computing or containerization.
• Certification and Training: Leidos encourages continuous learning and professional development, offering opportunities for certification and training programs to enhance the candidate's skills and advance their career.
• Mentoring and Knowledge Sharing: The candidate may have the opportunity to mentor junior team members, share their knowledge and expertise, and support the team's success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical challenges and growth opportunities for this role are significant, requiring a candidate with extensive experience in VMware administration, a deep understanding of system administration best practices, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• VMware Technologies: The candidate should be prepared to discuss their experience with VMware technologies, including vCenter, ESXi, vSAN, and NSX. They should be able to demonstrate their ability to install, configure, secure, manage, troubleshoot, backup/restore, and upgrade these systems, as well as their understanding of best practices in system administration.
• Problem-Solving Strategies: The candidate should be prepared to discuss their problem-solving strategies, including root cause analysis, incident management, and process improvement methodologies. They should be able to demonstrate their ability to analyze recurring problems, initiate solutions, and prevent reoccurrence.
• Customer Interaction: The candidate should be prepared to discuss their experience working with customers and senior managers, handling service requests, inquiries, and problems effectively. They should be able to demonstrate their strong communication skills, as well as their ability to work effectively within a team and support the team's success.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Culture: The candidate should research Leidos' company culture, mission, vision, and values. They should be prepared to discuss how their personal values and career goals align with the company's and how they can contribute to the team's success.
• Team Dynamics: The candidate should research the team's structure, dynamics, and collaboration style. They should be prepared to discuss how they can contribute to the team's success, support their colleagues, and drive process improvement initiatives.
• Process Improvement: The candidate should be prepared to discuss their experience with process improvement, including their ability to analyze recurring problems, initiate solutions, and prevent reoccurrence. They should be able to demonstrate their understanding of best practices in system administration and their commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Portfolio Structure: The candidate should present their portfolio in a well-structured format, with clear sections dedicated to their experience with VMware technologies, system administration best practices, and problem-solving case studies.
• Technical Documentation: The candidate should highlight their ability to document and communicate complex technical information effectively, utilizing technical documentation, such as system administration guides, procedures, and knowledge articles, to support their portfolio presentation.
• Case Studies: The candidate should present case studies demonstrating their ability to analyze recurring problems, initiate solutions, and prevent reoccurrence. These case studies should highlight their problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and understanding of best practices in system administration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is comprehensive and multi-faceted, focusing on the candidate's technical expertise, problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit. The candidate should prepare thoroughly for each stage of the interview process, utilizing their portfolio, technical skills, and problem-solving strategies to demonstrate their qualifications and potential for success in the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior VMWare Systems Administrator position:

1. Submit your application through the application link provided.
2. Customize your resume, highlighting your relevant experience with VMware technologies, system administration best practices, and problem-solving strategies.
3. Prepare your portfolio, emphasizing your experience with VMware technologies, system administration best practices, and problem-solving case studies.
4. Research Leidos' company culture, mission, vision, and values, and prepare for company and culture-related interview questions.
5. Brush up on your technical skills, focusing on VMware technologies, system administration best practices, and problem-solving techniques.
6. Practice your communication skills, focusing on effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders, as well as presentation and negotiation skills.

⚠️ 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.