System Administrator - Network Operations
📍 Job Overview
- Job Title: System Administrator - Network Operations
- Company: KIHOMAC
- Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
- Job Type: On-site, Full-time
- Category: System Administrator, Network Operations
- Date Posted: June 11, 2025
- Experience Level: 2-5 years of experience
- Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Role Summary
- Maintain and support a 24/7 Global Network Operations Center (GNOSC) for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA)
- Coordinate with various teams to ensure effective incident management and service level agreements (SLAs) are met
- Manage and maintain complex application systems, including Windows and Linux environments, MS SQL Server, and IIS
- Troubleshoot and resolve network, system, and application issues, applying DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) as required
- Provide post-event recommendations and coordinate with change management to ensure service levels are achieved
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic, time-constrained environment. Familiarity with the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) operations and the DoD's IT infrastructure would be beneficial.
💻 Primary Responsibilities
- Network and System Monitoring: Execute network, system, and cloud systems monitoring, environmental monitoring, incident management, and MDA Cybersecurity
- Incident Management: Conduct IT incident management and escalation, ensuring incidents are effectively managed and resolved with full communication to executive management and the government customer
- Server Administration: Perform administration of Linux and Windows environments, including troubleshooting, break-fix activities, patching, and remediation of servers
- Application Support: Manage and maintain complex application systems, providing support for a variety of software platforms in an Active Directory environment utilizing MS SQL Server and IIS
- Battle Rhythm Monitoring: Monitor applications and troubleshoot and resolve found application issues, applying DISA STIGs for web servers and websites
- Change Management: Coordinate with change management and other key leadership to ensure pre-defined service levels for the IT Services organization are achieved and provide insight into the impacts of the event posture
- Event Coordination: Coordinate with the GNOSC Manager, GNOSC Event Team Lead, and Watch Officers to meet service levels defined for the IT Services organization and provide post-event recommendations
- Customer Service: Demonstrate excellent customer service skills and possess the ability to work with little supervision, providing guidance and leading troubleshooting in dynamic, time-constrained scenarios
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on customer service and the ability to work effectively under pressure. Familiarity with the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) operations and the DoD's IT infrastructure would be beneficial.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: High School Diploma required
Experience: 2+ years of directly related experience required, with a preference for experience with Remedy Ticketing System, metrics-based IT Operations and Maintenance, Windows Server, Linux, and complex application systems
Required Skills:
- Proficiency in Linux and Windows environments
- Experience with MS SQL Server and IIS
- Familiarity with application support, troubleshooting, and incident management
- Knowledge of DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs)
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, time-constrained environment
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with Remedy Ticketing System
- Experience with metrics-based IT Operations and Maintenance
- Experience with PowerShell, RHEL, Apache, and Tomcat
- Familiarity with the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) operations and the DoD's IT infrastructure
📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, experience with ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) frameworks and IT Service Management (ITSM) processes would be beneficial for this role.
📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrate experience with network, system, and application administration through case studies or projects
- Showcase problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex issues
- Highlight any experience with incident management and customer service in an IT environment
Technical Documentation:
- Provide documentation of past projects, including network diagrams, system configurations, and incident management processes
- Include any relevant certifications, such as DoD 8570 IAT II (Security+)
📝 Enhancement Note: As this role involves working with sensitive government information, applicants should be prepared to discuss their clearance status and any relevant security training or certifications.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $57,000 - $80,000 per year (based on experience and industry standards)
Benefits:
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Training & Development
- Wellness Resources
Working Hours: Full-time, with the expectation of working a standard 40-hour workweek, with additional hours as needed to support events and incident management
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for the Colorado Springs area and reflects the experience level required for this role. Benefits are comprehensive and include health insurance, paid time off, and retirement savings options.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Defense and Aerospace
Company Size: Medium (100-249 employees)
Founded: 1986
Team Structure:
- The GNOSC (Global Network Operations Center) team consists of various roles, including Watch Officers, Event Team members, and Mission Support Team personnel
- The team works collaboratively to support MDA events, exercises, and war games, ensuring effective incident management and service level agreements (SLAs) are met
Development Methodology:
- The team follows ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) frameworks and IT Service Management (ITSM) processes to ensure effective incident management and service level agreements (SLAs) are met
- The team works in a dynamic, time-constrained environment, requiring strong communication and customer service skills
Company Website: KIHOMAC
📝 Enhancement Note: KIHOMAC is a defense and aerospace company that provides a range of services, including network operations, IT services, and engineering support. Familiarity with the defense industry and the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) operations would be beneficial for this role.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
System Administrator - Network Operations Career Level: This role is focused on maintaining and supporting a 24/7 Global Network Operations Center (GNOSC) for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The role requires strong communication skills, the ability to work effectively in a dynamic, time-constrained environment, and familiarity with various IT systems and processes.
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the GNOSC Manager and works collaboratively with the GNOSC Event Team Lead, Watch Officers, and other GNOSC Mission Support Team personnel.
Technical Impact: The System Administrator - Network Operations role has a significant impact on the overall performance and security of the GNOSC, ensuring effective incident management and service level agreements (SLAs) are met. The role requires a strong understanding of network, system, and application administration, as well as the ability to apply DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) as required.
Growth Opportunities:
- Technical Growth: As the company works with various defense and aerospace clients, there may be opportunities to gain experience with new technologies and systems
- Leadership Growth: With experience and strong performance, there may be opportunities to take on more responsibilities within the GNOSC team or move into a leadership role
- Career Transition: With experience in this role, there may be opportunities to transition into other IT roles within the company or the defense industry
📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, there may be opportunities for career progression within the company or the defense industry, depending on the individual's skills, experience, and performance.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork
Office Location(s): Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
Workspace Context:
- The GNOSC (Global Network Operations Center) is a 24/7 facility that monitors and manages the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) network and IT infrastructure
- The workspace is designed to support effective incident management and service level agreements (SLAs), with a focus on communication and collaboration
- The workspace includes multiple monitors, testing devices, and other tools to support network, system, and application administration
Work Schedule: Full-time, with the expectation of working a standard 40-hour workweek, with additional hours as needed to support events and incident management
📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is dynamic and time-constrained, requiring strong communication and customer service skills. Familiarity with the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) operations and the DoD's IT infrastructure would be beneficial for this role.
📄 Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Technical Phone Screen: A brief phone call to assess technical skills and experience, focusing on network, system, and application administration
- On-site Interview: A face-to-face interview to discuss the role in more detail, assess cultural fit, and provide an opportunity to ask questions
- Technical Challenge: A hands-on assessment of technical skills, focusing on incident management, troubleshooting, and problem-solving
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Highlight any experience with network, system, and application administration through case studies or projects
- Showcase problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex issues
- Include any relevant certifications, such as DoD 8570 IAT II (Security+)
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Brush up on network, system, and application administration skills, with a focus on incident management, troubleshooting, and problem-solving
- Familiarize yourself with the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) operations and the DoD's IT infrastructure
- Prepare for questions about your clearance status and any relevant security training or certifications
ATS Keywords:
- Programming Languages: Python, Bash, PowerShell
- Web Frameworks: Not applicable
- Server Technologies: Linux, Windows, MS SQL Server, IIS
- Databases: MS SQL Server
- Tools: Remedy Ticketing System, ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) frameworks, IT Service Management (ITSM) processes
- Methodologies: ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) frameworks, IT Service Management (ITSM) processes
- Soft Skills: Communication, customer service, problem-solving, troubleshooting
- Industry Terms: GNOSC (Global Network Operations Center), MDA (Missile Defense Agency), DoD (Department of Defense), STIGs (Security Technical Implementation Guides)
📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, the interview process may include a background check and security clearance process, as the role involves working with sensitive government information.
🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure
Frontend Technologies: Not applicable
Backend & Server Technologies:
- Linux (Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu)
- Windows Server (2016, 2019)
- MS SQL Server (2016, 2019)
- IIS (10)
- Remedy Ticketing System
Development & DevOps Tools:
- ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) frameworks
- IT Service Management (ITSM) processes
- DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs)
📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, the technology stack may include additional tools and systems, depending on the specific needs of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the defense industry.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Web Development Values:
- Customer Focus: A strong commitment to providing excellent customer service and ensuring customer satisfaction
- Collaboration: A collaborative approach to incident management and service level agreements (SLAs), working effectively with various teams to meet goals and objectives
- Continuous Learning: A commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices in network, system, and application administration
- Adaptability: The ability to work effectively in a dynamic, time-constrained environment, adapting to changing circumstances and priorities
Collaboration Style:
- A collaborative approach to incident management and service level agreements (SLAs), working effectively with various teams to meet goals and objectives
- A focus on communication and customer service, ensuring effective communication with executive management and the government customer
- A commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices in network, system, and application administration
📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is focused on collaboration, communication, and customer service, with a commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices in network, system, and application administration.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Incident Management: Effectively managing and resolving incidents in a dynamic, time-constrained environment, with a focus on communication and customer service
- Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting complex network, system, and application issues, applying DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) as required
- Adaptability: Adapting to changing circumstances and priorities, with a focus on meeting service level agreements (SLAs) and ensuring customer satisfaction
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Technical Training: Opportunities to gain experience with new technologies and systems, as well as to obtain relevant certifications and training
- Career Development: Opportunities to take on more responsibilities within the GNOSC team or to move into a leadership role, depending on the individual's skills, experience, and performance
- Industry Networking: Opportunities to network with other professionals in the defense industry, gaining insights into emerging technologies and best practices
📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, there may be opportunities for career progression within the company or the defense industry, depending on the individual's skills, experience, and performance.
💡 Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Network, System, and Application Administration: Questions focusing on incident management, troubleshooting, and problem-solving, with a focus on communication and customer service
- Security: Questions focusing on security protocols, DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), and any relevant certifications or training
- Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Operations: Questions focusing on the MDA's operations, the DoD's IT infrastructure, and any relevant experience or knowledge
Company & Culture Questions:
- Company Culture: Questions focusing on the company's culture, values, and mission, as well as the team's dynamics and collaboration style
- Career Growth: Questions focusing on career growth opportunities within the company or the defense industry, depending on the individual's skills, experience, and performance
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Highlight any experience with network, system, and application administration through case studies or projects
- Showcase problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex issues
- Include any relevant certifications, such as DoD 8570 IAT II (Security+)
📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, the interview process may include a background check and security clearance process, as the role involves working with sensitive government information.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this System Administrator - Network Operations position:
- Submit Your Application: Submit your application through the application link provided
- Prepare Your Portfolio: Highlight any experience with network, system, and application administration through case studies or projects, showcasing problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex issues. Include any relevant certifications, such as DoD 8570 IAT II (Security+)
- Brush Up on Technical Skills: Review network, system, and application administration skills, with a focus on incident management, troubleshooting, and problem-solving. Familiarize yourself with the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) operations and the DoD's IT infrastructure
- Research the Company: Research KIHOMAC's culture, values, and mission, as well as the team's dynamics and collaboration style. Prepare for questions about career growth opportunities within the company or the defense industry, depending on your skills, experience, and performance
⚠️ 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.
Application Requirements
A high school diploma and an active DoD 8570 IAT II certification are required, along with 2+ years of directly related experience. Proficiency in Windows Server, Linux, and various application technologies is preferred.