Systems Administrator 1 - VMware/NetApp/Puppet/Networking/Cloud at Captivation Software

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Systems Administrator 1 - VMware/NetApp/Puppet/Networking/Cloud
Company: Captivation Software
Location: Annapolis Junction, MD
Job Type: On-site
Category: Systems Administrator
Date Posted: 2025-07-07
Experience Level: 5-10 years

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Migrate existing applications and services off legacy hardware onto enterprise compute frameworks, collaborate with development teams and mission customers, maintain system security plans, and ensure effective deployment and operation of customer applications and services.
Required Skills: Proven knowledge and experience with Linux, Bash scripting, system design, installation, configuration, and maintenance of computer systems and services, collaboration, and security clearance (Top Secret/SCI).
Desired Skills: VMware, NetApp, Puppet, Networking, Kubernetes, Cloud frameworks, and containerization.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Migration & Deployment: Migrate existing applications and services off legacy hardware onto enterprise compute frameworks, ensuring effective deployment and operation.
Collaboration: Work closely with the development team, capabilities providers, and mission customers to ensure applications and services meet requirements and function as expected.
System Maintenance: Design, install, configure, and maintain computer systems and services, ensuring optimal performance and security.
Security Compliance: Collaborate with Information System Security Engineer and Officers (ISSE/O) to conduct patching and configuration changes required to maintain existing System Security Plans (SSP).
Troubleshooting & Problem-Solving: Identify, diagnose, and resolve technical issues that arise during the migration, deployment, or operation of customer applications and services.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of Linux and Bash scripting, as well as the ability to work effectively with various teams to ensure successful migration and deployment of customer applications and services.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.

Experience: Five (5) years' experience as a Systems Administrator in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required. Five (5) years of additional systems administration experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.

Required Skills:

Proven knowledge and experience with Linux
Bash scripting experience
Experience in the design, installation, configuration, and maintenance of computer systems and services
Ability to collaborate with software development teams to deploy, test, monitor, and operate customer applications and services
Ability to maintain existing System Security Plans (SSP) in collaboration with ISSE/O

Desired Skills:

VMware
NetApp
Puppet
Networking
Kubernetes, Cloud frameworks, and containerization

📝 Enhancement Note: While the desired skills are not strictly required, they would be highly beneficial for an individual in this role, as they are directly relevant to the day-to-day responsibilities and would enable the candidate to contribute more effectively to the team.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience with Linux and Bash scripting through relevant projects or case studies.
Showcase your ability to design, install, configure, and maintain computer systems and services through past projects.
Highlight your collaboration skills by providing examples of successful teamwork on previous projects.

Technical Documentation:

Provide documentation for your past projects, including code quality, commenting, and documentation standards.
Include version control, deployment processes, and server configuration details for relevant projects.
Demonstrate your understanding of testing methodologies, performance metrics, and optimization techniques through your project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, it is essential to provide concrete examples of your technical skills and experiences to demonstrate your qualifications for this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 - $270,000 per year (depends on the years of experience)

Benefits:

Up to 20% 401k contribution (No Matching Required and Vested from Day 1)
Above Market Hourly Rates
$3,400 HSA Contribution
5 Weeks Paid Time Off
Company Paid Employee Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, and AD&D

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is quite broad, indicating that the final compensation will depend on the candidate's years of experience. Research has shown that the average salary for a Systems Administrator in the Annapolis Junction, MD area is around $90,000 - $120,000 per year, with more experienced professionals earning up to $150,000 or more. The benefits package offered by Captivation Software is quite comprehensive, including a significant 401k contribution and various insurance coverages.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Captivation Software operates in the defense and intelligence sectors, providing software development and engineering services to support the mission of protecting the country.

Company Size: As a mid-sized company, Captivation Software offers a collaborative and innovative work environment, where employees have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the projects they work on.

Founded: The company was founded in 2008 and has since grown to become a trusted provider of software development and engineering services.

Team Structure:

The Systems Administrator role will be part of the DevOps team, working closely with software development teams, capabilities providers, and mission customers.
The team is expected to collaborate effectively to ensure the successful migration and deployment of customer applications and services.

Development Methodology:

The company employs Agile methodologies, with a focus on iterative development, continuous integration, and delivery.
Code reviews, testing, and quality assurance practices are essential components of the development process.
Deployment strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and server management are crucial aspects of the role, as the Systems Administrator will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of customer applications and services.

Company Website: Captivation Software

📝 Enhancement Note: Captivation Software's focus on providing high-quality software development and engineering services to support the defense and intelligence sectors requires a strong commitment to security, collaboration, and innovation. The company's size and industry position enable it to offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, as well as opportunities for professional growth and development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is a mid-level Systems Administrator position, with a focus on migration, deployment, and maintenance of customer applications and services. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background and the ability to work effectively with various teams to ensure the successful completion of projects.

Reporting Structure: The Systems Administrator will report directly to the DevOps team lead and work closely with software development teams, capabilities providers, and mission customers.

Technical Impact: The Systems Administrator will have a significant impact on the successful migration and deployment of customer applications and services, as well as the maintenance of system security plans. Their work will directly contribute to the company's ability to provide high-quality software development and engineering services to its clients.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: As the company works with cutting-edge technologies and tools, there will be ample opportunities for the Systems Administrator to expand their technical skillset and gain experience with new technologies.
Leadership Roles: With experience and demonstrated success, the Systems Administrator may have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the DevOps team or across the organization.
Architecture Decisions: As the Systems Administrator gains experience and expertise, they may be called upon to make critical architecture decisions that impact the design and implementation of customer applications and services.

📝 Enhancement Note: Captivation Software's focus on providing high-quality software development and engineering services to its clients creates numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. The company's commitment to innovation and collaboration enables employees to expand their technical skillsets and take on new challenges as they progress in their careers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Captivation Software's office is a collaborative and modern workspace, designed to facilitate effective communication and teamwork among its employees.

Office Location(s): Annapolis Junction, MD

Workspace Context:

The Systems Administrator will work in a collaborative environment, with easy access to the development team, capabilities providers, and mission customers.
The workspace is equipped with development tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices to ensure optimal productivity and efficiency.
The work environment encourages knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and teamwork.

Work Schedule: The Systems Administrator will work a standard 40-hour workweek, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines. The work schedule may vary depending on the specific needs of the projects and the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Captivation Software's work environment is designed to foster collaboration and innovation, with a focus on providing employees with the tools and resources they need to succeed. The company's commitment to knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning enables employees to develop their skills and advance their careers within the organization.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Preparation: Brush up on your Linux and Bash scripting skills, as well as your knowledge of system design, installation, configuration, and maintenance. Familiarize yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job listing, such as VMware, NetApp, Puppet, and Kubernetes.
Collaboration & Communication: Prepare for questions that assess your ability to work effectively with various teams, including software development teams, capabilities providers, and mission customers. Be ready to discuss your experience with collaboration tools and methodologies.
Security Clearance: As the role requires a Top Secret/SCI U.S. Government security clearance, be prepared to discuss your understanding of and commitment to maintaining the highest levels of security and confidentiality.
Final Evaluation: The final evaluation will focus on your technical skills, as well as your cultural fit within the organization. Be prepared to discuss your long-term career goals and how they align with the company's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience with Linux and Bash scripting through relevant projects or case studies.
Showcase your ability to design, install, configure, and maintain computer systems and services through past projects.
Demonstrate your collaboration skills by providing examples of successful teamwork on previous projects.
Include any relevant certifications or training that showcase your technical expertise and commitment to professional development.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your Linux and Bash scripting skills, as well as your knowledge of system design, installation, configuration, and maintenance.
Familiarize yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job listing, such as VMware, NetApp, Puppet, and Kubernetes.
Prepare for questions that assess your ability to work effectively with various teams, including software development teams, capabilities providers, and mission customers.
Be ready to discuss your experience with collaboration tools and methodologies, as well as your understanding of and commitment to maintaining the highest levels of security and confidentiality.

ATS Keywords: Linux, Bash Scripting, System Design, System Installation, System Configuration, System Maintenance, Collaboration, VMware, NetApp, Puppet, Networking, Kubernetes, Cloud Frameworks, Containerization, Security Clearance, Top Secret, SCI, U.S. Government, Defense, Intelligence, Software Development, Engineering, Migration, Deployment, Customer Applications, Services, Systems Administrator, DevOps, Teamwork, Communication, Leadership, Architecture Decisions, Technical Skill Development, Professional Growth, Career Progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: Captivation Software's interview process is designed to assess the technical skills and cultural fit of candidates for the Systems Administrator role. By preparing thoroughly and demonstrating your expertise in the relevant technologies and methodologies, you will increase your chances of success in the interview process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: N/A (This role is focused on systems administration and does not involve frontend technologies)

Backend & Server Technologies:

Linux (Required)
Bash Scripting (Required)
VMware (Desired)
NetApp (Desired)
Puppet (Desired)
Kubernetes (Desired)
Cloud Frameworks (Desired)
Containerization (Desired)

Development & DevOps Tools:

Version Control (Required)
CI/CD Pipeline (Required)
Deployment Automation (Required)
Server Configuration (Required)
Monitoring Tools (Required)

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is primarily focused on backend and server technologies, with an emphasis on Linux, Bash scripting, and the specific technologies mentioned in the job listing. Familiarity with these technologies is essential for success in the Systems Administrator role at Captivation Software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Innovation: Captivation Software values innovation and encourages its employees to explore new technologies and approaches to problem-solving.
Collaboration: The company emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, with a focus on effective communication and knowledge sharing.
Quality: Captivation Software is committed to delivering high-quality software development and engineering services to its clients, with a strong emphasis on code quality, testing, and quality assurance.
Security: As a provider of services to the defense and intelligence sectors, Captivation Software places a high priority on maintaining the highest levels of security and confidentiality.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: The Systems Administrator will work closely with software development teams, capabilities providers, and mission customers to ensure the successful migration and deployment of customer applications and services.
Code Review Culture: Captivation Software employs a code review culture, with a focus on peer programming and collaborative development practices.
Knowledge Sharing: The company encourages knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: Captivation Software's team culture is built on a foundation of innovation, collaboration, and quality, with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality software development and engineering services to its clients. The company's emphasis on knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning enables employees to develop their skills and advance their careers within the organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Legacy Hardware Migration: The Systems Administrator will face the challenge of migrating existing applications and services off legacy hardware and onto enterprise compute frameworks, requiring a deep understanding of system design, installation, configuration, and maintenance.
Security Compliance: Maintaining existing System Security Plans (SSP) in collaboration with ISSE/O requires a strong understanding of security best practices and the ability to work effectively with various teams to ensure compliance.
Emerging Technologies: As the company works with cutting-edge technologies and tools, the Systems Administrator may face the challenge of learning and integrating new technologies into their workflow.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: As the company works with cutting-edge technologies and tools, there will be ample opportunities for the Systems Administrator to expand their technical skillset and gain experience with new technologies.
Conference Attendance & Certification: Captivation Software encourages its employees to attend industry conferences and pursue relevant certifications to enhance their technical skills and knowledge.
Technical Mentorship & Leadership Development: With experience and demonstrated success, the Systems Administrator may have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the DevOps team or across the organization, providing mentorship and guidance to junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: Captivation Software's commitment to innovation and collaboration creates numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. The company's emphasis on knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning enables employees to develop their skills and advance their careers within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Linux & Bash Scripting: Be prepared to discuss your experience with Linux and Bash scripting, as well as your understanding of system design, installation, configuration, and maintenance.
System Security: Demonstrate your knowledge of security best practices and your ability to maintain existing System Security Plans (SSP) in collaboration with ISSE/O.
Collaboration & Communication: Prepare for questions that assess your ability to work effectively with various teams, including software development teams, capabilities providers, and mission customers.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: Demonstrate your understanding of Captivation Software's company culture, values, and commitment to delivering high-quality software development and engineering services to its clients.
Team Dynamics: Prepare for questions that assess your ability to work effectively within the company's team structure and dynamics.
Long-Term Goals: Be ready to discuss your long-term career goals and how they align with the company's mission and values.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Technical Skills: Highlight your experience with Linux and Bash scripting, as well as your knowledge of system design, installation, configuration, and maintenance.
Collaboration & Communication: Demonstrate your ability to work effectively with various teams, including software development teams, capabilities providers, and mission customers.
Security Awareness: Showcase your understanding of security best practices and your ability to maintain existing System Security Plans (SSP) in collaboration with ISSE/O.

📝 Enhancement Note: Captivation Software's interview process is designed to assess the technical skills and cultural fit of candidates for the Systems Administrator role. By preparing thoroughly and demonstrating your expertise in the relevant technologies and methodologies, you will increase your chances of success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Systems Administrator 1 - VMware/NetApp/Puppet/Networking/Cloud position at Captivation Software:

Review the Job Description: Thoroughly read and understand the job description, highlighting the required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to emphasize your relevant experience and skills, using the keywords and phrases mentioned in the job description.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio showcases your experience with Linux, Bash scripting, and the specific technologies mentioned in the job listing. Include any relevant certifications or training that demonstrate your technical expertise and commitment to professional development.
Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Captivation Software's company culture, values, and commitment to delivering high-quality software development and engineering services to its clients.
Prepare for the Interview: Brush up on your technical skills, as well as your knowledge of system design, installation, configuration, and maintenance. Prepare for questions that assess your ability to work effectively with various teams, including software development teams, capabilities providers, and mission customers. Be ready to discuss your long-term career goals and how they align with the company's mission and values.

⚠️ 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.

Systems Administrator 1 - VMware/NetApp/Puppet/Networking/Cloud