Systems Administrator - Active Directory Forests - Active Top Secret clearance required

General Dynamics Information Technology
Full_time$111k-150k/year (USD)Washington, United States

📍 Job Overview

  • Job Title: Systems Administrator - Active Directory Forests - Active Top Secret clearance required
  • Company: General Dynamics Information Technology
  • Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States
  • Job Type: Full-Time
  • Category: System Administrator
  • Date Posted: August 1, 2025
  • Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
  • Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Manage and maintain complex Active Directory forests and domains, ensuring optimal performance and security across the enterprise.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide comprehensive security and management solutions.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to Active Directory, Windows Server, and other operational systems.
  • Monitor and backup Active Directory components, ensuring business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities.
  • Document system components, modifications, and troubleshooting steps for knowledge sharing and future reference.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a high level of technical expertise in Active Directory and related systems, as well as strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

  • Active Directory Management: Configure, maintain, and monitor complex Active Directory forests and domains, ensuring best practices and Federal guidelines are followed.
  • Troubleshooting & Repair: Conduct complex troubleshooting and repair tasks on Active Directory, Windows Server, and other operational systems as needed.
  • Monitoring & Reporting: Develop advanced monitoring strategies for monitoring and reporting the health of Active Directory components.
  • Backup & Restoration: Implement and maintain backup and restoration procedures for Active Directory to ensure data integrity and business continuity.
  • Documentation: Document new system components, modifications, and troubleshooting steps for knowledge sharing and future reference.
  • Security & Integrity: Ensure the security and integrity of system and product solutions by following established security protocols and best practices.
  • On-Call Rotation: Participate in on-call rotation for emergency technical support and planned maintenance activities.
  • Research & Procurement: Conduct research, procurement, deployment, and configuration of systems as needed.
  • Communication & Presentation: Present clear, organized, and concise information to audiences to enable business decisions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related scientific or technical discipline. Equivalent experience may be substituted for education.

Experience: 3-8 years of relevant experience supporting projects of similar size, scope, and complexity.

Required Technical Skills:

  • Active Directory (AD)
  • Operating Systems (OS)
  • System Administration
  • DoD 8140 compliance (CompTIA Security+)

Security Clearance Level:

  • Active Top Secret (must have a T5 or T5R investigation within the last 5 years)

Required Skills and Abilities:

  • Highly motivated, self-starter with great communication skills
  • Effective problem solver
  • Able to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrate experience with Active Directory, Windows Server, and related systems.
  • Showcase problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex issues.
  • Highlight experience with monitoring, backup, and restoration procedures.

Technical Documentation:

  • Provide examples of documentation for system components, modifications, and troubleshooting steps.
  • Demonstrate understanding of version control, deployment processes, and server configuration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a web portfolio is not explicitly required for this role, demonstrating relevant technical skills and experience through a portfolio can provide a competitive advantage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,500 - $149,500 per year (based on experience, geographic location, and contractual requirements)

Benefits:

  • 401K with company match
  • Comprehensive health and wellness packages
  • Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career
  • Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications
  • Cutting-edge technology you can learn from
  • Rest and recharge with paid vacation and holidays
  • Short and long-term disability benefits
  • Life insurance
  • Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
  • Critical illness insurance
  • Business travel and accident insurance

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Travel Required: 10-25%

Telecommuting Options: On-site

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

  • GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers consulting, technology, and mission services to major agencies across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community.
  • GDIT operates across 50 countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, Cloud, Cyber, and application development.
  • GDIT values a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Team Structure:

  • The Systems Administrator will work within a team responsible for managing and maintaining Active Directory forests and domains across the enterprise.
  • The team will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including network administrators, database administrators, and security specialists, to provide comprehensive solutions.

Development Methodology:

  • GDIT follows established ITIL and Agile methodologies for system administration and management.
  • The Systems Administrator will work within a structured environment, focusing on continuous improvement and best practices.

Company Website: GDIT

📝 Enhancement Note: GDIT offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Systems Administrator Role:

  • The Systems Administrator role involves managing and maintaining complex Active Directory forests and domains, ensuring optimal performance and security.
  • This role requires a high level of technical expertise in Active Directory and related systems, as well as strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Reporting Structure:

  • The Systems Administrator will report directly to the Active Directory Team Lead or Manager.
  • The team will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including network administrators, database administrators, and security specialists.

Technical Impact:

  • The Systems Administrator will have a significant impact on the overall performance, security, and stability of Active Directory forests and domains across the enterprise.
  • This role will contribute to the overall success of the organization by ensuring that Active Directory components are functioning properly and securely.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Technical Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas of Active Directory, such as identity and access management, or advanced monitoring and automation.
  • Team Leadership: Demonstrate strong leadership skills and take on a mentoring role within the team, or progress to a team lead or management position.
  • Architecture and Design: Contribute to the design and implementation of new Active Directory forests and domains, or participate in enterprise-level architecture decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: GDIT offers numerous opportunities for professional growth and development, with a strong focus on technical specialization, leadership, and architecture roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: GDIT's office environment is collaborative and modern, with a focus on open communication and knowledge sharing.

Office Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including network administrators, database administrators, and security specialists, to provide comprehensive solutions.
  • Development Tools: Utilize industry-standard tools and technologies for Active Directory management, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
  • Team Interaction: Engage with team members to share knowledge, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to continuous improvement.

Work Schedule: Full-time, on-site position with limited telework availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: GDIT's work environment fosters collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, with a strong focus on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

  • Technical Assessment: Demonstrate proficiency in Active Directory, Windows Server, and related systems through hands-on exercises and troubleshooting scenarios.
  • Behavioral Questions: Discuss problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Team Fit: Assess cultural fit and communication skills through team interactions and case study discussions.
  • Final Evaluation: Evaluate overall technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight relevant experience with Active Directory, Windows Server, and related systems.
  • Demonstrate problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex issues.
  • Showcase experience with monitoring, backup, and restoration procedures.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

  • Brush up on Active Directory concepts, Windows Server administration, and related technologies.
  • Practice troubleshooting exercises and scenarios to build problem-solving skills.
  • Familiarize yourself with GDIT's company culture and values to demonstrate a strong cultural fit.

ATS Keywords:

  • Active Directory
  • Windows Server
  • System Administration
  • Troubleshooting
  • Monitoring
  • Backup
  • Restoration
  • Documentation
  • Research
  • Procurement
  • Deployment
  • Configuration
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Self-starter
  • Security Clearance
  • DoD 8140
  • CompTIA Security+

📝 Enhancement Note: GDIT's interview process focuses on technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit, with a strong emphasis on hands-on demonstrations and case study discussions.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Active Directory Technologies:

  • Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)
  • Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS)
  • Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)
  • Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS)
  • Active Directory Rights Management Services (AD RMS)

Windows Server Technologies:

  • Windows Server 2008-2019
  • Windows Server Core
  • Windows Server Hyper-V

Monitoring & Troubleshooting Tools:

  • Microsoft System Center Operations Manager (SCOM)
  • Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM)
  • PowerShell
  • Microsoft Message Analyzer
  • Microsoft Event Viewer

📝 Enhancement Note: GDIT utilizes industry-standard tools and technologies for Active Directory management, monitoring, and troubleshooting, with a focus on Microsoft's native tools and services.

👥 Team Culture & Values

GDIT Values:

  • Innovation: GDIT fosters a culture of innovation, encouraging team members to think creatively and challenge the status quo.
  • Collaboration: GDIT values open communication and knowledge sharing, with a strong focus on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Continuous Learning: GDIT promotes a culture of continuous learning, with numerous opportunities for professional development and growth.
  • Integrity: GDIT upholds the highest ethical standards, with a strong commitment to honesty, transparency, and accountability.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including network administrators, database administrators, and security specialists, to provide comprehensive solutions.
  • Code Review Culture: GDIT encourages a culture of code review and peer programming, with a focus on knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
  • Knowledge Sharing: GDIT fosters a culture of knowledge sharing, with regular team meetings, training sessions, and brown bag lunches.

📝 Enhancement Note: GDIT's team culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, continuous learning, and integrity, with a strong focus on open communication, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

  • Complex Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot complex issues related to Active Directory, Windows Server, and related systems in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
  • Advanced Monitoring: Develop advanced monitoring strategies for Active Directory components, ensuring optimal performance and security.
  • Backup & Restoration: Implement and maintain backup and restoration procedures for Active Directory, ensuring data integrity and business continuity.
  • Security & Compliance: Ensure the security and compliance of Active Directory forests and domains, following established protocols and best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Technical Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas of Active Directory, such as identity and access management, or advanced monitoring and automation.
  • Certifications: Pursue relevant certifications, such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or CompTIA Security+.
  • Conferences & Events: Attend industry conferences, webinars, and training sessions to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in Active Directory and related technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: GDIT offers numerous opportunities for professional growth and development, with a strong focus on technical specialization, certifications, and continuous learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

  • Active Directory Concepts: Demonstrate a strong understanding of Active Directory concepts, including forests, domains, OUs, GPOs, and security groups.
  • Windows Server Administration: Show proficiency in Windows Server administration, including installation, configuration, and management of domain controllers, file servers, and other server roles.
  • Troubleshooting Scenarios: Solve complex troubleshooting scenarios related to Active Directory, Windows Server, and related systems.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • GDIT Culture: Demonstrate a strong understanding of GDIT's company culture, values, and mission.
  • Team Dynamics: Assess GDIT's team dynamics, including collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing.
  • Problem-solving Approach: Discuss GDIT's problem-solving approach, focusing on innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Demonstrate Relevant Experience: Highlight relevant experience with Active Directory, Windows Server, and related systems.
  • Showcase Problem-solving Skills: Demonstrate problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex issues.
  • Emphasize Technical Depth: Showcase technical depth and expertise in Active Directory and related technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: GDIT's interview process focuses on technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit, with a strong emphasis on hands-on demonstrations and case study discussions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Systems Administrator position at GDIT:

  1. Submit your application through the application link provided.
  2. Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience with Active Directory, Windows Server, and related systems, as well as problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  3. Prepare for Technical Assessment: Brush up on Active Directory concepts, Windows Server administration, and related technologies. Practice troubleshooting exercises and scenarios to build problem-solving skills.
  4. Research GDIT: Familiarize yourself with GDIT's company culture, values, and mission. Prepare for behavioral questions and team fit assessments.
  5. Prepare Your Portfolio: Highlight relevant experience with Active Directory, Windows Server, and related systems. Demonstrate problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex issues. Showcase experience with monitoring, backup, and restoration procedures.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with GDIT before making application decisions.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have a BS in a related field or equivalent experience, along with 3-8 years of relevant experience. An active Top Secret clearance is required, and DoD 8140 compliance is necessary.