📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Systems Administrator
Company: Leidos
Location: Springfield, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: IT & Software
Date Posted: 2025-08-01
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (2-5 years)

🚀 Role Summary

Primary Responsibilities: Manage enterprise systems and associated hardware, ensuring system reliability, performance, and security across physical and virtual environments.
Key Technologies: Windows Server, Active Directory, PowerShell, Virtualization Technologies, Systems Engineering, Security Management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong foundation in system administration, with a focus on Windows Server environments and Active Directory management. Proficiency in PowerShell and experience with virtualization technologies are also crucial.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

System Administration: Install, configure, and maintain systems, including servers and supporting hardware, in both physical and virtualized environments.
System Infrastructure Management: Administer and support systems infrastructure, ensuring alignment with functional specifications and organizational best practices.
System Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Monitor system performance, analyze logs, and troubleshoot anomalies to ensure optimal uptime and reliability.
Backup & Recovery: Implement and manage system backups, disaster recovery procedures, and restore operations as needed.
Storage Management: Allocate and manage storage resources, perform performance tuning, and apply critical patches and system updates.
Documentation: Develop and maintain documentation for system configurations, processes, and procedures.
System Architecture & Security: Recommend and implement improvements to system architecture, security, and operational efficiency.
Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional IT teams to support organization-wide technology needs and initiatives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with 2+ years of relevant experience.

Experience:

Proven experience in system administration, server administration, system configuration, system deployment, systems support, and troubleshooting.
Strong understanding of system infrastructure management and IT best practices.
Proficiency in managing physical and virtual systems.
Experience with backup and recovery of IT infrastructure.
Ability to update and support systems by tuning performance, allocating storage, and implementing patches.
Proficiency in Microsoft Windows environments and Active Directory administration.
Strong scripting skills, including experience with Microsoft PowerShell.

Preferred Skills:

Experience leading projects or processes within a technical area.
Experience coaching or reviewing the work of junior technical staff.
Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
Ability to develop technical solutions requiring deep analysis and domain expertise.
Demonstrated experience identifying and recommending system functional specifications and improvements.
Experience reviewing system performance logs to identify anomalies and proactively troubleshoot issues.
Proficiency in security management, scripting and automation, virtualization technologies, and systems engineering.
Broad understanding of related specialty areas and their impact on the technical domain.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly in internal and client-facing settings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should have a strong foundation in system administration, with a focus on Windows Server environments and Active Directory management. Proficiency in PowerShell and experience with virtualization technologies are also crucial for success in this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:
- Case studies demonstrating system administration, server administration, and infrastructure management skills.
- Examples of system configuration, deployment, and maintenance tasks.
- Documentation showcasing system architecture, security, and operational efficiency improvements.
Technical Documentation:
- Code samples and scripts demonstrating proficiency in PowerShell and other relevant scripting languages.
- Documentation showcasing system configuration, processes, and procedures.
- Evidence of system performance tuning, storage management, and backup/recovery procedures.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $72,150 - $130,425 per year (based on Leidos' provided pay range)

Benefits:

Health and Wellness Programs
Income Protection
Paid Leave
Retirement

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

Industry: Leidos operates in the defense, aviation, information technology, and healthcare industries, with a focus on delivering innovative solutions and advanced technologies to customers.
Company Size: Leidos is a large, global company with over 38,000 employees, providing opportunities for growth and collaboration across various teams and projects.
Founded: 1969, as a spin-off from the MITRE Corporation.

Team Structure:

The Systems Administrator role is part of the Multi-Domain Solutions (MDS) division, focusing on delivering integrated solutions across multiple domains.
This role will collaborate with cross-functional IT teams, including system engineers, network administrators, and security specialists, to support organization-wide technology needs and initiatives.

Development Methodology:

Leidos follows Agile methodologies for software development and project management, emphasizing iterative development, continuous improvement, and customer collaboration.
The Systems Administrator role will work within this framework to ensure system reliability, performance, and security align with project goals and functional specifications.

Company Website: https://www.leidos.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Leidos' company culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and customer focus. The Systems Administrator role will play a crucial part in supporting these values by ensuring system reliability, performance, and security across physical and virtual environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Mid-Senior level (2-5 years)

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the IT Manager or a similar position within the Multi-Domain Solutions (MDS) division.

Technical Impact: The Systems Administrator will have a significant impact on system reliability, performance, and security, ensuring optimal uptime and supporting organization-wide technology needs and initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Leidos offers opportunities for technical skill development, with a focus on emerging technologies and continuous learning. This role may lead to specialized positions in system architecture, security, or engineering.
Leadership Growth: With experience, the Systems Administrator may progress to management or senior technical roles, leading teams and driving strategic decisions related to system infrastructure and IT best practices.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role provides opportunities to work with various teams and stakeholders, fostering a broad understanding of related specialty areas and their impact on the technical domain.

📝 Enhancement Note: Leidos' career growth opportunities are tailored to individual development plans, with a focus on technical skill advancement, leadership development, and architecture decision-making. This role offers a strong foundation for progression within the IT and software industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Leidos' Springfield, VA location is a non-specific customer site, with a focus on delivering solutions to government and commercial clients.

Office Location(s): 9640 Springfield VA Non-specific Customer Site

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The Systems Administrator will work in a collaborative environment, interacting with cross-functional IT teams and stakeholders to support organization-wide technology needs and initiatives.
Technical Tools: This role will utilize various tools and technologies to manage enterprise systems and associated hardware, including Windows Server, Active Directory, PowerShell, and virtualization platforms.
Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, with flexibility for maintenance windows, project deadlines, and on-call rotations.

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for maintenance windows and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Leidos' work environment emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and customer focus. The Systems Administrator role will play a crucial part in supporting these values by ensuring system reliability, performance, and security across physical and virtual environments.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone conversation to assess communication skills, technical background, and cultural fit.
Technical Assessment: A hands-on assessment or take-home exercise evaluating system administration, server administration, and infrastructure management skills.
On-Site Interview: A series of interviews with IT managers, team members, and stakeholders, focusing on technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit.
Final Review: A review of the candidate's qualifications, references, and overall fit for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

System Administration Case Studies: Prepare case studies demonstrating system administration, server administration, and infrastructure management skills, highlighting problem-solving, performance optimization, and security improvements.
Documentation: Include documentation showcasing system configuration, processes, and procedures, as well as evidence of system performance tuning, storage management, and backup/recovery procedures.
Technical Challenges: Be prepared to discuss and demonstrate proficiency in Windows Server, Active Directory, PowerShell, and virtualization technologies.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

System Administration Scenarios: Familiarize yourself with common system administration scenarios, such as system installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Scripting & Automation: Brush up on your PowerShell skills and be prepared to write scripts and automate tasks to improve system efficiency and reliability.
Virtualization Technologies: Review your knowledge of virtualization platforms, such as VMware, Hyper-V, or KVM, and be prepared to discuss their implementation and management.

ATS Keywords: (Organized by category)

Programming Languages: PowerShell, Batch Scripting, VBScript
Server Technologies: Windows Server, Active Directory, Domain Services, Group Policy
Tools: Virtualization Technologies (VMware, Hyper-V, KVM), Systems Management Tools (System Center, SCCM), Monitoring Tools (Nagios, Zabbix)
Methodologies: ITIL, Agile, DevOps
Soft Skills: Problem-Solving, Troubleshooting, Communication, Collaboration, Adaptability
Industry Terms: System Administration, Server Administration, Infrastructure Management, IT Best Practices, Security Management

📝 Enhancement Note: Leidos' interview process focuses on assessing technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to discuss and demonstrate their system administration, server administration, and infrastructure management skills, as well as their ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Server Technologies:

Windows Server: Proficiency in Windows Server environments, including installation, configuration, administration, and maintenance.
Active Directory: Experience with Active Directory administration, including user management, group policy, and domain services.
PowerShell: Strong scripting skills, including experience with Microsoft PowerShell for automation, configuration, and management tasks.

Development & DevOps Tools:

Virtualization Technologies: Experience with virtualization platforms, such as VMware, Hyper-V, or KVM, for managing physical and virtual systems.
Systems Management Tools: Familiarity with systems management tools, such as System Center or SCCM, for automated deployment, configuration, and maintenance of enterprise systems.
Monitoring Tools: Experience with monitoring tools, such as Nagios or Zabbix, for system performance analysis, log review, and anomaly detection.

📝 Enhancement Note: Leidos' technology stack focuses on Windows Server environments, Active Directory administration, and PowerShell scripting. Candidates should have a strong foundation in these technologies, as well as experience with virtualization platforms, systems management tools, and monitoring tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Customer Focus: Leidos prioritizes delivering innovative solutions and advanced technologies that meet customer needs and exceed expectations.
Innovation: The company encourages continuous learning, experimentation, and the pursuit of new technologies to drive business growth and customer success.
Collaboration: Leidos fosters a culture of teamwork, cross-functional collaboration, and knowledge sharing to drive collective success.
Integrity: The company values ethical behavior, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of its operations.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: The Systems Administrator role will collaborate with various teams and stakeholders, including system engineers, network administrators, and security specialists, to support organization-wide technology needs and initiatives.
Code Review Culture: Leidos encourages a culture of code review and peer programming to ensure high-quality, maintainable, and secure systems.
Knowledge Sharing: The company promotes a culture of knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning to drive individual and team growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Leidos' team culture emphasizes customer focus, innovation, collaboration, and integrity. The Systems Administrator role will play a crucial part in supporting these values by ensuring system reliability, performance, and security across physical and virtual environments.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

System Reliability & Performance: Ensure optimal uptime and reliability for enterprise systems and associated hardware, with a focus on Windows Server environments and Active Directory management.
Security Management: Implement and maintain security best practices, including access controls, encryption, and incident response procedures, to protect enterprise systems and data.
Emerging Technologies: Stay current with emerging technologies and trends in system administration, server administration, and infrastructure management, and be prepared to adapt to new tools and platforms as needed.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work effectively with various teams and stakeholders, including system engineers, network administrators, and security specialists, to support organization-wide technology needs and initiatives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Leidos offers opportunities for technical skill advancement, with a focus on emerging technologies and continuous learning. This role may lead to specialized positions in system architecture, security, or engineering.
Conference Attendance & Certification: The company supports employee attendance at industry conferences, certifications, and community involvement to drive professional growth and development.
Technical Mentorship & Leadership Development: With experience, the Systems Administrator may progress to management or senior technical roles, leading teams and driving strategic decisions related to system infrastructure and IT best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Leidos' technical challenges and growth opportunities are tailored to individual development plans, with a focus on technical skill advancement, leadership development, and architecture decision-making. This role offers a strong foundation for progression within the IT and software industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

System Administration Fundamentals: Be prepared to discuss and demonstrate proficiency in system installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting, with a focus on Windows Server environments and Active Directory management.
Scripting & Automation: Brush up on your PowerShell skills and be prepared to write scripts and automate tasks to improve system efficiency and reliability.
Virtualization Technologies: Review your knowledge of virtualization platforms, such as VMware, Hyper-V, or KVM, and be prepared to discuss their implementation and management.
Security Management: Familiarize yourself with security best practices, including access controls, encryption, and incident response procedures, and be prepared to discuss their implementation and management.

Company & Culture Questions:

Customer Focus: Be prepared to discuss how you prioritize customer needs and exceed expectations in your system administration and server administration roles.
Innovation: Demonstrate your ability to learn, experiment, and adapt to new technologies and trends in system administration, server administration, and infrastructure management.
Collaboration: Showcase your experience working effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to support organization-wide technology needs and initiatives.
Integrity: Explain how you uphold ethical behavior, transparency, and accountability in your system administration and server administration roles.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

System Administration Case Studies: Prepare case studies demonstrating system administration, server administration, and infrastructure management skills, highlighting problem-solving, performance optimization, and security improvements.
Documentation: Include documentation showcasing system configuration, processes, and procedures, as well as evidence of system performance tuning, storage management, and backup/recovery procedures.
Technical Challenges: Be prepared to discuss and demonstrate proficiency in Windows Server, Active Directory, PowerShell, and virtualization technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Leidos' interview preparation focuses on assessing technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to discuss and demonstrate their system administration, server administration, and infrastructure management skills, as well as their ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Systems Administrator position at Leidos:

Submit Your Application: Visit the application link provided and submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant portfolio materials.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Customize your portfolio with live demos and responsive examples, highlighting your system administration, server administration, and infrastructure management skills.
Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to the Systems Administrator role, emphasizing project highlights and technical skills relevant to the position.
Prepare for Technical Interview: Brush up on your PowerShell skills, review your knowledge of Windows Server, Active Directory, and virtualization technologies, and practice system administration scenarios.
Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Leidos' company culture, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role.

⚠️ 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