Entry Level System Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Who are we? Independent Software is a consulting, product, and solutions firm dedicated to the practical application of software and system engineering technologies to solve complex problems.  We bring together world class engineers with proven engineering best practices, domain expertise, commercial technologies, and proven agile management approaches to create high value solutions aimed at helping our customers meet their most critical business and mission objectives. Why Independent Software? We are focused on continual learning and evolution.  We don’t do things because “that’s the way we’ve always done things”; we listen to our employees and adapt to the changing marketplace.  We look at the big picture and encourage our engineers to get training and certifications in emerging technologies that will help shape our customer’s mission. We’ve been profitable year after year.  We’re always on the lookout for great engineers to join the team and we recognize that our employees are the heart and soul of what we do.  We focus on recruiting talented people, treating them right, and then allowing them to do what they do best.  No red tape.  No micromanagement.  Smart people want to work with smart people, and we love people who are passionate about what they do and finding ways to do it better. Top Reasons to Work at Independent Software: * Great people deserve even better benefits, from comprehensive healthcare coverage and generous leave time to discounts with all our vendors. * You are not just a job title. That's why we tip the work-life balance scale in your favor. It's not about being billable, it's about being valuable. * Whether you're working on-site or in our offices, your role at Independent Software is just as critical to our success as your coworker's. * We're constantly researching and implementing the latest technology, so you've always got the right tools at your disposal. * As we've grown, we've retained that small company feel. When we say we have an open-door policy, we actually mean it. * Independent Software is comprised of wonderfully generous folks. We believe in supporting the causes our employees care about. Bring us an opportunity to help and we'll listen. * Teamwork got us where we are today. Our collaborative environment allows you to maximize your true potential. * The work we do is exciting, critical stuff. No matter your role at Independent Software, you're helping us keep the nation safe and secure. * We have a history of great achievement, and, with each year, our company gets even bigger and better. As we grow, so does the opportunity for our employees. * We host a variety of fun employee and family events throughout the year to say thanks for all that you do to make Independent Software a technology leader as well as a phenomenal place to work. Benefits: * Competitive salary * Company Sponsored Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans * Company Paid Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability and Life Insurance * Employee Assistance Program * Your retirement plan is an important benefit you shouldn’t overlook. We offer a 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust that offers a powerful way to enhance your long-term financial well-being by investing in yourself. We offer immediate eligibility and company matching. * A generous Paid Time Off and Holiday package * Paid training! We encourage all employees to seek out training opportunities like conferences, certification courses and seminars. * We truly believe the right work-life balance can exist, and it's here at Independent Software. Our work is extremely important, but your job is just a part of who you are. When you enjoy your life outside of our walls, you're at your best the next time you walk through our doors. We do all we can to assure that happens every day.   Independent Software is an Equal Opportunity Employer EOE, M/F/D/V. System Administrator Annapolis Junction, MD Full Time System Administrator Entry Level Share What You Will Do: At Independent Software, as a Systems Administrator you will support secure, mission-critical infrastructure across Linux and mixed Linux/Windows enterprise environments. This role supports a wide range of operational systems including virtualized infrastructure, containerized platforms, cloud-hosted environments, and automated system administration solutions supporting DoD and Intelligence Community missions. Depending on experience level, you will assist with or lead system administration, troubleshooting, automation, virtualization, compliance support, and operational sustainment activities across complex enterprise environments. This position is ideal for candidates who enjoy working hands-on with Linux systems, automation tools, virtualization platforms, and secure operational environments while supporting highly available mission systems. Key Responsibilities:
  * Deploy, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux-based systems and enterprise infrastructure * Support mixed Linux and Windows operational environments * Administer and maintain containerized environments and virtualization platforms including Proxmox * Develop and maintain automation solutions using Ansible, SALT, and scripting languages such as Bash, Perl, or Python * Support system hardening, patching, upgrades, and lifecycle management activities * Maintain compliance with SSP documentation and STE/STN security requirements * Support cloud-hosted infrastructure and AWS-based environments * Configure and maintain CIFS and Centrify integrations within enterprise environments * Troubleshoot system, application, network, and infrastructure-related issues * Support operational monitoring, system reliability, and performance optimization * Develop and maintain technical documentation and operational procedures * Collaborate with engineering, security, and operations teams to support mission requirements * Participate in on-call support and maintenance activities as required
Required Skills and Qualifications:
 
* Experience administering Linux systems in enterprise or operational environments * Experience with scripting and automation using Bash, Perl, Python, or similar languages * Experience with configuration management and automation tools such as Ansible or SALT * Experience with virtualization technologies such as Proxmox or similar platforms * Experience supporting containerized environments * Understanding of SSP compliance and STE/STN support requirements * Experience supporting cloud infrastructure and AWS environments * Experience with CIFS and Centrify within enterprise environments * Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills * Ability to work independently and collaboratively within operational teams * Strong written and verbal communication skills
Education and Experience:
 
* Level 0 (SA0): No demonstrated Systems Administrator experience is required. Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of Systems Administrator experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree. * Level 1 (SA1): Five (5) years of experience as a Systems Administrator supporting programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required. Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of additional Systems Administrator experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree. * Level 2 (SA2): Ten (10) years of experience as a Systems Administrator supporting programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required. Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of additional Systems Administrator experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree. * Level 3 (SA3): Fifteen (15) years of experience as a Systems Administrator supporting programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required. Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of additional Systems Administrator experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.
Preferred Qualifications:
 
* Experience administering Windows Server environments * Experience supporting Windows Domain Controllers * Experience supporting Microsoft Exchange environments * Experience supporting secure DoD or Intelligence Community systems * Experience supporting mixed-platform enterprise environments
Certifications:   
* A DoD 8570 IAT Level II baseline certification) is required
Clearance Requirement:
 
* Must possess an active TS SCI with appropriate Polygraph to be considered for this role
Why Choose Independent Software: At Independent Software, our people are the mission. We’ve built a company around collaboration, integrity, and innovation and we make sure our team has the tools and support to grow, succeed, and thrive. When you join us, you will:
* Support critical national security missions that matter
* Be part of a close-knit, employee-first culture where your voice is heard
* Expand your skills through ongoing training, mentorship, and career development
* Enjoy competitive compensation, generous benefits, and work-life balance Ready to take the next step in your career? Join us and be part of something bigger. Apply today. We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. Share Apply