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IT Systems Administrator (VMware / Linux / Windows / Mission Support)

The IT System Administrator plays a key role in implementing and maintaining standards, methodologies, and technical solutions across a diverse IT environment. This role supports Windows, Linux, VMware, on-premises infrastructure, networking components, and security-focused operations. The administrator will help ensure stable, secure, and high-performing systems that meet mission and organizational requirements.

This position directly supports a team of Flight Dynamics Engineers within the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Flight Dynamics Facility (FDF). The FDF is a NASA Mission Essential Infrastructure facility responsible for providing Multi-mission Navigation Services for a wide range of robotic and human spaceflight missions. The selected candidate will contribute to the reliability and readiness of systems that enable critical mission operations.

Responsibilities

Installing, configuring, and maintaining Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) systems.

Strong proficiency with Ansible, Bash shell scripting, file management, and text editing (vi/vim).

Creating and managing Linux partitions, logical volumes (LVM), and file systems.

Managing security settings, firewalls, and SELinux policies

Developing Ansible playbooks to automate system administration tasks and manage configurations.

Backup, restore, and other disaster recovery activities.

Provide technical expertise and analysis for specialized tools and technologies.

Deliver high-level systems analysis, design, integration, documentation, and implementation guidance.

Ensure system availability, reliability, and performance across all supported environments.

Assess current infrastructure, identify improvement opportunities, and recommend enhancements to technology, processes, and documentation.

Support VMware environments, including VMware Cloud Foundation.

Perform day-to-day system administration activities for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 and Windows servers and workstations.

Maintain, build, and upgrade organizational and VMware infrastructure.

Participate in onsite on-call support rotations at Goddard Space Flight Center for mission-critical activities, including but not limited to launch, docking, and landing operations.

Support Microsoft Windows Active Directory and server environments.

Required Skills

4 to 6+ years of Red Hat Enterprise Linux experience

Experience working in a production environment with VMWare

Strong understanding of computer hardware, operating systems (Windows, Linux), networking protocols, and server administration.

Ability to script using PowerShell, Bash, Python or similar languages.

Proficiency in diagnosing and resolving hardware and software issues.

Ability to troubleshoot network connectivity problems, system errors, and performance bottlenecks.

Experience configuring and managing routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers.

Ability to develop and maintain backup strategies and disaster recovery plans.

Experience monitoring system performance, analyzing logs, and optimizing resource usage (CPU, memory, storage).

Strong documentation skills for system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting steps.

Effective communication skills for collaborating with team members, end-users, and stakeholders.

Ability to automate routine tasks using scripting or configuration management tools.

Ability to provide clear, effective technical support to end-users.

Willingness to support mission activities that may occur after hours, overnight, or on weekends.

Desired Skills

One or more of the following certifications: RHCSA, CISA, VCP-DCV, VCAP Deploy, VCAP Design, VCDX, or other advanced system administration/VMware certifications.

Experience working at a NASA facility.

Experience with Infrastructure-as-Code tools such as Ansible

4 + years of experience with VMware vSphere 8 in production.

3+ years of experience with VMware Cloud Foundation (SDDC Manager, NSX, etc).

Experience with vSAN in production.

Required Experience

4+ years of professional experience.

4+ years of Linux system administration experience.

4+ years of VMWare experience.

2+ years of Windows system administration experience

Required Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related discipline, or equivalent work experience.