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Senior Windows Administrator Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Astrion

Sr. Windows Systems Administrator

Columbia, MD · On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

Overview Senior Windows Systems Administrator LOCATION: Columbia, MD (Onsite) JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Active Top Secret / TS/SCI (Required) TRAVEL: Less than 10% SALARY RANGE: $145k - $165k ...

Astrion

Sr. Windows Systems Administrator

Columbia, MD

$145K - $165K/yr

Overview Senior Windows Systems Administrator LOCATION: Columbia, MD (Onsite) JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Active Top Secret / TS/SCI (Required) TRAVEL: Less than 10% SALARY RANGE: $145k - $165k ...

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How much do senior windows administrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior windows administrator in Silver Spring, MD is $60.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52.74 and $66.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior Windows administrator?

Senior Windows Administrators are experienced IT professionals responsible for managing, configuring, and maintaining Microsoft Windows-based servers and systems within an organization. They oversee system performance, security, and updates, often leading a team of administrators. Their duties include troubleshooting complex issues, implementing best practices, and ensuring the smooth operation of Windows environments. Senior Windows Administrators also play a key role in planning and executing system upgrades and migrations. They typically possess advanced knowledge of Active Directory, group policies, and scripting languages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior Windows administrator?

To thrive as a Senior Windows Administrator, you need deep expertise in Windows Server management, Active Directory, system security, and troubleshooting, typically supported by a degree in IT or related certifications like Microsoft Certified: Windows Server or Azure Administrator. Familiarity with PowerShell scripting, virtualization platforms (such as Hyper-V or VMware), and enterprise monitoring tools is crucial. Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills help you collaborate effectively and manage complex environments. These competencies ensure reliable system performance, security, and smooth IT operations in enterprise settings.

What are some common challenges senior Windows administrators face when managing large-scale enterprise environments?

Senior Windows Administrators often encounter challenges related to maintaining system security, ensuring high availability, and managing patch deployments across numerous servers. Balancing day-to-day troubleshooting with strategic projects, such as migrations or upgrades, can also be demanding. Additionally, coordinating with other IT teams—like network engineers and security specialists—is essential to ensure seamless operations and compliance with organizational policies.

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Senior Windows Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Windows Administrator job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,612 per year, or $60.4 per hour.

Sr. Windows Systems Administrator

Columbia, MD • On-site

Astrion
5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Astrionexternal

$145K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Overview
Senior Windows Systems Administrator
LOCATION: Columbia, MD (Onsite)
JOB STATUS: Full-time
CLEARANCE: Active Top Secret / TS/SCI (Required)
TRAVEL: Less than 10%
SALARY RANGE: $145k - $165k
Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced Senior Windows Administrator to build, secure, and sustain the Windows Server estate, the Windows 11 workstation fleet, and the Active Directory and Windows network services that run across three or more isolated classified networks supporting Department of Defense/Department of War (DoD/DoW) environments in Columbia, MD. The ideal candidate brings deep Windows Server and Active Directory expertise, extensive experience operating inside closed and air-gapped classified enclaves, and a proven record of building and maintaining systems in compliance with Risk Management Framework (RMF), DoD STIG, and Comply-to-Connect (C2C) requirements. This position requires Monday through Friday on-site work at our facility in Columbia, MD.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance (required)
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 8+ years of Windows systems and network administration experience within DoD/DoW or classified environments
  • Deep expertise in:
    • Windows Server administration (2016 through 2022): installation, patching, performance tuning, roles and features, storage, and networking
    • Active Directory Domain Services: Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, DFS, ADCS, sites and replication, and trusts
    • Scripting and automation (PowerShell and desired-state configuration)
    • Windows endpoint management (Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, imaging, Group Policy)
    • End-user support on Classified Windows 11 and Windows Server supporting Operating System, supported applications, and hardware issues
  • Demonstrated experience implementing and maintaining DoD STIG compliance on Windows Server and workstations
  • Experience with offline and air-gapped patching (WSUS or MECM in an isolated enclave)
  • Strong understanding of:
    • RMF (Risk Management Framework)
    • DISA security requirements and accreditation processes
    • DCSA accreditation standards
  • Active DoD 8140 (formerly DoD 8570) compliant baseline certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CISSP)
  • Active DoD 8140 compliant computing environment certification (e.g., minimum Microsoft certification such as Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate or MCSA/MCSE equivalent)
  • Experience with:
    • ACAS or Nessus and SCAP scanning
    • SIEM integration and Windows event and log analysis
    • Continuous monitoring under RMF

KEY COMPETENCIES
  • Advanced Windows Server and Active Directory administration and troubleshooting
  • Security hardening and compliance enforcement
  • Automation and scripting (PowerShell)
  • Strong troubleshooting skills used in end-user support
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills
  • Ability to operate in high-security, mission-critical environments

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
  • On-Premise deployment and administration of Microsoft SharePoint environments
  • Microsoft certifications such as Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate, Azure Administrator (AZ-104), or Identity and Access Administrator
  • Hyper-V and Windows Failover Clustering, and storage experience (NetApp or SAN)
  • PKI and Active Directory Certificate Services design and administration
  • PowerShell automation at scale (desired-state configuration, Git-based configuration management)
  • Zero Trust architectures and application allowlisting (AppLocker or WDAC) in classified environments
  • Prior experience supporting Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) programs
  • Experience with cloud-based DoD environments (e.g., Azure Government, Azure Secret)
  • Project management experience and experience briefing executive leadership

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Administer, patch, and sustain Windows Server (2016 through 2022) and Windows 11 workstations across three or more isolated classified networks, each operated as its own authorization boundary
  • Provide end-user support for classified Windows Server and Windows 11 workstations to include troubleshooting supported applications, hardware, and operating system issues.
  • Administer Active Directory Domain Services across a separate forest per enclave: Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, DFS, Active Directory Certificate Services, sites and replication, and trust health
  • Build, harden, and baseline Windows systems to DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs); remediate findings and control configuration drift
  • Manage the Windows workstation fleet with Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM), image build and deployment (MDT/WDS), application packaging, and Group Policy on closed networks
  • Perform patching and updates on air-gapped networks through approved offline processes (WSUS in an isolated enclave, MECM, or trusted media transfer), with a defined cadence and an emergency-patch path
  • Administer Windows network services: DNS, DHCP, name resolution, time synchronization, PKI and certificate services, and Windows Firewall with IPsec policy
  • Administer virtualization and clustering where present (Hyper-V, Windows Failover Clustering), including capacity planning and recovery testing
  • Automate provisioning, configuration, and remediation with PowerShell and desired-state configuration, including on disconnected systems
  • Administer host-based endpoint protection (Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or approved ESS) and integrate with the security tool stack
  • Implement and maintain C2C and 802.1x posture for Windows endpoints
  • Perform vulnerability remediation and continuous monitoring in accordance with RMF controls; run and interpret ACAS and SCAP scans and review Windows event and audit logs
  • Support the Authority to Operate (ATO) process, including STIG checklists, POA&Ms, and risk assessments
  • Maintain backup and recovery for Windows systems and Active Directory, including system state and authoritative and non-authoritative restore
  • Develop and maintain system documentation, diagrams, SOPs, and security artifacts
  • Troubleshoot complex issues across multi-network, multi-vendor environments
  • Collaborate with cybersecurity, network engineering, systems engineering, and mission stakeholders to ensure secure, reliable operations
  • Support audits, inspections, and compliance validation activities

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