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Senior Windows Systems Engineer Jobs in Crofton, 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 ... Collaborate with cybersecurity, network engineering, systems engineering, and mission stakeholders ...

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 ... Collaborate with cybersecurity, network engineering, systems engineering, and mission stakeholders ...

USM

Windows Systems Engineer

Washington, DC

Windows Systems Engineer Location: Washington, DC Duration: 1+ year Primary Skills: Active Directory and Citrix Required skills: Working knowledge of Windows 2008/2012 Active Directory and Group ...

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Senior Windows/Azure Administrator, Top Secret Clearance with SCI requ

Washington, DC · On-site

$175K - $210K/yr

Senior Windows Systems Administrator (TS/SCI Required) Location: On‐Site (U.S. Government Facility) Clearance: Active Top Secret Clearance with SCI (TS/SCI) -- Mandatory Employment Type:

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Senior Windows Systems Engineer information

See Crofton, MD salary details

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How much do senior windows systems engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior windows systems engineer in Crofton, MD is $64.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56.39 and $76.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by senior Windows systems engineers when managing large-scale enterprise environments?

Senior Windows Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring system uptime during maintenance, managing complex Active Directory environments, and troubleshooting issues across multiple Windows servers. Balancing security requirements with user accessibility, keeping up with frequent updates and patches, and coordinating with other IT teams for seamless integration can also be demanding. Effective communication and strong problem-solving skills are key to overcoming these challenges and maintaining a stable, secure infrastructure.

What is the difference between Senior Windows Systems Engineer vs Windows Systems Administrator?

AspectSenior Windows Systems EngineerWindows Systems Administrator
CertificationsMCSE, MCSA, VMwareMCSE, MCSA
Work EnvironmentDesign, implementation, troubleshooting complex systemsDay-to-day maintenance, user support, system monitoring
ResponsibilitiesArchitecting solutions, optimizing performance, leading projectsManaging user accounts, backups, system updates

The Senior Windows Systems Engineer typically focuses on designing and implementing complex Windows infrastructure, while the Windows Systems Administrator handles routine maintenance and support tasks. Both roles require similar certifications and work in Windows-based environments, but the engineer role involves higher-level planning and problem-solving.

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

To thrive as a Senior Windows Systems Engineer, you need expert knowledge of Windows Server environments, Active Directory, and strong troubleshooting skills, typically backed by a bachelor’s degree in IT or related field. Familiarity with tools like PowerShell, virtualization platforms (VMware/Hyper-V), and certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and the capacity to work independently or lead teams distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure reliable system performance, secure infrastructure, and seamless operations within complex enterprise environments.

How much money does a senior Windows Systems Engineer make?

A senior Windows Systems Engineer typically earns between $90,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications such as Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE). They often work with enterprise environments, managing Windows servers, Active Directory, and virtualization tools like Hyper-V or VMware.

What does a senior Windows systems engineer do?

A Senior Windows Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex Windows-based server environments for organizations. They manage system configurations, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure the security and performance of Windows servers. Additionally, they often lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with other IT teams to support business operations. Their role is critical in ensuring that the organization's IT infrastructure runs efficiently and securely.

What cities near Crofton, MD are hiring for Senior Windows Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities near Crofton, MD with the most Senior Windows Systems Engineer job openings:

Senior Windows Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Windows Systems Engineer job openings in Crofton, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,451 per year, or $64.2 per hour.

Sr. Windows Systems Administrator

Astrion

Columbia, MD • On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 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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