Virtual Server Administrator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
Job Summary
Join The Aerospace Corporation as a Classified Windows System Administrator (Systems Administration Specialist II/III) and play a pivotal role in securing and advancing critical national space assets.
In this dynamic role, you will deploy, operate, and maintain our enterprise-scale corporate server infrastructure as part of the high-performing Computational Services team. You will oversee thousands of enterprise and high-performance computing systems across both on-premise and cloud environments, collaborating closely with world-class rocket scientists and engineers to develop cutting-edge solutions to complex challenges in the space enterprise. In your day-to-day work, you will manage both virtual and physical server infrastructures, ensuring robust system security and adherence to operational best practices.
Our team thrives on a shared sense of responsibility and ownership, emphasizing collaboration across diverse, cross-functional groups. If you are passionate about innovative technology, eager to contribute to mission-critical projects, and ready to advance your career in a supportive, forward-thinking work environment, we invite you to apply and join us at the forefront of aerospace innovation.
Hiring for two full-time, on-site positions-one based in El Segundo, CA and one based in Chantilly, VA.
What You'll Be Doing

• Expertly manage and deploy enterprise-grade Windows server systems, ensuring robust performance and reliability in high-demand environments.
• Oversee and optimize virtual server environments and infrastructure operations to maximize efficiency and scalability.
• Implement rigorous system hardening measures and continuous monitoring to maintain optimal security posture and compliance with industry standards.
• Apply critical security updates and remediate system vulnerabilities promptly, safeguarding infrastructure against evolving threats.
• Provide comprehensive support for remote access solutions such as Citrix and Windows Terminal Server, ensuring secure and seamless connectivity for distributed teams.
• Install, operate, and maintain high-performance server hardware and storage solutions, reinforcing a stable and resilient IT foundation.

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for Systems Administration Specialist II:

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Minimum (2) years of experience in enterprise Windows administration including provisioning, configuration, troubleshooting, performance tuning, and security hardening for classified and unclassified enterprise environments is required.
• Minimum (1) year of enterprise virtualization experience with either VMware or Hyper-V is required.
• Proven ability to articulate ideas clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats, facilitating seamless collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated expertise in time management and task prioritization, ensuring efficient execution of responsibilities even in high-pressure environments.
• Ready to embrace change and excel in dynamic work environments, quickly adjusting to evolving organizational needs and challenges.
• A committed professional who takes pride in delivering outstanding customer service while upholding the highest standards of personal and professional integrity.
• Ability to obtain DoD 8570.01-m requirements for IAT Level II personnel such as CompTIA Security+ certification is required.
• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Systems Administration Specialist III include:

• Minimum (3 years in enterprise Windows administration including provisioning, configuration, troubleshooting, performance tuning, and security hardening for classified and unclassified enterprise environments is required.
• Minimum (3) years of experience supporting an enterprise-scale Windows environment that includes NFS or Windows file system shares and Active Directory integration is required.

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Information Systems/Technology is highly desirable, or an equivalent level of practical experience demonstrating advanced problem-solving capabilities in enterprise IT environments, is preferred.
• Proven experience in automating repetitive tasks using modern DevOps and scripting tools such as Puppet, PowerShell DSC, Ansible, Bash, PowerShell, Terraform, or Python, ensuring efficient system management and operational excellence.
• Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on experience with critical Windows environments, including:
  
  • MS SQL Always-On Clustering: Expert in implementing and managing high-availability SQL Server clusters.
  • Virtualization Platforms: Proficient with VMware ESXi, vCenter, and associated high availability services, as well as Hyper-V and Windows Admin Center for robust virtualization management.
• Experience deploying and maintaining Windows systems in air-gapped environments is preferred, highlighting your ability to manage and secure isolated network infrastructures.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$30.80 - $56.16
Pay Basis: Hourly
Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.