Staff Systems Administrator

Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc. has an immediate need for an experienced IT Professional to serve as a Systems Administrator for the Algorithms, Modeling, and Assessments (AMA) division in Arlington, VA. The candidate will support multiple programs administering the Information Assurance (IA) duties on multiple Information Systems. The Systems Administrator will coordinate with the Information System Security Manager (ISSM) for these Information Systems to ensure the Risk Management Framework (RMF) requirements are implemented, functional, and kept up to date according to System Security Plans, the DAAPM/NISPOM and applicable NIST Publications. For this position, ARA will only consider applicants with a SECRET Security Clearance or higher. U.S. citizenship is required.

What you'll do as a Systems Administrator:

Systems Administrator (also known as Information Systems Security Officers, or ISSO as defined by the Defense Security Service, or DSS) maintains and monitors compliant information systems for use on government contracts.

• Maintains and monitors compliant information systems for use on government contracts
• Executes the security testing and evaluation to ensure the correct implementation of security requirements
• Executes security scanning and the analysis of the scan results
• Supports the Assessment and mitigation of system security threats and risks throughout the program life cycle
• Supports secure maintenance and continuous monitoring
• Performs weekly system audits, media reviews, hardware/software configuration management
• Provides technical support to users
• Performs other duties as assigned

Systems Administrator Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree with 2-4 years of experienceas NISPOM ISSO/ISSM OR 8-10 years of experience in lieu of a degree
• Assist in ensuring compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), DCSA Assessment and Authorization Process Manual (DAAPM), Department of Defense (DoD) regulations, Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs), and Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs)
• Assist the ISSM in conducting security briefings and trainings as needed
• Assist the ISSM with preparation for Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) Security Vulnerability Assessments (SVA), Command Cyber Readiness Inspections (CCRI), and Other Government Agency (OGA) inspections
• Have a strong understanding of computer operating systems (Windows and Linux), software, and computer hardware
• Can configure laptops/desktops/servers, install applications, setup network infrastructure, and troubleshoot as required
• Possess working knowledge of and experience with Cisco routers, firewalls, and switches
• Possess a DoD 8570 IAM-I level professional certification (i.e., Security +) or can obtain the certification within six (6) months of hire
• Ability to lift and move computer equipment including workstations, servers, printers, scanners, monitors, etc.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds

Systems Administrator Position Preferences:

• The highest degree of personal and professional integrity and ethics
• Strong organizational and administrative skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Strong interpersonal skills working with all levels of staff and customers
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Maintain and adhere to a high level of confidentiality
• Possess the ability to multitask, prioritize workload, and be flexible
• Possess the ability to learn new systems and procedures quickly
• Experience with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Department of Defense Directives 5200.01, volumes 1-4, and Intelligence Community Directive 705
• Proficient in IA Security specifications such as Risk Management Framework (RMF) and NIST SP 800-53
• Experience with security assessment/hardening tools, i.e., STIGs, SCAP, ACAS, etc.
• Trained and proficient in Assured File Transfer (AFT) procedures
• Security+ Certification
• Cisco Certification

About Us:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company known for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. We were founded in Albuquerque, NM in 1979 as the disco era was, thankfully, closing out and the personal computer era was beginning. We employ over 1,500 professionals and continue to grow. ARA offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software, and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA also prides ourselves on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. At ARA, employees are our greatest assets, so we give our employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take active roles as owners. The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. The company realizes employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. We are also very proud of our Women's Initiative Network (WIN) whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.

To find out more about the Algorithms, Modeling & Assessments Division visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/raleigh/

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)