Career Defining Opportunities Jobs in Washington DC

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Senior Information Systems Administrator (R3077) *Top Secret Clearance required

Company: Shield AI

Location: Washington DC

Posted Feb 02, 2025

Shield AI is seeking a highly experienced Systems Administrator with 35 years of experience to join their Classified IT Team. The ideal candidate will have a strong desire to learn, exceptional troubleshooting skills, and a commitment to upholding high standards. The role involves maintaining classified and CUI information systems, providing technical support, problem resolution, escalation, documentation, onsite support, imaging and deployment, training and development, and participating in new system planning. Required qualifications include extensive experience in system administration, customer support skills, technical skills in Windows Server, Ubuntu, and cloud environments, A+ and Security+ certifications, and a DOD Top Secret security clearance. Preferred qualifications include advanced technical expertise, scripting and automation skills, and cross-platform experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical salary ranges for Career Defining roles by seniority?
<strong>Entry‑level (0‑2 yrs):</strong> $90k–$140k for AI/ML or Data Engineer. <strong>Mid‑level (3‑5 yrs):</strong> $120k–$200k, especially for Cloud Architects or Product Leads. <strong>Senior (6‑10 yrs):</strong> $160k–$280k for Senior ML Engineer or Lead Product Manager. <strong>Lead/Director (10+ yrs):</strong> $200k–$350k, often with equity or profit‑sharing.
What skills and certifications are most valuable for these opportunities?
Core skills: Python, PyTorch/TensorFlow, Kubernetes, Terraform, CI/CD (GitHub Actions, ArgoCD). Certifications: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer, Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer, Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), and security credentials like CISSP or CompTIA Security+.
Is remote work available for Career Defining roles?
Yes—over 80% of openings support full‑time remote or hybrid models. Employers provide cloud access, secure VPN, and collaboration tools (Slack, Zoom, Jira) to enable distributed teams.
What career progression paths exist within this category?
Typical trajectory: Associate → Senior → Lead/Principal → Director → VP. Progression hinges on mastering technical depth, leading larger squads, and driving business outcomes. Accelerated paths exist for those who contribute to open‑source, patents, or high‑visibility projects.
What industry trends shape the future of Career Defining Opportunities?
Key trends: democratized AI via AutoML, edge computing for IoT, quantum‑ready cloud services, zero‑trust security, sustainability tech (green cloud), and AI ethics governance. Companies seek leaders who can navigate these shifts.

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