IT Systems Administrator III

Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight-one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We’re not just reaching for the stars-we’re engineering them. Let’s innovate the infinite, together., As an IT Systems Administrator III, you’ll lead advanced system administration, security enforcement, and infrastructure operations across the organization. You’ll be responsible for maintaining highly secure and reliable IT environments, including servers, virtualization platforms, networks, and cloud systems. You’ll troubleshoot complex technical issues, strengthen cybersecurity posture, and drive system and process improvements.

You’ll play a key role in compliance efforts (including CMMC and NIST), support audits, and operate within secure or classified environments when required. You’ll also mentor junior team members, contribute to IT policies and procedures, and collaborate across teams to ensure systems align with business and security objectives.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Administer Systems & Infrastructure: Design, configure, optimize, and maintain enterprise servers, virtualization platforms, storage systems, and network infrastructure.
• Enforce Security & Compliance: Implement cybersecurity controls including patching, endpoint protection, vulnerability remediation, and compliance with frameworks such as CMMC and NIST.
• Resolve Advanced Technical Issues: Troubleshoot and resolve escalated system, network, and application issues to maintain performance and uptime.
• Support Secure Environments: Manage systems within access-controlled or classified environments, ensuring adherence to strict security protocols and clearance requirements.
• Lead IT Projects: Plan and execute infrastructure upgrades, system migrations, automation initiatives, and performance improvements.
• Manage System Performance: Monitor systems, analyze performance metrics, and implement proactive optimizations.
• Support Disaster Recovery: Participate in backup management, restoration testing, and disaster recovery planning and execution.
• Maintain System Operations: Oversee patching, maintenance windows, firmware updates, and configuration management.
• Administer Network & Security Services: Support firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection/prevention systems, DNS, DHCP, and other core network services.
• Manage Software Licensing: Track, maintain, and ensure compliance with software licensing agreements.
• Document Systems & Policies: Develop and maintain system configurations, diagrams, procedures, and security documentation.
• Support Audits & Compliance: Assist with audits and continuous improvement efforts related to security and regulatory standards.
• Provide On-Call Support: Participate in on-call rotations, scheduled outages, and incident response activities.
• Mentor Junior Staff: Provide technical leadership, training, and guidance to junior IT team members.
• Research & Recommend Improvements: Evaluate new technologies and best practices to enhance system efficiency, reliability, and security.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Partner with Engineering, Cybersecurity, and business teams to align IT operations with organizational goals.
• Report Project Status: Provide updates on ongoing IT projects and operational initiatives.
• Perform Other Duties: Complete additional responsibilities as assigned.

YOU’RE AWESOME AT:

• Advanced Infrastructure Management: You excel at managing complex enterprise environments including servers, networks, virtualization, and cloud platforms.
• Cybersecurity & Compliance: You have strong expertise in system hardening, vulnerability management, and compliance frameworks like NIST and CMMC.
• Complex Troubleshooting: You can quickly diagnose and resolve high-level technical issues across infrastructure and applications.
• Operating in Secure Environments: You understand and adhere to strict security protocols required in controlled or classified environments.
• Process Improvement: You identify inefficiencies and implement scalable, secure solutions.
• Documentation & Communication: You produce clear, thorough documentation and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (preferred).
• 5 or more years of experience in system administration, networking, and security operations.
• Strong experience with Windows/Linux server environments, Active Directory, virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper-V), and enterprise networking.
• Solid understanding of network security, including firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and secure configuration practices.
• Experience with cloud platforms such as Azure and AWS, along with identity and access management systems.
• Working knowledge of security frameworks such as NIST, CMMC, ISO, or similar compliance standards.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex infrastructure, application, and network issues and implement effective long-term solutions.
• Experience with scripting and automation tools such as PowerShell or Python (preferred).
• Familiarity with IT monitoring tools, ticketing systems, and remote support platforms.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to document systems, procedures, and technical processes clearly.
• Relevant certifications such as Security+, Azure Administrator, CCNA, or equivalent (preferred).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance and work in secure or classified environments.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance., Potential new employees must successfully complete a background check which includes criminal search, education certification and employment verification prior to hire. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S as you must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

The starting base salary for this position ranges from $98,105 to $147,157 per year, depending on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, Innoflight offers a well-rounded compensation package that includes a Profit-Sharing Bonus and a Cash Performance Bonus to reward both individual and company performance. Additional benefits include:

• 401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
• 10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO (starting in year one)
• Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal and pet insurance., * Flexible Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off-whether you use it to recharge, work on a passion project, or spend time with family, the choice is yours.
• Continuous Learning & Development: We’re serious about professional development. From tuition reimbursement to internal “Ask Me Anything” sessions and weekly “Lunch & Learns,” we make learning a core part of the job.
• Mission-Driven Culture: We aren’t just building tech-we’re enabling the next era of space exploration. Our Culture Ambassadors help lead initiatives around inclusion, positivity, recognition, and transparency. Here, your voice is heard, your work is respected, and your individuality is celebrated.