Systems Administrator II

SRI is seeking an experienced Systems Administrator to support secure research programs at our Princeton, New Jersey facility. This position focuses primarily on Windows Server and workstation administration, with additional responsibilities supporting Linux systems, virtualization, enterprise storage, backup and recovery, Microsoft cloud services, and security compliance. The successful candidate will work independently and collaboratively with researchers, engineers, cybersecurity personnel, and IT teams to maintain reliable, secure, and compliant computing environments., * Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Windows servers, workstations, and associated infrastructure.

• Administer Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, file services, and related Microsoft infrastructure.
• Support Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft 365 services, including identity management, user administration, and access controls.
• Manage Windows file shares, NTFS permissions, access controls, and shared storage resources.
• Administer and maintain virtualized computing environments, including VMware and Proxmox platforms.
• Provide hands-on technical support for researchers and engineers working in secure computing environments.
• Implement and maintain system security controls, including DISA STIGs, patch management, vulnerability remediation, and access management.
• Administer and maintain enterprise backup and recovery solutions, including backup monitoring, troubleshooting, and restoration.
• Support enterprise storage systems, including network-attached storage (NAS) and shared storage infrastructure.
• Monitor system performance, troubleshoot complex technical issues, and maintain operational reliability.
• Develop scripts and automation using PowerShell, Bash, Python, or similar tools.
• Support security assessments, compliance activities, and technical documentation in coordination with cybersecurity personnel.

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline or equivalent professional experience.
• U.S. Citizen with a current Top Secret security clearance and the eligibility for Special Access Program (SAP) access.
• 5+ years of systems administration experience, with additional experience preferred for senior-level consideration.
• CompTIA Security+ certification or qualifying higher-level certification (such as CISSP), or ability to obtain an approved certification within 6 months of hire.
• Strong Windows Server and workstation administration experience, including installation, configuration, troubleshooting, security, and maintenance.
• Experience administering Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and Windows file services.
• Experience with VMware, Proxmox, or comparable enterprise virtualization platforms.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft 365 administration.
• Working knowledge of Linux system administration and command-line tools.
• Familiarity with DISA STIGs, system hardening, and government security compliance requirements.
• Experience with system backups, recovery procedures, and enterprise storage concepts.
• Experience with PowerShell scripting and system administration automation.
• Experience supporting classified government programs, defense research, or restricted computing environments.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, documentation, and independent problem-solving skills.

Desired skills:

• Advanced experience managing Windows file shares, NTFS permissions, SMB protocols, and access control structures.
• Experience administering Commvault backup and recovery solutions, including backup policies, storage management, and restoration.
• Experience with Dell EMC Isilon (PowerScale) network-attached storage systems.
• Experience with Dell PowerVault storage systems, including configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Advanced experience with VMware vSphere/ESXi and Proxmox VE, including virtual machine provisioning, management, and troubleshooting.
• Experience administering Microsoft Entra ID, including identity synchronization, conditional access, and hybrid identity environments.
• Experience administering Microsoft 365, including Exchange Online, licensing, user management, and Microsoft 365 security controls.
• Experience with Microsoft Exchange Server administration and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu, or comparable Linux distributions.
• Knowledge of NISPOM, Risk Management Framework (RMF), and NIST security requirements.
• Experience supporting scientific computing, research applications, or specialized engineering environments.

The salary range is: $92,160-$122,112. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI’s Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.

SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For almost 80 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.