System Administrator

Job Description

Virginia Tech’s Office of Export and Secure Research Compliance (OESRC) seeks an experienced System Administrator with a background in NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) or CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) to join its dynamic team of information technology and security professionals. The System Administrator will be responsible for the day-to-day management, maintenance, and security of the organization's systems and networks, ensuring they operate efficiently and securely in accordance with NIST or CMMC guidelines. This position will be expected to work collegially and collaboratively among team members as well as internal stakeholders.

Due to the nature of the work, the position is restricted to U.S. Citizens and not eligible for remote work. This position is considered emergency personnel and must be able to respond timely to emergencies within 60 minutes during evenings and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Administer, monitor, and maintain our organization's systems and networks to ensure optimal performance and uptime.
• Conduct regular system assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities, risks, and compliance gaps, and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including standard operating procedures and system configurations, in compliance with NIST or CMMC guidelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve system and network issues in a timely manner.
• Stay up to date with the latest industry trends, best practices, and regulations related to system administration, NIST, and CMMC.
• Assist in planning and implementing system upgrades and migrations while minimizing disruptions to operations.
• Provide technical support and guidance to end-users, ensuring their needs are addressed promptly and effectively.
• Participate in incident response activities, including investigating and resolving security incidents, and implementing necessary measures to prevent future occurrences.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience) or training, certifications, and progressively advanced experience in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree
• Must be a U.S. Citizen due to the nature and sensitivity of the position
• Proficient in Windows and/or Linux server administration
• Familiarity with virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V)
• Solid knowledge of networking protocols, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and VPN
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and end-users
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility and Counterintelligence (CI) or full-scope Polygraph

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Top-Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility and Counterintelligence (CI) or full-scope Polygraph
• Demonstrated working experience providing computer services support at an accredited institution of higher learning
• Strong understanding of NIST Special Publications (e.g., SP 800-53, SP 800-171), CMMC, or Risk Management Framework (RMF) frameworks
• Experience in implementing and managing security controls, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls
• Understanding of System Security Plans (SSPs) and other relevant security documentation
• Relevant certifications, such as CompTIA Security+ or CISSP

Pay Band

5

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Starting at $105,000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

May 8, 2026

Additional Information

Due to the nature of the work, the position is restricted to U.S. Citizens and is not eligible for remote work. This position is considered emergency personnel and must be able to respond timely to emergencies at the facility within 60 minutes during evenings and weekends as needed.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kaitlin Winfree at kaitnw@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.