System Administrator Level II and III

Desktop Services System AdministratorLocation: Fort Meade, MDCategory: TechnicalClearance Requirement: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph (most recent poly within the last 7 years)Certification Requirement: DoD 8570 IAT II (Required)Education Requirement: B.S in technical disciplineExperience Requirement: Level I: 3+ with degree, 8+ without degree. Level II: 5+ with degree, 10+ without.Compensation Range: $83,000-$158,000Position OverviewTAP Engineering is seeking System Administrators at the I and II levels to provide Infrastructure Server and Desktop Sustainment services in support of High Performance Computing (HPC) environments. This role enhances and complements HPC sustainment capabilities across two geographically dispersed locations, supporting mission-critical desktop, workstation, and peripheral infrastructure.This position focuses on the deployment, integration, configuration, tuning, and operational support of custom Linux-based workstations, peripheral hardware, and desktop ecosystem components in a secure, fast-paced environment.Technical EnvironmentCustom Linux-based workstations and desktopsEnterprise desktop and workstation hardwareMonitors and display systemsKVM switchesPeripheral devices (keyboards, mice, media converters, etc.)Printers and multifunction devices (HP, Dell, Lexmark, etc.)Structured cabling (Ethernet, fiber, serial, VGA, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.)Client/server, storage, and network devicesLinux, Unix, and Windows operating systemsKey Responsibilities (All Levels)Provide support for the implementation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of IT systemsSupport installation, deployment, integration, configuration, tuning, and operational support of workstation hardware and peripheralsPerform day-to-day system operations, monitoring, and incident responseManage daily configuration and operational health of desktop systemsAssist users with accessing and using IT systemsProvide Tier 1 and Tier 2 support based on experience levelEscalate issues appropriately and communicate status to Government and internal stakeholdersSupport dispatch operations for hardware issues and remain involved through resolutionOptimize system performance and resource utilizationSupport system capacity analysis and planningMaintain accurate system documentation and operational recordsFollow Government-defined ticketing, change management, and operational proceduresLevel DifferentiationSystem Administrator I (Entry-Level)Focus: Execution, Tier 1 support, and foundational desktop operationsPerforms routine desktop and workstation support tasks under supervisionProvides Tier 1 (Help Desk) support and basic Tier 2 escalation assistanceSupports installation and configuration of workstations and peripheralsAssists users with system access and basic troubleshootingPerforms standard maintenance, patching, and documentationSupports cabling, hardware setup, and device integrationEscalates complex issues to mid-level administratorsSystem Administrator II (Mid-Level)Focus: Independent operations, Tier 2 ownership, and advanced troubleshootingIndependently administers desktop and workstation environmentsProvides Tier 1 and Tier 2 support, including advanced troubleshootingPerforms root cause analysis and remediationManages daily configuration and operational health of desktop systemsSupports Linux, Unix, and Windows desktop environmentsExecutes system deployments, upgrades, and transitionsProvides detailed analysis and feedback for escalated incidentsSupports dispatch operations for hardware-related issuesConfigures and manages operating systems and device integrationsImplements system enhancements to improve reliability and performanceServes as an escalation point for junior administrators Required Qualifications (All Levels)Active TS/SCI clearance with Full Scope Polygraph (most recent poly within the last 7 years)DoD 8570 IAT II certificationExperience supporting desktop or workstation environmentsExperience supporting Linux-based or Unix-based systemsFamiliarity with enterprise IT infrastructureStrong troubleshooting and documentation skillsStrong verbal and written communication skillsAbility to work effectively in a 24/7 operational environment (as required)Ability to collaborate with Government and contractor personnelBenefits OverviewTAP Engineering offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:Paid Time Off: 15–25 days annually based on tenure, plus 11 paid holidays (never use-or-lose)Retirement: Up to 15% employer contribution to a 401(k) through match and profit sharingMedical Coverage: Free medical insurance for employees, with optional buy-up plans for dependentsDental & Vision: Employer-paid plans with optional enhancementsInsurance Coverage: Employer-paid life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disabilityFlexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and dependent care FSAsTuition Reimbursement: Up to $36,000 per year for approved courseworkAdditional Benefits: Employee Assistance Program, wellness incentives, discount programs, virtual care, prescription savings, and travel supportPerformance-Based Rewards: Merit increases, performance bonuses, and referral bonusesClearance RequirementThis position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance with Full Scope Polygraph, based on a current Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI/SBI). Clearance and polygraph processing will be completed by the U.S. Government. Factors considered for U.S. Government security clearance eligibility include, but are not limited to:U.S. citizenshipFavorable criminal history reviewEducation verificationDrug and substance use reviewCredit history reviewSubject interviewAdditional InformationBy submitting your resume for this position, you acknowledge and agree that TAP Engineering may share your resume and related application materials with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for consideration for other available positions.TAP Engineering is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.