System Administrator

Location: Ashburn, VA Onsite 3 days a weekEmployment Type: Full-TimeSummaryA Global Media and Technology company is seeking a System Administrator to join their team in Ashburn, VA .This multifaceted role combines systems engineering, systems administration, and performance testing to design, deploy, and optimize large-scale virtualized and distributed platforms , including VPIM, and VCEM.The ideal candidate is an experienced engineer with strong expertise in Linux system administration and KubernetesKey ResponsibilitiesSystems Engineering & AdministrationConfigure, monitor, and maintain complex Linux-based platforms and infrastructure .Design, deploy, and support distributed architectures in Kubernetes, Docker, and Red Hat environmentsManage and optimize infrastructure including Cisco switches, F5 load balancersDevelop, document, and maintain Methods of Procedure (MOPs) and system configuration standards.Performance & Integration- Device TestingPerform performance, functional, regression, scalability, and security testing for each release for environments a devicesDevelop automated test frameworks using Python , Ansible , and Terraform .Validate DHCP, DNS, IPsec, IPv4/IPv6, and address management features.Execute system integration testing across VPIM, VCEM, and Eview platforms to ensure stability and interoperability.Utilize Wireshark, Ixia IxLoad, Spirent, and CDrouter for packet-level network analysis and load testing.Create detailed test plans, scripts, and validation reports to support release readiness.Conduct root cause analysis on failed test cases and collaborate with engineering teams to resolve issues.Automation & DevOpsAutomate system deployment, testing, and monitoring using Python, Ansible, and Terraform .Integrate automation pipelines within Jenkins or similar CI/CD environments.Maintain lab automation frameworks for rapid provisioning and teardown of test environments.Operations & SupportSupport production and staging environments, providing expert-level troubleshooting.Coordinate with development, QA, and operations teams to ensure system uptime and reliability.Maintain detailed system documentation and architecture diagrams in Confluence .QualificationsBachelor s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).5+ years of experience in systems engineering, systems administration, or performance testing .Expertise in Linux server administration, configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting .Proficiency in Python (preferred coding language) and Linux shell scripting .Hands-on experience with Kubernetes, Docker, Cisco networking, and F5 load balancers .Strong understanding of DHCP, DNS, IPsec, IPv6 , and network troubleshooting.Experience in load, performance, and regression testing of distributed or virtualized systems.Familiarity with Wireshark, Ixia IxLoad, Spirent, CDrouter , or other performance analysis tools.Experience with CI/CD, Jenkins, Ansible, Terraform, and Jira .Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong documentation discipline.Preferred Certifications / Nice-to-HavesLinux System Administration (RHCSA/RHCE) or equivalent certification.Cisco (CCNA, CCNP/CCIE) , Juniper (JNCIA, JNCIP/JNCIE) , or Arista Certified Engineering (ACE) certifications.Certifications in Network Virtualization or AutomationExperience with secure coding, vulnerability scanning, and automated monitoring .Demonstrated expertise in automated test development, network performance analysis, and reliability engineering .