IT Engineer I

Department: OperationsLocation: San Diego, CACompensation: $90,000 - $150,000 / yearDescriptionInnovative Defense Technologies (IDT), a leading defense technology company, is seeking a Systems Administrator to be part of our Security team and based out of our San Diego, CA location.The Systems Administrator will support the management, maintenance, and security of critical virtual and physical infrastructure environments across Linux, Windows, and VMware ESXi platforms. The ideal candidate has strong experience with Red Hat Linux, Windows administration, system hardening, troubleshooting, and maintaining secure, highly available enterprise systems.Clearance & Location Requirements:All applicants must currently possess an active Secret U.S. Security Clearance.This is an on-site position. Requiring at least 5 days in office, based out of our San Diego, CA location.Key ResponsibilitiesSystem Administration: Install, configure, secure, maintain, and troubleshoot RHEL 8/9, Windows 11, and Windows Server systems across physical and virtual environments.Infrastructure Management: Administer VMware vSphere environments including ESXi hosts, vCenter Server, and supporting virtual infrastructure components.System Maintenance: Perform system patching, software updates, firmware maintenance, and lifecycle management activities across Linux, Windows, VMware, and Cisco infrastructure.Secure Configuration & Compliance: Implement and maintain DISA STIGs, security baselines, and hardened configurations using tools such as STIG Viewer, Evaluate-STIG, and SCAP Compliance Checker (SCC).Vulnerability Management: Conduct Tenable/ACAS vulnerability scans, analyze findings, and implement remediation activities including patches, configuration changes, and compensating controls.RMF & Continuous Monitoring: Support RMF and A&A activities including eMASS updates, security control validation, audit readiness, and continuous monitoring efforts.Access Control Management: Manage user accounts, permissions, and access controls in accordance with security policies and least-privilege principles.Troubleshooting & Operational Support: Provide Tier 2/3 support for complex system, virtualization, and infrastructure issues including outages, performance degradation, and configuration problems.Automation & Scripting: Develop and maintain automation scripts and workflows using Bash, Python, PowerCLI, Ansible, or similar technologies to improve operational efficiency and consistency.Security Tool Administration: Install, configure, and maintain security and monitoring tools supporting system protection, vulnerability management, and operational visibility.Collaboration & Documentation: Coordinate with engineering, cybersecurity, and operations teams while maintaining accurate system documentation, remediation tracking, and compliance artifacts.Skills, Knowledge & ExpertiseBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.5+ years of systems administration, infrastructure support, cybersecurity, or related experience within enterprise or DoD environments.Security+ CE certification or equivalent IAT/IAM Level I or II certification in accordance with DoD 8140/8570 requirements.Ability to travel up to 20% of the time as needed.Strong experience administering and troubleshooting Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and Windows enterprise environments.Experience managing VMware vSphere environments including ESXi, vCenter, Hyper-V, or similar virtualization technologies.Experience with vulnerability scanning, remediation, and continuous monitoring using Tenable Security Center, Nessus, ACAS, or similar security tools.Experience implementing DISA STIGs, system hardening, endpoint protection, and maintaining compliance within regulated or closed network environments.Experience developing automation scripts using Bash, Python, PowerShell, or similar scripting languages.Strong understanding of networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, DNS, VLANs, DHCP, routing, switching, and network troubleshooting.Familiarity with RMF, eMASS, ATO processes, backup and disaster recovery operations, and DoD compliance requirements.Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills with the ability to coordinate effectively across engineering, cybersecurity, and operational teams.Why Work at Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT):IDT is a growing company with a vibrant, entrepreneurial culture. We are headquartered in Arlington, VA with additional offices in Fall River, MA; Mount Laurel, NJ; and San Diego, CA. At each location, our employees work together in a modern, snack-filled, and social office space, designing innovative solutions for our defense industry customers. We offer employees competitive pay and benefits including: Generous benefits packageCompetitive PTOPaid holidays401(k) with immediate vesting and matching9/80 optional schedule (2nd and 4th Friday off every month) Tuition Assistance Reimbursement ProgramProfessional Development ResourcesPre-Tax Commuter BenefitsOrganization-Wide Monthly Tech Connect EventsAnnual Employee Recognition AwardsRegular Social Events and Catered Lunches