Systems Administrator

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted. 

The Space and Intelligence Division provides engineering services and analytic support to the Air Force, Space Force, Combatant Commands, the Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes systems engineering and integration, test planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging, high priority National Defense needs, and assessing and developing cutting-edge technologies and capabilities to meet those needs. 

SPA has an immediate need for a Systems Administrator. 

As a Systems Administrator at SPA, you will be assigned to support SC/SZYO who is tasked with defending the USSF mission systems by further developing software for systems listed below in support of rapid agile development of defensive cyber solutions to protect, defend, and respond to both ground- and space-based cyber adversarial threats. The development activities adhere to the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), which offers proven, integrated principles, practices, and competencies to implement lean, agile, and secure Development, Security, and Operations (DevSecOps) at scale. DevSecOps automates the integration of security at every phase of the software development lifecycle, from initial design through integration, testing, deployment, and software delivery. Additionally, the USSF leverages Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) where possible, licensed applications where necessary, and well-documented processes to ensure repeatable software releases.

Development efforts shall result in two deployable defensive cyber solutions to protect, defend, and respond to USSF mission systems as described herein:

1. System One: The first system, called Manticore is an Out-Of-Band (OOB) defensive cyber solution designed to provide enterprise-level cyber “Identify and Detect” capabilities for USSF legacy and future Space Mission Systems. Manticore duplicates data and analyzes the data passively with no ability to impact mission data or mission systems in real time.
2. System Two: The second system, called Kraken is an in-band defensive cyber solution that provides enterprise-level cyber “Protect/Respond” capabilities for USSF legacy and future space mission systems. Ultimately, Kraken allows data and mission systems the real-time ability to demonstrate “active” defense against cyber threats.

The duties associated with this role include but are not limited to the following:

• Supports, designs, maintains and monitors internal and external networks.
• Implements and manages all systems, applications, security and network configurations.
• Resolves network performance issues and establishes a disaster recovery plan.
• Recommends upgrades, patches and new applications and equipment.
• Provides technical support and guidance to users.
• Relies on knowledge and professional discretion to achieve goals.
• Usually reports to a supervisor or department head.
• This position will require privileged access and DODM 8570.01M restrictions will apply.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 6 years of Systems Administrator experience working in the Space industry focused on requirements definition, analysis, and management
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
• Your resume must demonstrate:
  
  • Experience with the following programs: Bash scripting, Python
  • Certifications in CCNA, Security+, CCDE, IAT Level III or equivalent 
  • Active Secret Clearance, with eligibility for a Top Secret  SCI 

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent.  Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.  

SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.  

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only.  Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.  California/Colorado Pay Transparency Range:  80k - 140k.