Job Details

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

JPL is seeking a Systems Administrator to join the Enterprise Technology Special Programs Office in support of JPL’s National Partnerships Office. As part of the IT Special Programs team, the candidate will provide daily operational and expert support for highly available Windows and Linux servers, systems, and platforms to solve a wide array of customer needs and requests and enable projects to perform and deliver on milestones and deadlines to non-NASA sponsors. The Systems Administrator is responsible for effective provisioning, installation/configuration, operation, and maintenance of systems hardware and software and related infrastructure. This individual also participates in technical research and development to enable continuing innovation within the infrastructure. This individual ensures that system hardware, operating systems, software systems, and related procedures adhere to organizational values and sponsor and cybersecurity requirements. Candidates must be self-starters and be able to solve complex problems with minimal supervision.

The System Administrator will

• Provide support for implementation, troubleshooting and maintenance of Information Technology (IT) systems to include but not limited to:

• Network configuration and deployment with Cisco and Juniper technologies

• Server administration of Linux and Windows environments

• Administration of virtualized environments on VMware, VirtualBox, and VergeIO

• Vulnerability and compliance scanning, analysis, testing, and remediation using Tenable SC

• Operation and configuration of Ansible and Salt IT automation tools

• Ability to automate recurring tasks in scripting languages like Bash, PowerShell, YAML, and Python

• Familiarity with administering NAS (storage) technologies

• Development and deployment of infrastructure solutions and configuration changes

• Risk assessment and management of vulnerabilities

• Detailed documentation of work processes in applications like Confluence and Jira

• Relentlessly seeking proactive solutions to inefficient processes

• Manage the IT system infrastructure and any processes related to these systems

• Provide support to IT systems including day-to-day operations, monitoring and problem resolution for all client/server/storage/network devices, etc.

• Provide Tier 2/3 (Escalation) problem identification, diagnosis and resolution of problems. Assist as needed with Tier 1 (Help Desk) and provide mentoring and leadership for Tier 1 staff

• Configure and manage Windows and Linux operating systems and install/load operating system software, troubleshoot, maintain integrity and configure network components along with implementing operating systems enhancements to improve reliability and performance

• Participate on teams in the analysis and design of new large-scale deployments of new and/or modifications to existing systems

• Perform high level analysis of software systems and requirements, processes, and characteristics for the purpose of assuring efficient and effective software design and operation

• Evaluate system requirements regarding impact to existing environment and suggest improvements or alternatives

• Have extensive experience with IT security and related technologies to ensure compliance with regulations and government sponsor security requirements

• Must be accomplished in all areas of analysis, design, installation, implementation, configuration, tuning, administration, operation, and security of software systems

• Be available to work on-site in a team environment of internal and external co-workers

Experience/Education

• Typically requires a bachelor’s with 6 years of related experience; master’s with 4 years of related experience; or PhD with 2 years of related experience.

Candidate may be required to:

• Respond to after-hours requests as required in a 24 x 7 environment

• Be available to work non-standard hours; early hours, after hours, weeknights, or weekends as needed

Required Certifications: Must have a current IAT Level II/III, or IAM Level I/II/III 8140 Cyber Workforce Management Certification (examples: Security+, CASP, Cloud+, CISSP, etc.)

Required Clearance: Candidate must have an active TS/SCI clearance

Current Counter-Intelligence (CI) Poly is highly desired. Must be willing to submit to a CI Poly

Preferred Skills:

• Have extensive experience supporting users Windows or Linux VM’s, Workstations and Servers.

• Have extensive experience working in heterogeneous computing environments. (i.e. Linux, Windows, Macintosh)

• Demonstrate experience installing and configuring Windows and Linux servers and workstations for both development and operational environments. (Windows Server 2019+, Linux RHEL8+)

• Have experience in managing storage environments, large data storage pools and related hardware

• Demonstrate experience providing systems administration support to scientists and/or engineers

• Demonstrate ability to juggle multiple responsibilities effectively

• Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• Have used or worked in environments employing configuration management and/or configuration control measures

• Able to write detailed instructions and documentation regarding systems administration activities

• Experience supporting computing or networking systems in challenging environments with high stakes outcomes

• Experience supporting senior officers in US military services or Federal agencies

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks (https://www.jpl.jobs/benefits-perks)

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training. Hiring range for this job may be adjusted based on primary work location outside of Pasadena, California. This adjusted range will be provided to candidates by the Recruiter when applicable.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$121,264 - $134,160

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law. (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters)

EEO is the Law Supplement

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_English_unformattedESQA508c.pdf)

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here (https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control) .