Classified Systems Administrator, IV (PA)

Job Type:

Classified Systems Administrator, IV

Overview of RAND

The RAND Corporation is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND’s research and analysis address issues that impact people everywhere, including security, health, education, sustainability, growth, and development. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, RAND has approximately 1,700 people from more than 45 countries working in offices in North America, Europe and Australia, with annual revenues of more than $260 million.

RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest.  Our research is sponsored by government agencies, foundations, other nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. We rely on philanthropic support to reach beyond the scope of client-sponsored work to tackle questions that may be too big, too complex, or too new for our clients to address. RAND values objectivity and integrity in both its research processes and internal interactions. We emphasize a collegial environment that respects the contributions and dignity of all staff.

Position Description

The Classified Systems Administrator, IV performs advanced to highly complex evaluation, design, implementation, and maintenance of classified servers, networks, and communications systems supporting secure computing environments. This role serves as a senior technical resource and integral member of the Classified IT Operations Team, ensuring the reliability, security, and performance of classified local and wide-area network infrastructure, systems, and services. 

The range of duties and tasks for this Classified Systems Administrator, IV position entail:

• Operate independently with minimal supervision, prioritizing work and driving initiatives to completion. 
• Lead medium- to large-scale projects and technology implementations for government- and contractor-owned classified systems, including solution architecture, design, and deployment. 
• Assign, coordinate, monitor, and review technical work of peers; provide guidance and technical leadership across the Classified IT team. 
• Serve as the senior escalation resource for platform-specific issues, providing guidance on Windows- or Linux-based infrastructure decisions. 
• Maintain, configure, and support classified servers, operating systems, applications, and network infrastructure.
• Linux Systems Administration: Install, configure, and maintain Linux systems (e.g., RHEL 8), including OS upgrades, software packages, service configuration, shell scripting, VMWare, and network storage. Support TS/SCI and secret-classified Linux servers and workstations. 
• Verify integrity, availability, and performance of classified data, voice, and LAN/WAN networks and systems; identify issues, develop solutions, and ensure successful implementation. 
• Analyze capacity and performance requirements and initiate system or network expansions, upgrades, or migrations. 
• Evaluate and recommend enhancements to hardware, software, network architecture, and infrastructure for functionality, security, and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure protection of classified information and systems by implementing and maintaining required security controls and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with classified IT, cybersecurity, and security compliance teams in evaluation, customization, accreditation, and implementation of classified hardware and software solutions.
• Manage classified cloud-based systems, including deployment, administration, performance monitoring, and compliance validation.
• Support classified data transfer operations in accordance with approved procedures and controls.
• Maintain working knowledge of policies, STIGs, NISPOM, NIST 800-53, ICD 503, ICD 1253, DAPPM guidance, and Cyber Operational Readiness Assessment (CORA) requirements. 
• Prepare networks, servers, and workstations for announced and unannounced audits; document and report on auditable technical configurations and controls. 
• Act as a technical resource to functional departments, providing consultation and training related to classified voice, data, network, and system applications. 
• Collaborate with other Information Services groups and departments in the evaluation, adaptation, and implementation of infrastructure hardware, software systems, services, and networks. 
• Adhere to ITIL best practices, including Change Management, Problem Management, and Service & Support standards. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Senior level skills in supporting Red Hat Linux environment for those assigned in Linux 
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience with Linux and Windows environments that follow strict security and compliance requirements for Administrators assigned in Linux. For administrators assigned in Windows, Linux experience is desirable
• Solid Mid-level skills of DNS, TCP/IP, HTTP, DHCP, server virtualization, and Active Directory 
• Knowledge of resources and practices in the security community and current on changing requirements a plus 
• Ability to adjust quickly, adapt to changing priorities and take initiative and own the task 
• Strong attention to detail with excellent written and verbal communications skills 
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team with strong organizational skills 
• Mid- level skills in supporting Windows Servers, SAN & NAS storage, ESX 
• Minimum of 1 year of Cloud Operations experience 
• Deep understanding of secure network protocols, encryption standards, and VPN technologies in classified environments. 
• Knowledge of virtualization technologies and cloud-based classified solutions (e.g., government-authorized cloud platforms). 
• Familiarity with incident response procedures, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning in classified IT environments. 
• Knowledge of automated monitoring, logging, and alerting tools for proactive system management and security compliance. 
• Understanding of configuration management and change control processes within classified systems. 
• Awareness of emerging cybersecurity threats and mitigation strategies for mission-critical classified systems. 
• Knowledge of identity and access management (IAM) and privileged user controls in classified IT environments. 
• Advanced systems integration skills, including combining on-premises and cloud-based classified systems. 
• Proficiency in performance tuning, capacity planning, and resource optimization for servers, networks, and applications. 
• Strong analytical and diagnostic skills for identifying root causes of complex system failures.  
• Expertise in managing classified endpoints, mobile devices, and remote access solutions securely. 
• Skilled in designing, implementing, and maintaining backup, archiving, and disaster recovery solutions for classified environments. 
• Strong documentation skills for technical procedures, system configurations, and audit compliance reports. 

Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required 
• BA/BS preferred 

Experience

• Minimum of 9 years’ experience in a professional and mixed environment with High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in a professional and mixed environment with Bachelor’s degree
• Extensive experience in classified, DoD, Intelligence Community, or secure enterprise IT environments, along with current professional certifications (e.g., Security+, CASP, COMSEC, or equivalent), may be considered as a full substitute for a degree from an accredited university or college recognized by the U.S. Department of Education 

Security Clearance

Active Secret Clearance is required. TS/SCI is preferred. This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain security and technical certifications.

Travel

15-20% to other RAND offices.

Location

This position is located in RAND's Pittsburgh, PA office and will require a presence of 5 days per week. Relocation can be considered. 

Salary Range: $120,900 - 184,500 

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND’s sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer