System Administrator Shift Lead (IT Operations)
General Dynamics Information Technology Falls Church, Virginia, United States · $81K–$109K/yr
IT System Data Services · 10,001+ employees
About the role
The System Administrator Shift Lead manages and maintains IT infrastructure, including servers, storage, and network systems in a 24x7x365 environment. They provide operational leadership, resolve complex technical incidents, and ensure compliance with DoD security standards.
What they look for
Requirements
Candidates must have 3+ years of related experience and an active Secret security clearance. Proficiency in Windows, Linux, and Cisco environments is required, along with a DoD 8570.01-M IAT Level II baseline certification.
Benefits
Full description
Type of Requisition:
Regular
Clearance Level Must Currently Possess:
Secret
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:
Secret
Public Trust/Other Required:
None
Job Family:
IT Infrastructure and Operations
Job Qualifications:
Skills:
IT Troubleshooting, People Management, Problem Investigation, Problem Resolution, System AdministrationCertifications:
NoneExperience:
3 + years of related experienceUS Citizenship Required:
Yes
Job Description:
System Administrator Shift Lead (IT Operations)
The IT Operations team manages and maintains the organization’s IT infrastructure, including systems, applications, and technologies. Responsibilities span network operations, server management, system monitoring, incident response, and ensuring the availability, performance, and security of IT services. The team also contributes to knowledge bases, documentation, and training materials to improve overall support effectiveness.
MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT:
- The System Administrator provides advanced technical expertise and operational leadership within a 24x7x365 environment, independently managing, maintaining, and optimizing IT systems to ensure high availability, performance, and security. The role requires sound judgment, proactive problem-solving, and discretion in planning and executing complex technical tasks.
- Serve as a shift lead providing direction, coordination, and escalation support for operational activities and incidents.
- Administer, maintain, and enhance IT infrastructure, including physical and virtual servers, storage, and network systems to ensure reliable, secure operations.
- Monitor system performance, resolve incidents, and fulfill service requests using ITSM tools such as ServiceNow, maintaining accurate documentation and communication throughout the incident lifecycle.
- Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, software, and network issues across Windows, Linux, and Cisco environments.
- Coordinate with external partners (e.g., Army, DISA) for escalated issues beyond program control.
- Manage Active Directory and core IT services, including user access, patch management, and system updates.
- Implement and maintain cybersecurity measures in compliance with DoD and organizational standards; support audits and security assessments.
- Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans; manage and test backup and recovery procedures.
- Create and maintain detailed documentation, system diagrams, and standard operating procedures to ensure operational continuity.
- Analyze recurring issues and recommend process or system improvements to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to end users and junior IT staff as needed.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED:
Education
- High School Diploma required. AA/AS/BA/BS in IT or a related technical discipline preferred, or an equivalent combination of education, technical certifications/training, and relevant work experience.
Experience
- 3+ years of related experience in a System Administration and/or IT Operations environment.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency with Windows, Linux, and Cisco network systems.
- Experience using ITSM tools (e.g., ServiceNow) for ticket management and workflow tracking.
- Strong understanding of virtualization, patch management, and network security principles.
Certifications
- Must meet DoD 8570.01-M IAT Level II baseline certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+ CE) prior to start.
- Must obtain a computing environment certification (e.g., ITIL v4 Foundations) within six months of hire.
- When DoD 8140 requirements are implemented on the program/contract, employees will need to conform to 8140 certification standards.
Security Clearance
- Active SECRET security clearance required and must be maintained.
Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, prioritize work, and resolve complex issues with minimal supervision.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and documentation skills.
- Proven reliability, professionalism, and attention to detail.
- Ability to collaborate effectively and adapt to changing operational priorities.
LOCATION & SCHEDULE
- Falls Church, VA
- Full-time onsite
- M-F; specific work hours will be discussed during the interview.
GDIT IS YOUR PLACE
At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.
- Growth: AI-powered career tools that identify career steps and learning opportunities
- Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals
- Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401(k) with company match, competitive pay, and paid time off
- Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace
OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Explore a career in IT Operations at GDIT and you’ll find opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your passion for the mission and delivering results.
The likely salary range for this position is $80,750 - $109,250. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Travel Required:
Less than 10%
Telecommuting Options:
Onsite
Work Location:
USA VA Falls Church
Additional Work Locations:
Total Rewards at GDIT:
Our benefits package for all US-based employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, dental plan options, a vision plan, and a 401(k) plan offering the ability to contribute both pre and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match. To encourage work/life balance, GDIT offers employees full flex work weeks where possible and a variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave. To ensure our employees are able to protect their income, other offerings such as short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance are provided or available. We regularly review our Total Rewards package to ensure our offerings are competitive and reflect what our employees have told us they value most.
Our Identity Verification Process:
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.
About Our Work:
We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading mission-ready capabilities in AI, cloud, cyber and software development.
Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events atgdit.com/tc.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans
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