VMWARE Systems Administrator

Location: Bethesda, MD (Hybrid) Required Clearance: Ability to obtain Public Trust LCG is a minority-owned technology consulting firm that has been a trusted partner to more than 40 federal agencies, including 21 of the 27 Institutes and Centers (ICs) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). For over 30 years, LCG has brought digitization and innovation to the Health and Human Services (HHS) and the NIH ecosystems. We support IT organizations by bringing precision technology and operation models that achieve mission capabilities and performance success. Position Description: We are seeking a Systems Administrator (VMWARE) who will be responsible for the maintenance and administration of physical and virtual workstations, servers, and storage based on Linux, Windows, and other proprietary operating systems. The administrator will also configure user access and monitor system stability and security through deployment and everyday use. This role requires extensive familiarity with Linux and Windows systems and may involve some end-user support. The administrator will frequently collaborate with developers to develop and implement system enhancements, leveraging tools like Microsoft Co-Pilot to streamline scripting, automation, and system maintenance tasks. Duties and Responsibilities: Perform day-to-day operational and maintenance activities to ensure the health and stability of the systems, databases, and critical infrastructure components. Support the installation, configuration, migration, optimization, management, monitoring, and troubleshooting of enterprise virtualized server environments using VMware vSphere, ESXi hypervisor, vCenter, and SRM management software. Administration of Windows Servers, VMware environments, Microsoft Active Directory (AD) objects, PowerShell Scripting, File & Print services, and Group Policy Objects (GPO). Installation, setup, configuration, and maintenance of Application Servers, Web Servers, and Database Servers as required. Monitor systems performance and ensure compliance with security standards. Work with development teams to implement and support client offerings. Test and evaluate system performance. Identify, document, and help implement monitoring points with the Enterprise team. Develop detailed installation instructions and supporting documentation to effect system design deployments. Utilize Microsoft Co-Pilot to create and maintain custom scripts, automating repetitive tasks and improving consistency in operations and maintenance activities. Prepare for new product releases and assist with new initiatives and upgrades. Support and ensure system backups and storage replication are performed on a daily and weekly basis. Provide technical guidance to users and other administrators. Help train and transfer knowledge to other engineers and operations staff. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a team-oriented attitude. Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, preferably in Mathematics, Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or Management. Required Certification: ITIL 4 Foundation (to be completed within the first 6 months of hire). Required one of the following certifications: VMware Certified Professional (VCP), RedHat Certified Engineer (RHCE), or Microsoft Certified: Enterprise Administrator. Minimum of five (5) years' experience in system administration within an enterprise computing environment, including experience with maintaining, administering, monitoring, and troubleshooting server system hardware and software, operating systems, client/server software applications, network connectivity, and COTS and GOTS. Experience with Active Directory, DNS, and firewall rulesets. Experience with installing, configuring, migrating, optimizing, managing, monitoring, and troubleshooting VMware vSphere, ESXi hypervisor, vCenter, and SRM management software. Administration of Microsoft Active Directory (AD) objects, PowerShell Scripting, File & Print services, and Group Policy Objects (GPO). Knowledge and experience with Windows and Linux Server management, system design, configuration, networking, integration, account management, access permissions, and implementation. Experience with Microsoft IIS, Microsoft SQL Server, and enterprise backup/recovery software such as VMware Snapshots, SQL Maintenance Plans, and Dell EMC Isilon and Data Domain equipment. Knowledge and experience with configuring and using NAS/SAN synchronization features for near real-time data replication to other sites. Experience with security tools (BigFix, Carbon Black, Nessus, Cylance) and resolving IT security vulnerabilities and issues. Experience writing technical design documents, end-user documentation, SOPs, Requests for Change (RFC), training materials, project plans, and presentations. Knowledge of IT Service Management, including Incident, Request, Problem, and Configuration Management processes. Experience with incident logging and ticket tracking systems such as ServiceNow, Remedy, or Cherwell. Excellent communication, writing, organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines. Preferred Skills: Experience supporting Windows and macOS in IT Service Desk or Desktop Support roles. Experience using Co-Pilot to create and maintain custom scripts. Experience setting up and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Familiarity with IT security standards and applying controls to meet Federal mandates. Desired Requirements: Desired (1 or more): Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate (MDAA); Microsoft Certified IT Enterprise Administrator (MCITP); Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE); Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA); CompTIA A; CompTIA Network; CompTIA Linux; CompTIA Security; Dell Technologies DCA/DCS-ISM or DCA/DCS-CIS or other industry-recognized certifications appropriate to NIAMS requirement are desirable. Compensation and Benefits The projected compensation range for this position is $108,800 to $144,700 with a target salary of $127,100 per year benchmarked in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. Salary at LCG is determined by various factors, including but not limited to role, location, the combination of education/training, knowledge, skills, competencies, certifications, and work experience. LCG offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package which includes health insurance options (medical, dental, vision), life and disability insurance, retirement plan contributions, as well as paid leave, federal holidays, professional development, and lifestyle benefits. Devoted to Fair and Inclusive Practices All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are interested in applying for employment with LCG and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department by email at hrlcginc.com. Securing Your Data Beware of fraudulent job offers using LCG's name. LCG will never request payment-related details or advancement of money during the application process. Legitimate communication will only come from lcginc.com or systemhirebridgemail.com emails, not free commercial services like Gmail or WhatsApp. If you receive suspicious emails asking for payment or personal information, contact us immediately at hrlcginc.com. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.