Location: Onsite in Downtown Atlanta, GA (5 days/week)
Employment Type: 6+ Month Contract-to-Hire
Compensation: Up to $55/hour W-2 or $62/hour 1099/IC
Conversion Salary: conversion salary up to $120k
Clearance: Ability to obtain Public Trust (sponsored after start; process ~4 weeks)
Benefits (W-2): Medical, dental, vision, LTD/STD, HSA/FSA, term life, supplemental health (e.g., Aflac), and 401(k)
On-Call: Part of a light rotation (approx. twice per quarter)
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Windows Systems Administrator to support mission-critical federal programs within a secure environment in downtown Atlanta. This fully onsite role focuses on administering, maintaining, and securing enterprise-grade Windows Server infrastructure.
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Windows Server (2016 2022), Active Directory, GPOs, DNS/DHCP, and scripting with PowerShell or PowerCLI. Experience managing hybrid backup environments (such as CommVault Metallic) and ensuring compliance with federal security standards (CIS, NIST, DISA STIGs) is strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Administer, maintain, and secure Windows Server environments (2016 2022).
- Manage and optimize Active Directory, GPOs, DNS, DHCP, and certificate services.
- Develop and maintain PowerShell and PowerCLI scripts for automation and troubleshooting.
- Perform operations and maintenance tasks, including OS patching, updates, and performance tuning.
- Manage hybrid cloud backup solutions using CommVault Metallic or similar.
- Administer IIS, Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC), and related components.
- Support system hardening and compliance with CIS, NIST, and DISA STIG frameworks.
- Document configurations, operational procedures, and maintenance activities.
- Collaborate with engineering and security teams to ensure system availability and security.
- Mentor junior administrators and share best practices.
Required Skills & Experience
- 7+ years of IT experience focused on Windows systems administration.
- Expertise with Windows Server (2016 2022), Active Directory, DNS/DHCP, and TCP/IP networking.
- Strong scripting skills using PowerShell.
- Proven experience managing hybrid backup environments such as CommVault Metallic.
- Active Microsoft certification required (one of the following): Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate, Identity and Access Administrator Associate, or Cybersecurity Architect Expert.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.
- Excellent troubleshooting, communication, and documentation skills.
- Must be able to work 100% onsite in a secure federal facility.
Nice to Have
- Bachelor s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or related field.
- Experience with VMware, Hyper-V, or other virtualization platforms.
- Familiarity with federal or DoD security standards and processes.
- Experience with WSFC clustering, IIS, or other automation frameworks.