Senior Microsoft Systems Administrator

Role Summary
A Senior Microsoft Systems Administrator is responsible for leading efforts to enhance the security posture of Windows servers and workstations through comprehensive implementation of NIST SP 800-53 security controls. This role involves configuring, hardening, and maintaining Microsoft environments in alignment with cybersecurity standards, ensuring ongoing compliance and security. It is a senior-level position suited for candidates with extensive experience in Microsoft systems administration and security best practices.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, harden, patch, and maintain Windows Server (2019/2022+) and Windows 10/11 workstations according to NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5 controls.
• Implement and validate security controls across various families including Access Control, Configuration Management, Identification & Authentication, Audit & Accountability, and System & Communications Protection for endpoints and servers.
• Manage Group Policy Objects (GPOs), security baselines, and Intune/Microsoft Endpoint Manager policies to enforce NIST-aligned configurations such as password policies, account lockout, least privilege, firewall rules, AppLocker, and BitLocker.
• Perform system hardening tasks by enforcing deny-by-default policies, configuring host-based firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems, implementing multi-factor authentication, managing privileged accounts, and enabling cryptographic protections for data at rest and in transit.
• Remove unnecessary services, features, and default accounts to enhance security measures.
• Administer Microsoft security and compliance tools, including Active Directory, Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (SCCM/MECM), Microsoft Intune, Azure AD/Entra ID, Defender for Endpoint, and Azure Policy for hybrid/cloud environments.
• Document security plans (SSP), control implementation procedures, Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms), and maintain evidence for NIST 800-53 controls throughout project execution.
• Develop PowerShell scripts to automate compliance checks, security configurations, and reporting activities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience managing Windows servers and workstations within enterprise environments.
• Proven experience in implementing NIST SP 800-53 security controls on Microsoft platforms.
• Proficiency with Microsoft administration tools such as Active Directory, Group Policy, PowerShell, SCCM/MECM, Intune, and Defender for Endpoint.
• Strong understanding of NIST 800-53 control families, including Access Control, Audit & Accountability, Configuration Management, Identification & Authentication, and System & Communications Protection.
• Extensive experience with system hardening techniques, baseline configuration management, and least privilege security principles.
• Familiarity with vulnerability management and compliance tools such as Nessus/Tenable or similar solutions.
• Strong scripting skills, particularly with PowerShell, to automate compliance processes and security tasks.
• This position requires eligibility for a U.S. Government security clearance. In accordance with federal law, U.S. citizenship is required.

Publishing Pay Range: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00 Annually

This position is based in the office and requires employee to work on-site.