Senior IT Systems Engineer (R6117)

The role

This senior hands-on role builds, runs and hardens classified infrastructure, covering compute, virtualization, storage, networking, identity and security tooling in standalone and air-gapped environments. The engineer also automates repeatable work, supports accreditation, and helps set technical standards across sites.

What you will do

• Deploy, configure and sustain Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems, virtualization clusters, enterprise storage and core services in standalone and air-gapped enclaves.
• Build and support VMware, Nutanix AHV/Prism or similar virtualization environments, and support high-density GPU and compute workloads.
• Administer Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, PKI and privileged access for isolated forests.
• Build and maintain golden images and hardened baselines for servers, workstations and virtual desktops.
• Manage patching and updates in disconnected environments through approved transfer and validation processes.
• Administer backup, recovery and restore testing, and document results.
• Design and troubleshoot managed switching, VLANs, firewall rules and network segmentation.
• Automate provisioning, configuration, patching and compliance with PowerShell, Ansible, Python or Terraform.
• Apply and validate DISA STIGs and SRGs, and support NIST SP 800-53 and RMF accreditation with technical evidence.
• Act as senior escalation point for classified IT issues and mentor junior administrators.

Required qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience with Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, PKI and enterprise endpoint management.
• Experience administering Red Hat Enterprise Linux or similar enterprise Linux systems.
• Experience with VMware, Nutanix, Hyper-V or similar enterprise virtualization platforms.
• Experience with enterprise storage, backup and recovery, and capacity planning.
• Experience with managed switching, VLANs, firewall administration, network segmentation and troubleshooting network connectivity.
• Experience with PowerShell and infrastructure automation.
• Experience applying DISA STIGs, using SCAP/STIG Viewer, supporting ACAS/Nessus findings, and working in RMF, NIST SP 800-53, JSIG or similarly regulated environments.
• Experience operating in disconnected, air-gapped, classified or highly controlled environments.
• Ability to document work clearly, follow change control, validate results and build systems that are easy to support.
• Ability to work independently, shift between infrastructure disciplines and make sound technical decisions.

Nice to have

• Experience with Ansible, Python, Terraform or similar tools.
• Nutanix AHV/Prism experience.
• Nutanix AHV, Prism Central, Files, Flow or cluster lifecycle management.
• GPU server, AI/ML, simulation, VDI or high-performance compute infrastructure.
• Elastic, Splunk or other centralized logging and SIEM platforms.
• Disconnected WSUS, offline patching, software-repository management or approved media-transfer workflows.
• Data-center buildouts, rack-and-stack, structured cabling, power and cooling coordination.
• Certifications such as Security+, CISSP, RHCSA/RHCE, VMware VCP, Nutanix NCA/NCP, Microsoft certifications or CCNA/CCNP.

Benefits

• Bonus
• Equity (full-time regular employees)
• Benefits package (full-time regular employees)
• Temporary benefits package, applicable after 60 days of employment (temporary employees)

Before you apply

• All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.
• The role requires working in classified, air-gapped environments.

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company that builds intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.