Junior Systems Administrator

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Junior Systems Administrator for enclave capability supporting a DoD‑owned secret‑level enclave that already houses an air‑gapped software‑development environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for building, hardening, and sustaining all network and directory services required for secure enclave operations. This role works directly with the Sr. Systems Administrator and the broader systems‑admin team leading engineering and sustainment efforts for the development enclave. This position is located at Eglin AFB, in the city of Valparaiso, Florida on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

This position is immediate, full‑time, and onsite only.

ARA is a 100% employee-owned company that offers an excellent benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement and more. 

ARA’s Benefits Package Includes:   

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching contribution  


• Employee Stock Ownership Plan  


• Various insurance options including Flexible Spending Plan, Health Savings Account (HSA)  


• Paid leave and holidays.  

Junior Systems Administrator Key Responsibilities: 

• Install, configure, and harden a Windows domain service (ADDS, ADCS, ADFS, DNS, DHCP, etc.) for the enclave, including Group Policy, delegation, and secure replication


• Provision and maintain network services as required for enclave


• Configure and manage HAIPE Type‑1 encryptors and the DISA‑approved TACLANE line that provides the enclave’s connectivity, ensuring continuous compliance with DoD security policies


• Deploy, harden, and operate cisco firewalls and DMZ infrastructure, applying DISA STIGs and DoD‑SRG controls


• Support RMF lifecycle activities (categorization, control selection, implementation, assessment, authorization, and ongoing monitoring) for the environment as required by the ISSM and DISA


• Produce and maintain supporting RMF accreditation artifacts and coordinate with the ISSM for CAO and PPSM workflows


• Perform continuous monitoring using ACAS/SCAP scans (or equivalent) and remediate findings to maintain compliance as required


• Document all configurations, playbooks, and standard operating procedures; keep network diagrams and system inventories current


• Serve as the technical point‑of‑contact for any audits, inspections, or DoD reviews of the enclave


• Mentor and train other system administrators on best practices as needed

Junior Systems Administrator Required Qualifications: 

• Minimum 1 years of hands‑on experience building and operating DoD enclaves (preferred 3 years of hands-on experience)


• Minimum CompTIA Security+ (or higher DoD‑8570‑approved IAM certification)


• Active Secret clearance (must be maintained)

Junior Systems Administrator Technical Skills: 

• Domain services configuration and hardening (Windows Server 2022/2025)


• Linux administration (for supporting services and monitoring)


• HAIPE Type‑1 encryptor configuration and management


• Firewall configuration, rule‑set design, and STIG compliance


• Switch configurations (vlans, subnets, acls)

 Additional Consideration for: 

• RMF (Risk Management Framework) implementation and ATO maintenance as a systems administrator


• Ports Protocols Services Matrix (PPSM) workflow experience


• Design and operation of DMZ and firewall protection layers in a DoD environment


• Familiarity with eMASS or other DoD accreditation tools

Company Details: 

Applied Research Associates (ARA) is a recognized leader in the development of cutting-edge research, engineering, and software solutions that are critical to national defense and other problems facing the U.S.  ARA is a scientific and engineering company with an excellent national reputation and over a 40-year history of sustained growth. Our culture supports career growth and rewards innovation, self-motivation, and technical excellence. ARA is an employee-owned company with an attractive benefit package that includes 401-K, Employee Stock Ownership, Flexible Spending Plan and various insurance options. Our specialty is finding innovative solutions to complex technical problems.  We are seeking talented and motivated individuals who can help us meet our objective of providing quality service to our customers. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.

Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.