Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
Summary
The System Administrator III is a senior technical contributor responsible for designing, implementing, securing, and maintaining the organization’s core IT infrastructure. This role provides Tier 3 support for complex incidents, leads infrastructure projects, mentors junior staff, and ensures high availability, performance, and security of critical systems.
Position Responsibilities
Design, install, configure, and maintain servers, virtualization platforms, storage, and core services (e.g., AD, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy).
Manage and optimize virtualization environments (e.g., VMware, Nutanx, Hyper-V, or similar) and related storage solutions (SAN/NAS).
Administer Windows and/or Linux server environments, including patching, hardening, and lifecycle management.
Implement and maintain monitoring, alerting, and logging systems to ensure reliability and performance.
Implement and maintain security controls (OS hardening, access controls, patch management, endpoint security).
Collaborate with security teams to support vulnerability management, incident response, and audits.
Ensure systems comply with relevant standards and policies (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST, internal IT policies).
Maintain backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies; perform regular DR tests.
Serve as the highest internal escalation point for complex infrastructure incidents and problems.
Troubleshoot advanced issues involving servers, storage, virtualization, networking interactions, and authentication services.
Perform root cause analysis for major incidents and implement long-term corrective actions.
Develop and maintain technical documentation, runbooks, and standard operating procedures.
Develop scripts and automation (e.g., PowerShell, Bash, Python, or configuration management tools) to streamline deployment, configuration, and maintenance.
Evaluate and recommend new technologies, tools, and processes to improve reliability, security, and efficiency.
Lead or contribute to infrastructure modernization initiatives (e.g., cloud migration, identity modernization, endpoint management).
Lead and/or serve as technical SME on cross-functional projects, upgrades, and new system implementations.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to System Administrator I/II and other IT staff.
Collaborate closely with application, network, and security teams to deliver end-to-end solutions.
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
10-15+ years of progressively responsible experience in system administration, with significant experience in medium to large enterprise environments.
Demonstrated experience operating as a Tier 3 resource for complex infrastructure issues.
An active TS/SCI with Polygraph
Clearance Level
The salary range for this role is:
$125,000 - $196,875AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.
ITAR Requirement:
This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.
Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.
We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.
Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.
About AV:
AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.
We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.
Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.
If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.
ITAR
U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.