Job Information
Applied Research Associates, Inc. Junior Systems Administrator in Eglin AFB, Florida
Description
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.