Systems Administrator
Date: Feb 2, 2026
Location: Lexington, MA, US
Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
The ISR Systems and Architectures group performs analysis and experimentation to develop concepts for filling critical gaps in U.S. Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. This work includes evaluating mission needs by considering future operational scenarios, and developing options for addressing these needs through advanced technologies and novel system concepts. Studies within the group can cover a broad range of technical areas, including advanced sensor systems, new platforms, communications, navigation solutions, and data exploitation approaches. The analyses performed by the group can lead to experimental test campaigns to collect data to verify modeling results and have also generated opportunities for hardware and software prototyping at Lincoln Laboratory. The analysis topics and questions are typically posed by senior leaders in the Air Force and the work for the group is briefed out widely to help inform critical decisions and impact future acquisitions.
Position Description
The Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems and Architectures Group is seeking a systems administrator to become part of a small IT team that supports our analysis environment. They will work under the supervision of a senior systems administrator to build and maintain the computing and network infrastructure in a classified environment, and to provide IT support to the analysts as needed. The candidate must possess a solid understanding of Linux, Windows, network fundamentals, Group Policy editor and Active Directory, and DoW IT security requirements and procedures including CMMC, RMF, DFARS, and STIG. They should also be team oriented, have strong communication skills, have the desire to work in a research and development environment, and be comfortable dealing with classified information in a closed area. This position is on-site, full time, 40 hours per week. Candidates with prior military or Department of War experience are encouraged to apply.
Roles and responsibilities
- Install, maintain, repair, and upgrade computers and network equipment
- Support Windows and Linux based platforms, applications, and users
- Configure network devices such as routers and switches
- Implement configuration management tools
- Review and test new hardware and software to make recommendations for purchases
- Design and implement shell scripts and other tools to automate processes
- Develop improvements for the computing and network infrastructure such as data storage, backup and recovery, network bandwidth and throughput, and application installation and management
- Be able to lift 40 pounds (Workstations, Servers, UPS, etc.)
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree (Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field preferred) or equivalent experience
- Minimum of four years of experience supporting Windows and Linux systems including configuration management, software installation/configuration, and network configuration
- Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret level DoW security clearance
- A current DoW 8570 level II or higher certification or obtain one with 6 months of employment (Security+, SSCP, CISSP, etc)
Hiring Range: $92,900 - $123,000
Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including—but not limited to—the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.
At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
- MIT-funded pension
- Matching 401K
- Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
- Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
- Mentorship programs
- A range of work-life balance options
- ... and much more!
Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.
Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.
MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.
Requisition ID: 42657
Nearest Major Market: Boston
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Military, Defense, Military Intelligence, Security Clearance, Testing, Government, Technology
