Systems Administrator
Date: Feb 6, 2026
Location: Lexington, MA, US
Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
The Security Services Department’s overall mission is to identify and counter security threats to the MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s mission of development of game-changing technology in support of National Security, including guarding against compromise by foreign intelligence agencies and insider threats. To accomplish this mission, this department formulates and implements policies, plans, and actions designed to protect facilities against threats of vandalism, accidental destruction, and sabotage; and safeguards personnel, classified and unclassified information systems, personal identifiable information, property, and other assets from exploitation and recruitment by foreign intelligence agencies.
We foster a culture where security professionals are empowered to solve complex security problems in close collaboration with Laboratory research teams and Government counterparts. Our people are our most important resource, and we encourage a casual and flexible opportunity-filled working environment that is technology-focused. Where mission needs can be met, the Security Services Department encourages flexible schedules and hybrid remote work arrangements.
Who are we?
MIT Lincoln Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) whose mission is research in support of National Security.
* Mission – The Security Services Department's overall mission is to ensure a safe and secure environment and protect MIT Lincoln Laboratory at all facilities in which staff members perform their mission of research and development. To accomplish this mission, this department formulates and implements policies, plans, and actions designed to protect facilities against threats of vandalism, accidental destruction, and sabotage; and safeguards personnel, classified and unclassified information systems, personal identifiable information, property, and other assets from exploitation and recruitment by foreign intelligence agencies
What will you do?
The Security Services Department is seeking an IT Systems Administrator (IC2) to join the Security Applications & Systems (SAS) Team. The team configures and manages several of the department’s enterprise applications. The position reports to the SAS Team Lead and works closely with a small team of Business Analysts and other Systems Administrators.
* Application & User Support: This position will be the first line of response for all application issues and will oversee user account management
* IT Security: This position will be the lead for the team’s IT Security related matters, which include performing vulnerability assessments and remediation, patching, along with managing and maintaining data security plans (DSP)
* Disaster Recovery: This position will be the lead for the team’s Disaster Recovery process, including performing backups and restores, utilization of enterprise monitoring, and log review
* Communication: This position will work with key Laboratory resources as well as external vendors to maintain communications related to problem resolution, system upgrades, services, and product research. Additionally, the individual will be responsible for creating and maintaining all technical documentation
* Infrastructure: This position will assist the Senior Systems Administrator will all matters related to IT Infrastructure
* Systems Analysis: This position will back up the Systems Analysts with SQL and reporting tasks
How will you grow?
You will find significant opportunities to do meaningful work in an environment intentionally designed to be one where you will learn, thrive and belong
* Leadership: Room to advance on your team
* Growth Opportunities: Potential for lateral and vertical movement
* Education/Training: In-house and online courses
What you need/Requirements:
For this position, you must meet these basic requirements.
* Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Computer Science or Information Technology, or relevant experience
* Minimum of two years’ experience working in an Information Technology environment
* Excellent customer service skills
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Experience administering operating systems such as Windows and Linux
* Fundamental knowledge of networking concepts such as routing, switching, TCP/IP protocol
* Exposure to SQL and database management systems
* Demonstrate the ability to learn new technologies and disciplines quickly
* Security+ certification or ability to obtain one within 6 months of employment
* Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret level DoD security clearance
* Occasional off-hour/on-call support is necessary. A certain degree of flexibility of schedule is required as some work (planned/unplanned) must be done outside of major production hours during pre-scheduled maintenance windows
Hiring Range: $78,300 - $102,000
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: 42700
Nearest Major Market: Boston
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Military Intelligence, Security Clearance, Laboratory, System Administrator, Emergency Management, Government, Science, Technology
