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Systems Administrator

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Date: May 26, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

The Security 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 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.
  • Culture – We foster an inclusive, opportunity-filled environment of empowered team members from diverse backgrounds.

What will you do?

What will you do? will provide cybersecurity support to several independent MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s Special Programs.  Core responsibilities include:

  • Provide direct user support on a regular basis
  • Install, maintain, repair, and upgrade computers and network equipment
  • Configure network devices such as routers and switches
  • Manage networks, file share, virtual infrastructures and SAN/NAS environments
  • Document IT Procedures
  • Remediate vulnerabilities and maintain compliance with security policies
  • Review and test new hardware and software to make recommendations for purchases
  • Represent the group as a team member for inter-organizational interactions such as infrastructure and security working groups
  • Trouble shoot software in a complex rapidly changing environment
  • Work with centralized IT through Service Now ticketing system
  • Support Windows, Linux, and WSL based platforms, virtual systems, applications, and users

 

How will you grow?

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 or to lead cross-functional projects.
  • Growth Opportunities: Potential for lateral and vertical movement.
  • Education/Training: Management training, mentorship, in-house and external courses.
  • Exposure: Engagement with sponsors, stakeholders, Laboratory leadership and other Departments and Divisions.
  • Community: Participation is encouraged for Laboratory social events, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), clubs and study groups, volunteering and community service projects.

What you need/Requirements

What you need: To work with MITLL, all employees must meet certain basic requirements.

  • Have a current Top Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility
  • Minimum of four years of experience supporting Windows and Linux systems including configuration management, software installation/configuration, and network configuration
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Successfully pass a background check and consent to undergoing a government polygraph examination.

Ideally, you will have

Ideally, you will have: The Laboratory values experiences from diverse backgrounds and occupations. The most successful candidates will have the following skills and qualifications.

 

  • Minimum of four years of experience supporting Windows and Linux systems including configuration management, software installation/configuration, and network configuration
  • A current DoW 8140 451 Intermediate or higher certification or ability to obtain one with 6 months of employment (e.g. Security+, GSEC, SSCP, CISSP, etc.)
  • Technical experience, skills, and course work completed towards an undergraduate degree, or industry IT certifications may be considered in lieu of education or DoD security experience requirements
  • Familiarity with RMF and derivative processes/frameworks (JSIG, ICD-503, CNSSI 1253.)
  • Experienced in configuring and maintaining Juniper devices JunOS
  • Experience setting up and running small networks (configuring Cisco IOS for switching, routing, VLANs, etc.)
  • Experienced in auditing, configuration and vulnerability management
  • Experience and familiarity with multiple operating systems such as Windows Server 2012, 2016, 2019, and 2022 Windows 11,VMware EXSI 7/8,VMware Horizon Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu, etc...
  • Experience with virtualization and Cloud technologies is preferred
  • Technical experience securing networks and systems utilizing DISA STIGs and/or SRGs is highly desired
  • Experience supporting and training users on IT hardware and software components.
  • Familiarity with deploying commercial IT offerings and developing creative solutions.
  • Experience working within a team and supporting multiple systems at the same time.
  • Experience installing, configuring and operating network services (e.g. DNS, DHCP, NIS, NFS, SSH, SAMBA, AD.)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required

Hiring Range: $95,700 - $126,700

 

 

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: 42993 


Nearest Major Market: Boston
Job Segment: Cyber Security, Security Clearance, System Administrator, Top Secret Clearance, TS / SCI, Security, Government, Technology