Location: Amarillo, TX Pantex Plant
Job Title: Windows System Administrator
Career Level From: Associate
Career Level To: Senior Specialist
Organization: Operating Systems (51130661)
Job Specialty: System Administration
What You'll Do
As a Windows System Administrator, you will be integral to a national security mission focused on maintaining the safety, security, and effectiveness of the United States nuclear weapons stockpile. Operating within the Information Technology Operations team of the Information Technology organization, this role involves the installation, management, upgrading, and maintenance of existing Windows-based infrastructure within a large, distributed network environment. Furthermore, you will collaborate with Information Technology engineering and project management teams to implement new technologies.
Your responsibilities will also include configuring user access, ensuring system stability, and collaborating with customers and other Information Technology professionals to resolve issues and implement new capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
- System Architecture & Deployment: Lead the design, installation, and comprehensive configuration of critical internal and customer-facing server infrastructure, adhering to best practices in scalability, security, and resilience.
- Core Technology Administration: Provide expert administration and advanced support for a wide array of core Microsoft Windows-based technologies, encompassing Active Directory, Group Policy, Domain Name System(DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), file services, and virtualization platforms.
- Application Integration & Support: Oversee the intricate installation, configuration, and ongoing support of both proprietary and Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) applications within the Windows ecosystem, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
- Security & Compliance Management: Proactively monitor, patch, and update the Windows operating system and installed applications, strictly adhering to stringent cybersecurity requirements, vulnerability management protocols, and regulatory compliance frameworks.
- Performance Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Implement sophisticated monitoring tools and methodologies to proactively identify, diagnose, and resolve complex performance issues, system outages, and security incidents across the Windows server environment, minimizing downtime and maximizing availability.
- On-Call & Maintenance Operations: Provide essential after-hours support for critical emergencies and execute planned weekend maintenance activities, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to continuous system uptime.
- Documentation: Develop, maintain, and enhance detailed operational procedures, comprehensive user documentation, and targeted user training materials to empower end-users and ensure knowledge transfer across supported systems.
- Project Delivery & Strategic Alignment: Collaborate closely with the Information Technology Project Management Organization and the Chief Technology Office to meticulously plan, execute, and deliver complex technology solutions on schedule and within scope, aligning with strategic Information Technology initiatives.
What You Can Expect
- Meaningful work and unique opportunities to support missions vital to national and global security
- Top-notch, dedicated colleagues
- Generous pay and benefits with a stable organization
- Career advancement and professional development programs
- Work-life balance fostered through flexible work options and wellness initiatives
Minimum Job Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in engineering/science/information technology discipline.
- OR Master's degree in engineering/science/information technology discipline.
- OR Eight or more years of relevant education, training, and/or progressive experience may be considered to satisfy education and years of experience requirements for this posting.
DOE Order 426.2A Requirements
Preferred Job Requirements
The ideal candidate will possess a robust technical aptitude and a proven track record in Windows system administration, demonstrated by the following core competencies:
- Operating System Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of current Microsoft Windows Server and Desktop Operating Systems.
- Patch Management Proficiency: In-depth knowledge and practical experience with Microsoft patch management systems, including System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).
- System Interoperability: A strong grasp of the intricate interactions between applications, operating systems, and third-party software components.
- Infrastructure Services: Solid understanding of critical Microsoft Windows Infrastructure components such as DNS and DHCP.
- Identity & Access Management: Expertise in Microsoft Active Directory and Group Policy Object (GPO) implementation and management.
- Distributed Computing Environments: In-depth understanding of information technology systems within highly distributed computing environments.
- Database Fundamentals: General understanding of SQL Server Database Management Systems (DBMS).
- Networking Fundamentals: General understanding of networking equipment and technologies.
- Security Implementation: Demonstrated experience in securing hardware and software components against vulnerabilities and threats.
- Virtualization Technologies: Experience with virtual computing environments, including virtual desktops and servers (preferred).
- Backup & Recovery: Proven capabilities in backup and recovery strategies for both physical and virtual computing environments.
- Enterprise Storage: Experience with Enterprise storage subsystems, including Storage Area Networks (SAN) and Network Attached Storage (NAS) hardware and associated protocols.
- Scripting & Automation: Strong scripting skills (e.g., PowerShell) for automation and system management tasks (preferable).
- Application Deployment: Experience with deploying applications efficiently across large network infrastructures.
- Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with customers and technical personnel across various departments and organizations.
- Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Ability to clearly and effectively present complex technical and operational information both verbally and in writing, solve intricate technical problems, and maintain vigilance regarding changes that may impact system security and operational integrity.
Why Pantex?
You get #morethanajob. We encourage employees to achieve a healthy personal balance among home, work and the community. One of the ways we embrace work-life balance is by offering flexible work arrangements that provide alternatives to the traditional workweek, while still meeting business needs. Top talent and personal commitment mean more to our success than any other factors, so we reward our people with the kinds of benefits that make a positive difference in the quality of their lives. Benefits such as: medical plan, prescription drug plan, vision plan, dental plan, employer matched 401(k) savings plan, disability coverage, education reimbursement and many more. Want to stay healthy and fit but hate the cost of a gym membership? Take advantage of one of our onsite workout facilities and eat healthy in our onsite cafeterias. Much more than a workplace, at Pantex you can build a career that lasts a lifetime.
Notes
The minimum education and experience for the lowest career level in the job posting range are listed under Minimum Job Requirements. Successful candidates hired into a higher career level than the minimum in the range must meet the requirements listed in the job leveling charts for the career level into which they are being hired.
If a range of Career Levels is posted, i.e., Senior Associate to Senior Specialist, internal applicants already in one of the Career Levels would come across at their current Career Level. Internal applicants currently in a lower level Career Level would move to the lowest posted Career Level.
Requires a Q clearance; however all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of their current clearance status. The ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q clearance is required.
Position may require entry into Materials Access Areas (MAA) and participation in the Human Reliability Program (HRP). If HRP is required, candidate must complete a counterintelligence-scope polygraph, pursuant to 10CFR 709. Medical requirements may apply.
Pantex is a drug-free workplace. Candidates accepting a job offer will be required to pass a pre-placement physical, drug screening and background investigation. As an employee, you may be required to receive and maintain a security clearance from the United States Department of Energy in order to meet eligibility requirements for access to sensitive information or matter. U.S. citizenship is a requirement for security clearance applicants. All employees are subject to being randomly selected for drug testing without advance notification.
Pantex is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, disability or veteran status.
