Senior Software Engineer / System Administrator

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.

The IT Senior Software Engineer/System Administrator is responsible for the reliable operation, maintenance, and security of computer application systems and network infrastructure, while also leveraging software development and scripting skills to automate processes, build custom solutions, and support application development. The role of the systems administrator is responsible for the management of computer systems and needs. This includes the planning, development, installation, configuration, maintenance, support, and optimization of computer systems. This hybrid position requires a versatile professional who can bridge the gap between IT operations and software development, ensuring seamless, efficient, and scalable technology solutions across the enterprise. The position is part of a team supporting Operation and Maintenance and Modernization activities supporting National Wildland Fire Management applications.

System and Network Management: Install, Deploy, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot web based applications deployed to Linux/Windows servers involving Apache Tomcat, network equipment (routers, switches, firewalls), and virtualization platforms.
• Automation and Scripting: Develop and implement scripts (e.g., PowerShell, Bash) to automate repetitive tasks, manage configurations, and improve operational efficiency.
• Software Development Support: Collaborate with development teams to support application deployment, maintain CI/CD pipelines, and manage containerized applications using tools like Docker and Kubernetes.
• Security and Compliance: Implement and manage security protocols, including access controls, data encryption, backups, and firewalls; perform regular security audits and patch management to safeguard data and systems.
• Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Proactively monitor system performance, analyze logs, identify potential issues, and perform root cause analysis to quickly resolve hardware, software, or network problems.
• Documentation: Maintain comprehensive documentation of system configurations, processes, and procedures.
• Strategic Planning: Research, recommend, and implement new technologies and system enhancements to meet evolving business needs and support strategic IT planning.

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience.

• 4-10+ years of experience in system administration, network administration, or a related IT role.

• Proficiency in multiple operating systems (Linux and Windows).

• Version control: Familiarity with systems like Git is essential for managing code changes and collaborating with others.

• Strong knowledge of networking protocols and services (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPNs).

• Experience with scripting and programming languages (Ansible, PowerShell, Bash, SQL).

• Programming languages: Proficiency in languages like JavaScript, Java, Groovy, and SQL is fundamental.

• Data structures and algorithms: Understanding how to organize and manipulate data efficiently is crucial for creating performant software

• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and virtualization technologies is desirable.

  Knowledge of automation and configuration management tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef).

• Problem-solving: The capacity to break down complex issues and devise effective solutions is a defining skill.

• Communication: Developers must be able to clearly explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical team members.

• Collaboration: The ability to work effectively with other developers, designers, and project managers is critical for team success.

• Adaptability: The technology landscape changes constantly, so developers must be willing and able to learn new tools and technologies.

• Attention to detail: A single typo can cause significant problems, making attention to detail crucial when writing and reviewing code.

• Time management: Juggling multiple tasks, meetings, and deadlines requires strong time management skills. Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) or equivalent
• CompTIA Network+ or Security+
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
• Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust