Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a lead administrator for a SIPRNet capability supporting a DoD‑owned secret‑level enclave that already houses an air‑gapped software‑development environment. The successful candidate will be the sole technical owner of the SIPRNet side of the enclave, responsible for designing, building, hardening, and sustaining all network and directory services required for secure SIPRNet operations. This role works directly with the Sr. Systems Administrator and the broader systems‑admin team leading engineering and sustainment efforts for the development enclave. This position is located at Eglin AFB, in the city of Valparaiso, Florida on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

This position is immediate, full‑time, and onsite only.

ARA is a 100% employee-owned company that offers an excellent benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement and more.

ARA’s Benefits Package Includes:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching contribution
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Various insurance options including Flexible Spending Plan, Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid leave and holidays.

NIPRNet/SIPRNet Administrator Key Responsibilities:

• Design, install, and harden a dedicated Active Directory Domain Service (AD‑DS) forest-level for the SIPRNet enclave, including OU design, Group Policy, delegation, and secure replication
• Create and manage DNS zones for SIPRNet, register the enclave’s name in the DoD SIPRNet DNS hierarchy, and configure reverse lookup zones
• Provision and maintain network services.
• Configure and manage HAIPE Type‑1 encryptors and the DISA‑approved TACLANE line that provides the enclave’s SIPRNet connectivity, ensuring continuous compliance with DoD security policies
• Deploy, harden, and operate SIPRNet firewalls and DMZ infrastructure, applying DISA STIGs and DoD‑SRG controls
• Integrate and support VDI technologies (VDI gateways, GPU‑enabled Omnissa servers) within the Evaluation Zone, ensuring proper AD authentication, Token/MFA, and role‑based access
• Support RMF lifecycle activities (categorization, control selection, implementation, assessment, authorization, and ongoing monitoring) for the SIPRNet environment
• Produce and maintain accreditation artifacts (SSP, POA& M, SAR, eMASS entries) and coordinate with the ISSM for CAO and PPSM workflows
• Perform continuous monitoring using ACAS/SCAP scans (or equivalent) and remediate findings to maintain compliance
• Document all configurations, run‑books, and standard operating procedures; keep network diagrams and system inventories current
• Provide support for SIPRNet users accessing the VDI environment, troubleshooting authentication, connectivity, and performance issues
• Serve as the technical point‑of‑contact for any audits, inspections, or DoD reviews of the SIPRNet enclave
• Mentor and train other system administrators on SIPRNet best practices as needed

NIPRNet/SIPRNet Administrator Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on experience building and operating SIPRNet enclaves
• Minimum CompTIA Security+ (or higher DoD‑8570‑approved IAM certification)
• Active Secret clearance (must be maintained)

NIPRNet/SIPRNet Administrator Technical Skills:

• AD‑DS design, deployment, and hardening (Windows Server 2019/2022/2025)
• DNS management (authoritative and conditional forwarding)
• Linux administration (for supporting services and monitoring)
• HAIPE Type‑1 encryptor configuration and management
• SIPRNet firewall configuration, rule‑set design, and STIG compliance
• Familiarity with VMware VVF and GPU‑enabled servers (Omnissa) is a plus

Additional Consideration for:

• RMF (Risk Management Framework) implementation and ATO maintenance
• CAO (Continuous Authorization to Operate) and Ports Protocols Services Matrix (PPSM) workflow experience
• Hands‑on experience with DISA circuit provisioning and management
• Design and operation of DMZ and firewall protection layers in a DoD environment
• Deployment of VDI technologies on SIPRNet (Citrix, VMware Horizon, etc.)
• Familiarity with eMASS or other DoD accreditation tools

Company Details:

Applied Research Associates (ARA) is a recognized leader in the development of cutting-edge research, engineering, and software solutions that are critical to national defense and other problems facing the U.S. ARA is a scientific and engineering company with an excellent national reputation and over a 40-year history of sustained growth. Our culture supports career growth and rewards innovation, self-motivation, and technical excellence. ARA is an employee-owned company with an attractive benefit package that includes 401-K, Employee Stock Ownership, Flexible Spending Plan and various insurance options. Our specialty is finding innovative solutions to complex technical problems. We are seeking talented and motivated individuals who can help us meet our objective of providing quality service to our customers. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.

Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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