System Administrator – VMware Virtualization
Description
The System Administrator – Virtualization is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and daily support of enterprise virtualization environments, primarily focused on Microsoft Hyper-V and VMware platforms. This role ensures system availability, performance, security, and reliability through proactive monitoring, routine maintenance, and structured update processes, while maintaining compliance with NIST Special Publication 800-53 security controls. Come join our award-winning organization and work with some of the most talented and brightest minds in the GovCon industry.
- Clearance: Top Secret
- Location: McLean, VA
Key Responsibilities
Daily Operations & Support
- Provide day-to-day administration and support of virtual environments (Hyper-V and VMware).
- Provision, configure, and decommission virtual machines (VMs) in accordance with configuration management policies (CM family controls).
- Respond to incidents, troubleshoot system issues, and perform root cause analysis aligned with incident response controls (IR-4, IR-5).
- Manage user access and permissions in compliance with access control requirements (AC-2, AC-6).
- Maintain documentation for systems, configurations, and procedures per system and services acquisition and configuration management requirements (CM-8, SA-5).
Health Monitoring & Performance Management
- Monitor system health, performance metrics, and resource utilization across all virtual environments in accordance with system monitoring controls (SI-4).
- Configure and maintain monitoring tools and alerts for CPU, memory, storage, and network usage.
- Identify and remediate performance or security anomalies.
- Ensure high availability and failover mechanisms meet contingency planning requirements (CP-10).
- Generate audit logs and ensure log integrity per audit and accountability controls (AU-2, AU-6).
Backup & Recovery
- Manage and monitor backup systems for virtual machines and host infrastructure in alignment with contingency planning controls (CP-9).
- Perform regular backup validation and recovery testing (CP-4).
- Ensure data protection and retention meet organizational and regulatory requirements.
- Support disaster recovery operations and continuity of operations planning (CP-2).
Routine Maintenance
- Perform regular system maintenance, including:
- Host patching and firmware updates (SI-2 – Flaw Remediation)
- Storage and network maintenance
- VM lifecycle management and cleanup
- Maintain virtualization infrastructure components such as clusters, storage pools, and virtual switches under baseline configuration controls (CM-2).
- Conduct vulnerability remediation activities based on scan results (RA-5).
- Ensure secure configuration baselines are enforced (CM-6).
Monthly System Updates & Patch Management
- Plan and execute monthly patching cycles for:
- Hyper-V hosts and Windows-based VMs
- VMware ESXi hosts and vCenter components
- Apply patches in accordance with flaw remediation policies (SI-2).
- Coordinate maintenance windows and minimize operational impact.
- Validate system functionality and security posture post-update.
- Document updates and maintain audit records for compliance (AU-12).
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 3–5+ years of experience administering virtualization platforms.
- Hands-on experience with:
- VMware vSphere / ESXi / vCenter
- VRanger
- Strong understanding of Windows Server environments.
- Experience supporting systems in regulated environments aligned with NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5.
- Familiarity with security controls, auditing, and compliance frameworks.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certifications such as:
- Microsoft Certified: Windows Server / Azure Administrator
- VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
- Experience with security hardening benchmarks (e.g., CIS benchmarks).
- Knowledge of Risk Management Framework (RMF) processes.
- Experience with vulnerability scanning and remediation tools.
- Microsoft Hyper-V
Key Skills
- Strong understanding of security and compliance principles (NIST 800-53)
- Advanced troubleshooting and analytical skills
- Attention to detail and documentation discipline
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in regulated environments
- Effective communication and audit support readiness
- Experience with ArcServe Backup software and Oracle preferred
Work Environment
- On-call support may be required for critical incidents or scheduled maintenance.
- Occasional after-hours work during patching cycles or system upgrades.
- Participation in audits, security assessments, and compliance reviews.
About Xcelerate Solutions:
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in McLean, VA, Xcelerate Solutions (www.xceleratesolutions.com) is one of America's fastest-growing companies. Xcelerate’s culture is defined by our diversified workforce of dynamic and versatile professionals, supported with growth and development opportunities that contribute to individual and company growth. This strong commitment to our employees has been recognized by our inclusion on the Washington Business Journal’s “50 Best Places to Work” list as well as being a “Great Place to Work” certified company with a 4.6 star, and a 99% CEO approval Glassdoor rating. Come find out why Xcelerate Solutions is one of the DC Metro top employers!Xcelerate Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, equal pay, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or expression of another protected characteristic. As part of this commitment to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals, Xcelerate provides reasonable accommodations if needed because of an applicant's or an employee's disability.
Pay Transparency Notice: Xcelerate Solutions will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.