Satellite Operations Systems Administrator with Security Clearance

Satellite Operations Systems Administrator Mid-Senior Level | Colorado Springs, CO | $90,000 - $115,000 | TS/SCI Required Support real-time satellite operations where mission uptime, telemetry accuracy, and system security directly impact national space defense. A Day in the Life - What you'll do * Lead system security initiatives including DISA STIG compliance, vulnerability scanning, and patch management to protect mission-critical satellite infrastructure * Provision, configure, and maintain Linux servers within VMware virtualized environments to ensure 24/7 operational availability * Monitor system health across Linux and Windows environments, analyze logs, and perform root cause troubleshooting for hardware, software, and access issues * Serve as a subject matter expert for satellite telemetry and Remote Tracking Station (RTS) operations, ensuring data integrity and precision command uplinks * Coordinate closely with the 22nd Space Operations Squadron to support satellite data collection and mission execution * Leverage automation tools to streamline provisioning, configuration management, and deployment processes * Develop and maintain technical documentation to support knowledge continuity and operational resilience Required Qualifications * Active DoD Top Secret clearance with ability to obtain SCI access within three months of start * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field OR four additional years of relevant experience in lieu of degree * 5+ years of relevant systems administration or satellite operations experience * Minimum 6 months of direct satellite operations and communications experience * Proficiency in Linux/UNIX system administration * Strong knowledge of Microsoft Server network protocols * DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification * Experience with network infrastructure including firewalls, routers, switches, topologies, and data flows * Ability and willingness to work rotating shifts supporting 24/7 satellite operations Preferred Qualifications * Active TS/SCI with SAP eligibility * Advanced VMware virtualization experience * Experience with remote system management tools * Strong automation and configuration management experience * Demonstrated project leadership experience * Exceptional analytical, troubleshooting, and critical thinking skills * Strong written and verbal communication skills supporting customer-facing interactions Who is Caribou Thunder? Caribou Thunder is a HUBZone-certified small business providing advanced technical and engineering services to the U.S. Department of War and its mission partners. 35+ states and 20+ countries. We've delivered trusted solutions for over two decades - strengthening national readiness across missions on land, undersea, in the air, and throughout LEO, MEO, GEO, and deep space. Why Caribou Thunder? TEAM THUNDER - Mission Focused. Delivery Proven. Ready to Serve. Employee Advocacy Mission Proven Global Reach Skilled Teams Modern Tools Empowering Culture Our engineers and innovators ensure capability from sea floor to space frontier - delivering on time, maintaining compliance, and performing with precision in high-consequence environments. We specialize in Engineering Services, Cybersecurity, Software Development, Modeling & Simulation, Digital Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence - disciplines powering the nation's most complex technical missions. Employee Advocacy + Benefits Our people are the heart of Caribou Thunder. We invest in their growth, flexibility, and well-being - knowing their success drives ours. Benefits include: Premium Health, Dental & Vision Insurance 401(k) with 6% Company Match Flexible PTO & Work Schedule Education & Certification Reimbursement Support for Military Leave Work-Life Balance & Traditional Family Values #IND1