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Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company developing autonomous systems, aircraft, and simulation technologies to protect service members and civilians. This Senior IT Operations Engineer role focuses on building, operating, and securing classified infrastructure across multiple facilities worldwide.
Key Responsibilities:
Classified Infrastructure Operations: Deploy, configure, and sustain Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems in standalone and air-gapped enclassified enclaves. Build and support VMware, Nutanix AHV/Prism, or similar virtualization environments. Support high-density compute for AI/ML, simulation, and engineering workloads, including GPU node provisioning, performance troubleshooting, and capacity planning. Administer Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, PKI, certificate services, and role-based access for isolated forests. Build and maintain hardened baselines for servers, workstations, and virtual desktops. Manage patching, updates, and security content in disconnected environments through approved transfer processes. Administer backup, recovery, and continuity capabilities with scheduled restore testing.
Network & Security: Design, configure, and troubleshoot managed switching, VLANs, firewall rules, and network segmentation. Coordinate with network and security teams to maintain secure standards.
Automation & Standardization: Automate provisioning, configuration, patching, reporting, and compliance using PowerShell, Ansible, Python, Terraform, or similar tools. Create repeatable build processes, system baselines, checklists, and runbooks. Apply and validate DISA STIGs and SRGs using SCAP, STIG Viewer, ACAS/Nessus, and scripted remediation. Maintain configuration-management records and as-built documentation. Review technical changes before production implementation.
Accreditation & Security Operations: Work with ISSMs, ISSOs, and security teams to implement NIST SP 800-53, JSIG, RMF, and program-specific technical controls. Provide technical documentation and evidence for authorization packages, continuous monitoring, and audits. Implement and maintain audit logging and centralized logging/SIEM tools. Support vulnerability management through scanning, triage, remediation planning, and validation. Help resolve technical POA&M items. Support media handling, file transfer, and cross-domain processes.
User & Site Support: Act as senior escalation point for classified IT issues. Identify and correct root causes. Support user-account, privileged-access, and workstation-access requests. Support new facility and enclave stand-ups from rack layout through operational handoff. Mentor junior system administrators and site IT staff. Work independently, manage competing priorities, and communicate risks early.
Requirements:
- Strong hands-on experience with Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, PKI, and enterprise endpoint management
- Experience administering Red Hat Enterprise Linux or similar enterprise Linux systems
- Experience with VMware, Nutanix, Hyper-V, or similar enterprise virtualization platforms (Nutanix AHV/Prism preferred)
- Experience with enterprise storage, backup/recovery, and capacity planning
- Experience with managed switching, VLANs, firewall administration, network segmentation, and network troubleshooting
- Experience with PowerShell and infrastructure automation (Ansible, Python, Terraform, or similar a plus)
- Experience applying DISA STIGs, using SCAP/STIG Viewer, supporting ACAS/Nessus findings, and working in RMF, NIST SP 800-53, JSIG, or similarly regulated environments
- Experience operating in disconnected, air-gapped, classified, or highly controlled environments
- Ability to document work clearly, follow change control, validate results, and build systems easy for others to support
- Ability to work independently in fast-moving environment, shift between infrastructure disciplines, and make sound technical decisions without detailed direction
Preferred Qualifications:
- Nutanix AHV, Prism Central, Files, Flow, or cluster lifecycle management
- GPU server, AI/ML, simulation, VDI, or high-performance compute infrastructure experience
- Elastic, Splunk, or other centralized logging and SIEM platforms
- Disconnected WSUS, offline patching, software-repository management, or approved media-transfer workflows
- Data-center buildouts, rack-and-stack, structured cabling, power/cooling coordination, and new-facility stand-ups
- Relevant technical or security certifications (Security+, CISSP, RHCSA/RHCE, VMware VCP, Nutanix NCA/NCP, Microsoft certifications, CCNA/CCNP)
