Windows System Administrator

• Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Type: Contract
• Job #3511

Windows System Administrator
Colorado Springs, CO
Active Top Secret/SCI
Compensation Range: $120,000 - $160,000

Company Overview:
Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Realizing early on that our most prized assets are our employees; we continually focus our attention on improving the overall work/life experience they have supporting the mission. Our Team is pushed every day to use their industry leading knowledge to provide end-to-end solutions to combat our nation's toughest and most secure problems. If you are looking for a place to not only be professionally challenged, but encouraged and supported by a company that cares, don't look any further than Cornerstone Defense.

Job Responsibilities:

• Windows Server Administration
• Manage and maintain Windows Server instances in a highly available environment.
• Oversee critical services such as DNS, DHCP, NTP, and WSUS.
• Monitor and troubleshoot IIS-based web applications as needed.
• Maintain Microsoft SQL Server instances, ensuring availability and resiliency.
• Support Microsoft Exchange Server, including backup/restore operations and performance tuning.

• Active Directory & GPO Management
• Design, maintain, and optimize the Windows Active Directory environment, including user/group management and OU structure.
• Develop and implement Group Policy Objects (GPOs) aligned with best practices and STIG/DoD security requirements.
• Ensure role-based access control (RBAC) following DoD 8140 requirements and maintain secure delegated administration.
• Perform regular Windows performance optimization and tuning tasks.
• Security & Compliance (STIG/DoD Requirements)
• Conduct regular STIG compliance checks, vulnerability assessments, and system audits.
• Apply security hardening guidelines to servers, applications, and network configurations.
• Collaborate with Security teams to respond to security incidents and maintain compliance.
• Automation & Scripting
• Develop, maintain, and implement PowerShell or other relevant scripts to automate repetitive tasks (e.g., user provisioning, patch deployment, system reporting).
• Identify opportunities for automation within daily administrative tasks to increase efficiency and reduce human error.
• Patch Management & System Updates
• Coordinate and execute WSUS / patch management to ensure timely and compliant system updates.
• Schedule and manage monthly/quarterly patch cycles, including out-of-band updates as required for security.
• Test and validate patches prior to deployment in production environments.
• Performance Monitoring & Troubleshooting
• Use industry-standard monitoring tools to proactively identify and resolve performance bottlenecks for Windows and Linux systems
• Conduct root-cause analysis for complex technical issues and system outages.
• Documentation & Knowledge Sharing
• Maintain comprehensive system documentation, including architecture diagrams, SOPs, and knowledge base articles.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and training to junior-level administrators and service desk personnel.
  Required Skills:
  
  • Minimum of 5 years supporting Windows-based server environments (Tier 3 level).
  • Strong background with Windows Server 2012/2016/2019/2022 (deployment, management, optimization).
  • Hands-on experience with Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, NTP, and Group Policy configuration.
  • Demonstrated understanding of STIG/DoD security compliance requirements and related best practices.
  • PowerShell (or equivalent) scripting for process automation and configuration management.
  
  Desired Skills:
  
  • Experience with virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V).
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft SQL Server administration.
  • Familiarity with IIS configuration and support.
  • Background in network protocols (TCP/IP, subnetting, VLANs, etc.).
  • Experience with Ansible Automation.
  • Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
  • Microsoft certifications (e.g., MCSE, MCSA), CompTIA Security (or equivalent DoD 8570 baseline), or other relevant certifications.
• Other Requirements:
• Excellent troubleshooting, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.

Benefits Overview :
Cornerstone Defense offers a very comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental and Vision Plans * Generous PTO Policy * 401(k) * HSA and FSA options * Life and Disability Insurance * Tuition Reimbursement and Training * Perks at Work Discount Program * Referral Program * Leads Generation Program * CollegeAmerica 529 * Fitness Reimbursement Program * Travel Assistance * Norton Lifelock Benefit Solutions * Life Planning Financial & Legal Services *

Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.