Lead Windows Systems Administrator

McLean, Virginia

Description

We are seeking an accomplished Lead Windows Systems Administrator to oversee the design, operations, and maintenance of a mission-critical Windows infrastructure that supports analysts and scientists. This senior leadership role will shape the stability, security, and scalability of our Windows environment—spanning desktops, servers, and integrated applications—while guiding a high-performing team of system administrators. If you are a hands-on technical leader with a deep Windows expertise and a passion for solving complex challenges, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact.

What you will be doing:

Leading and managing the Windows Systems Administration team, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and prioritization of tasks.
Designing, operating, and maintaining Windows infrastructure, including servers, virtual desktops, and enterprise applications.
Configuring and managing domains, Active Directory, Group Policies, and access controls.
Driving automation efforts through scripting to deliver consistent provisioning, configuration management, and compliance.
Overseeing patch management, testing, and deployment to maintain a secure, stable environment with minimal disruption.
Managing incident resolution: analyzing issues, identifying root causes, implementing fixes, and documenting closures.
Tracking and managing incident queues, ensuring timely responses and identifying recurring trends requiring deeper engineering solutions.
Integrating and supporting COTS and GOTS applications on the Windows platform to meet evolving user needs.
Collaborating with network engineers, security teams, and application owners to deliver robust and accredited environments.

What you need:

Leadership Experience: Proven ability to lead and manage a team of 5+ administrators for 10+ years.
Technical Expertise:

Advanced knowledge of Windows Workstation and Server administration.
Expert experience with Citrix StoreFront, Active Directory, and Group Policy management.
Hands-on experience with server roles (file, web, application, and domain controllers).
Skilled in virtualized environments (VMWare, Nutanix, etc.).
Strong understanding of networking fundamentals and collaboration with network teams.
Proficiency in deploying, monitoring, patching, and supporting enterprise applications.
Experience with data storage and management solutions.

Security & Compliance: History of working closely with security teams to accredit systems for operational readiness.
Additional Skills (Preferred):

Linux OS knowledge.
Experience with Tanium.

Education & Experience:

M.S. degree with 9+ years of professional experience, OR
B.S. degree with 12+ years of professional experience, OR
Relevant certification with 9+ years of professional experience, OR
No degree with 15+ years of professional experience.

Mindset: Adaptable to fast-paced environments, proactive problem-solver, and strong communicator.

Clearance:
Active TS/SCI with an appropriate polygraph is required to be considered for this role

Salary range:

$169,707.00 - $235,726.00 (Annually)*

REQ#: PRX-25-923

*The range displayed above is a likely salary range for this position. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.

Who are we?
Praxis Engineering* was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Annapolis Junction MD - with growing offices in Chantilly VA and Aberdeen MD.

Praxis Engineering is a consulting, product, and solutions firm dedicated to the practical application of software and system engineering technologies to solve complex problems.

With over 50 contracts (Prime + SubK), Praxis brings together world class engineers with proven engineering best practices, domain expertise, commercial technologies and proven agile management approaches to create high value solutions aimed at helping our customers meet their most critical business and mission objectives.

*Praxis Engineering is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics IT.

Why Praxis?
We are focused on continual learning and evolution. We don’t do things because “that’s the way we’ve always done things”; we listen to our employees and adapt to the changing marketplace. We look at the big picture and encourage our engineers to get training and certifications in emerging technologies that will help shape our customer’s mission. We've been profitable year after year. We're always on the lookout for great engineers to join the team and we recognize that our employees are the heart and soul of what we do. We focus on recruiting talented people, treating them right, and then allowing them to do what they do best. No red tape. No micromanagement. Smart people want to work with smart people, and we love people who are passionate about what they do, and finding ways to do it better.

And then there is the...

Benefits

Attractive total compensation package to include competitive salary and medical benefits!
Office perks such as free soft drinks and snacks (both healthy and not-so-healthy)
Praxis swag (annual gift certificate to purchase top brand Praxis apparel)
401K contribution/match.
Paid Time Off (PTO) + 10 holidays
Training is a priority! Take advantage of our endless in-house training opportunities - or seek out vendor offered (paid) training opportunities like conferences, certification courses and seminars.
Tuition reimbursement!
Opportunity for career advancement - Grow with the company!
Employee Discounts!
We truly believe the right work-life balance can exist, and it's here at Praxis. Our work is extremely important, but your job is just a part of who you are. When you enjoy your life outside of our walls, you're at your best the next time you walk through our doors. We do all we can to assure that happens every day.

Praxis Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans.