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Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled System Administrator with hands-on experience in engineering and managing complex networks, configuring firewalls, implementing cybersecurity mitigation strategies, and maintaining both hardware and software infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical foundation and a proactive mindset to support and secure mission-critical systems in a dynamic IT environment. This candidate should also be comfortable in unknown situations that may require out-of-the-box thinking.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, configure, and maintain complex network infrastructures, including LAN, WAN, and cloud-based networks.
• Configure and manage firewalls (e.g., Palo Alto, Cisco) and enforce network security policies.
• Perform cybersecurity mitigation tasks, including patch management, vulnerability scanning, log analysis, and incident response.
• Install, configure, and maintain hardware (servers, routers, switches, firewalls, etc.).
• Perform OS and application software updates, system tuning, and performance optimization.
• Monitor system and network performance and troubleshoot issues to ensure high availability and reliability.
• Document system configurations, procedures, and changes in accordance with IT policies.
• Collaborate with security, engineering, and operations teams to implement IT infrastructure projects.
• Ensure compliance with internal security policies and industry best practices.
• Work with a team to design and assembly systems.
• Understand current hardware offerings from major vendors.
• Configure and Install new hardware systems.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field; equivalent work experience may be considered.
• 3+ years of experience in system/network administration, depending on educational background.
• Technical Skills:
• Strong experience with network design and configuration (TCP/IP, VLANs, VPNs, DNS, DHCP).
• Proficiency with firewall administration and network access controls.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, common threats, and mitigation strategies.
• Experience with Windows and/or Linux server environments.
• Familiarity with virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V).
• Experience with monitoring and logging tools.
• Scripting skills (e.g., PowerShell, Bash) are a plus.
• Must be a U.S. citizen eligible to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance

Certifications (preferred but not required):

• CompTIA Security+, Network+, CySA+
• Cisco CCNA/CCNP
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or similar
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Salary Range: $90,000.00 and $120,000.00

Clearance Level

The salary range for this role is:

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR