Senior Systems Administrator, Cross Domain (R4901)

Shield AI

Shield AI

IT

Washington, DC, USA

USD 97k-140k / year + Equity

Posted on May 6, 2026
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) Systems Administrator with 3–5 years of experience to join our Federal Systems Team as a key contributor to our high-performing Classified IT operations. This is an on-site role supporting mission-critical environments.

The ideal candidate brings a strong aptitude for learning, an exceptional ability to troubleshoot complex systems, and a deep commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of classified environments. In this role, you will directly support Shield AI’s mission by ensuring the reliability, security, and compliance of systems that enable secure data transfer and interoperability across multiple security domains.

As a CDS Systems Administrator, you will play a critical role in maintaining and supporting cross domain solutions that facilitate controlled information flow between networks of differing classification levels (e.g., Unclassified, CUI, Secret, and Top Secret). This includes enforcing strict security controls, supporting accreditation efforts, and ensuring systems operate in compliance with DoD and Intelligence Community standards.

What you'll do:

    Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) Operations & Support:

  • Administer, monitor, and maintain Cross Domain Solutions (e.g., guards, filters, data diodes, and transfer systems).
  • Support configuration, patching, auditing, and monitoring of CDS systems.
  • Troubleshoot CDS-related data flow issues.
  • Coordinate with cybersecurity and engineering teams.

    • Classified Systems Administration:

  • Maintain classified and CUI systems ensuring availability and security.
  • Provide technical support for engineering and integration efforts.
  • Enforce security policies aligned with RMF and NIST standards.

    • Documentation & Compliance:

  • Maintain accurate system documentation.
  • Support audit readiness and compliance requirements.

    • Infrastructure & Deployment:

  • Assist with installation of servers, network equipment, and CDS appliances.
  • Perform system imaging and deployment.

    • Planning & Integration:

  • Support design of classified systems and cross domain architectures.
  • Collaborate on secure integrations across classification levels.

Required qualifications:

  • 3–5 years Systems Administrator experience in classified environments.
  • Experience with Cross Domain Solutions or MLS environments.
  • Linux (Ubuntu/RHEL) and Windows Server experience.
  • Familiarity with RMF and NIST 800-53.
  • Networking experience (Cisco/Juniper/Palo Alto).
  • Security+ Certification

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience with CDS tools (Radiant Mercury, Owl, Everfox, etc.)
  • Knowledge of Raise-the-Bar requirements
  • Scripting (PowerShell, Python, Bash)
  • Mixed OS environment experience
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
#LC
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

97000 - 140000 USD a year

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