What's Happening?
The RAND Corporation, a research organization focused on public policy challenges, is actively seeking a Classified Systems Administrator, IV, for its Washington D.C. office. This role is critical for the evaluation, design, implementation, and maintenance
of classified servers, networks, and communication systems that support secure computing environments. The administrator will serve as a senior technical resource within the Classified IT Operations Team, ensuring the reliability, security, and performance of classified local and wide-area network infrastructure, systems, and services. Responsibilities include leading medium to large-scale projects for government- and contractor-owned classified systems, providing technical leadership, and acting as a senior escalation resource for platform-specific issues. The position requires expertise in Linux and Windows environments, with a minimum of 9 years of experience for candidates with a High School Diploma or GED, or 6 years with a Bachelor's degree. An active Secret Clearance is required, with TS/SCI preferred, and the ability to obtain and maintain security and technical certifications.
Why It's Important?
This recruitment highlights the ongoing demand for highly specialized IT professionals within organizations that handle sensitive government and private sector research. The RAND Corporation's work addresses critical issues in security, health, education, and sustainability, making the integrity and security of its classified systems paramount. The role of a Classified Systems Administrator is vital in protecting national security interests and proprietary research data from cyber threats and unauthorized access. The stringent security clearance requirements and the focus on maintaining secure computing environments underscore the sensitive nature of the information managed by RAND. The successful candidate will directly contribute to the operational continuity and security posture of research that informs public policy, impacting areas from national defense to public health initiatives. This position also reflects a broader trend in the U.S. where organizations engaged in critical research are investing heavily in robust cybersecurity infrastructure and skilled personnel to safeguard their operations.
What's Next?
The RAND Corporation will proceed with the recruitment process, evaluating candidates based on their technical expertise, experience in classified environments, and security clearances. The selected individual will be expected to integrate into the Classified IT Operations Team in the Washington D.C. office, with a required five-day-a-week presence. The role involves continuous adherence to ITIL best practices, including Change Management, Problem Management, and Service & Support standards, ensuring ongoing operational excellence. The administrator will also be responsible for preparing networks, servers, and workstations for audits and maintaining compliance with various security policies and guidelines such as STIGs, NISPOM, NIST 800-53, and ICD 503. Future developments will likely involve the continuous evolution of RAND's classified IT infrastructure to adapt to emerging cybersecurity threats and technological advancements, requiring the administrator to stay current with industry best practices and security protocols.
Beyond the Headlines
The demand for a Classified Systems Administrator at RAND Corporation underscores the increasing complexity and criticality of cybersecurity in the realm of public policy research. Beyond the immediate technical requirements, this role touches upon the ethical responsibility of safeguarding sensitive information that could influence national and international policies. The emphasis on objectivity and integrity within RAND's research processes extends to its IT infrastructure, where the administrator's role is to ensure that data remains untainted and secure. This position also reflects the broader challenge faced by many organizations in attracting and retaining talent with the necessary security clearances and specialized skills to manage classified systems. The intersection of advanced technical skills, security protocols, and public interest research highlights a growing need for professionals who can navigate both the technological and ethical landscapes of information security in a highly sensitive environment.
