Back to jobs

Senior Windows Desktop and Server Security Specialist

Bethesda, Maryland

Black Canyon Consulting (BCC)  is searching for Senior Windows Desktop and Server Security Specialist to support our work for the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM), an institute of the National Institutes of Health. This opportunity is full time and onsite/remote at the NIH in Bethesda, MD and/or remote. 

NCBI advances science and public health by providing free access to biomedical literature and genomic data over the web, making it one of the 400 top most-visited sites in the world. NCBI's diverse staff of smart, talented, and deeply technical people collaborate to build critically valuable services for researchers, physicians, educators, students, and the general public. For example, NCBI develops and delivers PubMed, an index of over 29 million biomedical research abstracts, often with links to full-text literature and supporting data. 

Position Description

We are looking for an experienced Senior Windows System Administrator with deep expertise in enterprise-level Windows Server and Desktop security, and patching. The ideal candidate will lead efforts to ensure the stability, security, and performance of our Windows-based infrastructure, overseeing upgrades, patch management, and security compliance across a large-scale enterprise environment. This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented professional who can work within Windows Server and Desktop administration teams, directly reporting to a Security Team supervisor.
 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design, implement, and maintain Windows Server infrastructure (e.g., Windows Server 2016/2019/2022) and desktop environments (e.g., Windows 10/11) in an enterprise setting.
  • Lead the planning and execution of server upgrades, security patches, and maintenance activities to ensure system reliability and compliance with industry standards.
  • Manage and optimize Active Directory, Group Policy, and other core Windows services to enforce security and operational efficiency.
  • Oversee enterprise-wide patch management using tools like SCCM, or similar platforms, ensuring timely deployment and minimal downtime.
  • Implement and monitor security measures, including vulnerability assessments, FISMA compliance (if applicable), and endpoint protection, to safeguard servers and desktops against cyber threats.
  • Automate routine administrative tasks using PowerShell scripting to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex system issues related to performance, security, and software integration.
  • Mentor junior system administrators, providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Collaborate with security, network, and application teams to support enterprise-wide initiatives and disaster recovery planning.
  • Maintain documentation of systems, processes, and configurations to ensure operational continuity.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 7+ years of experience in Windows system administration, with at least 3 years in a senior or lead role within an enterprise environment.
  • Extensive knowledge of Windows Server (2016/2019/2022) and Windows desktop operating systems (10/11).
  • Proven expertise in enterprise security practices, including patching, vulnerability remediation, and compliance with standards such as NIST, CIS, or FISMA.
  • Hands-on experience with patch management tools (e.g., MECM, SCCM) and security solutions (e.g., antivirus, EDR, firewalls).
  • Advanced proficiency in PowerShell scripting for automation and system management.
  • Strong understanding of Active Directory, Group Policy, and related Windows services in a multi-site enterprise.
  • Experience with virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V) and cloud platforms (e.g., Azure AD, Microsoft 365) is a plus.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
  • Relevant certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate, MCSA/MCSE, CompTIA Security+) are highly desirable.
Preferred Skills:
  • Experience managing hybrid environments with on-premises and cloud-based Windows systems.
  • Familiarity with ITIL processes and enterprise change management.
  • Background in mentoring or leading small teams of IT professionals.

Benefits and Salary

We attract the best people in the business with our competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k plan with employer contribution, paid holidays, vacation, and tuition reimbursement.

We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience and location. The targeted range for this position is $115,000 - $150,000.

If you enjoy being a part of a high performing, professional service and technology focused organization, please apply today!

Apply for this job

*

indicates a required field

Resume/CV*

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Cover Letter

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Education

Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in NIH-NCBI’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Select...
Select...
Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305
Page 1 of 1
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
  • Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
  • Blind or low vision
  • Cancer (past or present)
  • Cardiovascular or heart disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
  • Diabetes
  • Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
  • Intellectual or developmental disability
  • Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
  • Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
  • Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
  • Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
  • Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
  • Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
  • Short stature (dwarfism)
  • Traumatic brain injury
Select...

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.