Leidos Defense is seeking a skilled Network Systems Administrator to support critical operations aboard government-owned Ocean Surveillance Ships engaged in SURTASS missions at sea.

The Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS) provides on-demand, mobile maritime surveillance through advanced active and passive acoustic technologies. These specialized vessels operate independently for extended durations in remote environments, delivering vital intelligence to Joint and Naval Task Force commanders.

As part of the Ship’s Operations Center (SOC) and SURTASS team, you will maintain and troubleshoot shipboard network and communications systems, including Cisco hardware and IOS patching, while supporting system upgrades and installations. You will assist with SOC and array operations, contribute to deployment and retrieval of towed systems, and work with specialized equipment such as SATCOM and acoustic arrays. Additional responsibilities include maintaining logs and supporting compliance, safety, and collateral duties, all while operating in a collaborative, mission-driven shipboard environment alongside military, government, and contractor personnel.

This role follows a rotational schedule of 6 months deployed / 3 months off, with workweeks exceeding 40 hours while on mission. Candidates may be based anywhere in the United States, provided they are fully flexible for travel and extended deployments.

Responsibilities:

As a member of the Ship’s Operation Center (SOC) and the SURTASS team, you will be responsible for the following:

• Perform work independently to maintain shipboard network connectivity and repair CISCO servers, switches, and routers as part of the SURTASS program.
• Assist with onsite shipboard network and communications systems repairs, upgrades, and installations on SURTASS Expeditionary and other similar mission vessels.
• Employ technical solutions to perform any physical and/or software (CISCO IOS) patching as required.
• Perform operations and maintenance of the Ship’s Operation Center and Array Handling systems utilizing common and specialized tools, test equipment, manufacturer’s manuals, schematic diagrams, and government procedures.
• Opportunity to work on UHF SATCOM, Communication, Processing, Passive and Active Arrays and other supporting systems.
• Become qualified in Ship Operation Center and Array Operation positions and participate in the deployment and retrieval of Tow Arrayed evolutions and all other SURTASS operations.
• Assist supervisor and other program managers in compiling data, procedures, and manuals.
• Ensure proper maintenance of Logs and Records.
• May be assigned COMSEC, logistics, 3M or safety collateral duties. Required to participate in Leidos and Government Compliance Training programs.
• Share common spaces over lengthy deployment periods and work closely with
• others in a small working area and in a shipboard environment.
• This position requires close cooperation and working relationships with active- duty military, defense contractors, and government personnel.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related discipline, or a graduate of Navy “C” school in network and information technology with 4+ years of related hands-on experience in planning, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of data networks, computers, and distributed data systems.
• Possess certifications: Security+ or Cisco Security or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
• Proficient with network computers and have a familiarity with operational, schematics, and maintenance publications.
• Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Demonstrate ability to perform assigned taskings.
• Obtain valid U.S. passport in an expeditious manner. Successfully pass a
• pre-employment drug screening
• Ability to obtain and maintain company provided travel charge cards.
• Must be capable of passing a Mariner's Physical per COMSCINST 6000.l.c and maintain their medical fitness for this position.
• Secret Clearance required and ability to complete government background investigation and meet eligibility requirements to obtain Top Clearance.

Desired Qualifications:

• Cisco Certified Design & Architecture Certification (CCDA) and experience with Windows, LINUX, or UNIX.
• Demonstrated experience in the maintenance and repair of the SURTASS COMM SUBSYSTEM, including SHF or UHF SATCOM, IFF, Secure Voice, and data communications security, and KMI.
• Combined experience in managing, administrating, maintaining, and repairing UNIX/LINUX and Windows networks.
• Background in EKMS/COMSEC. SURTASS program background.
• Super High Frequency (SHF) experience.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

April 7, 2026

Pay Range:

Pay Range $59,150.00 - $106,925.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.