Principal System Administrator – Bluestaq Australia
Bluestaq Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Location: Brisbane or Canberra. Initially hybrid arrangement, then on-premises.
About Bluestaq
At Bluestaq, we're not just another tech company—we're a mission-driven team of innovators, problem-solvers, and trailblazers. Founded in 2018, Bluestaq has quickly become a leader in enterprise software and secure data management. Our name reflects our roots: "blue" (military shorthand for the good guys) and "staq" (as in software stack).
Recognized Excellence: Bluestaq has earned national recognition as one of Inc. Magazine's Fastest-Growing Private Companies and is consistently ranked among Colorado's Best Workplaces. We engineer secure, scalable data ecosystems for space, defense, healthcare, and beyond.
About the Role
The Principal System Administrator will lead the design, deployment and maintenance of a secure data management platform in defence environments. This role encompasses full system lifecycle management, user support and technical leadership to ensure secure, compliant and high performing IT operations in defence-aligned environments. Reporting directly to the President Bluestaq Australia, you will:
* Architect and maintain a resilient Linux server environment
* Administer Active Directory, Group Policy, identity and access management (IAM) and network configurations
* Configure and manage firewalls, routers and switches, including VLANs, DNS and IAM integration
* Lead ongoing system maintenance, software installation, configuration, integrated testing and troubleshooting
* Assist end users by addressing technical inquiries and resolving access or configuration issues
* Oversee patch management, configuration compliance, change control and vulnerability mitigation
* Implement system hardening in alignment with the ASD Essential Eight and conduct regular audits
* Liaise with internal teams and external stakeholders; provide technical updates and recommendations to leadership
About You
You must be willing to embrace our core values of Ownership, Curiosity, Talent and Trust and in addition have:
* Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in system administration or IT infrastructure
* Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent knowledge gained through experience
* Proven expertise in Active Directory and Linux system administration
* Proficiency in scripting (e.g., PowerShell, Bash, Python)
* CCNA/CCNP certification or equivalent hands-on networking experience
* Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
* Demonstrated leadership experience managing or mentoring technical teams
* Willingness to travel, if required, to customer sites, partner facilities and other Bluestaq locations across Australia, including secure government or defence sites
You must also be an Australian citizen, eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Government NV2 security clearance.
Your Benefits
* Attractive salary based on qualifications, experience and achievements
* Superannuation
* Annual performance bonus
* Private health cover allowance
* Health/wellness allowance
* Professional subscription
* Salary sacrifice and salary packaging options
* Additional 1 week of annual leave per year = 5 weeks per year
* Other leave in accordance with the National Employment Standards and state long service leave legislation
Equal Opportunity
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ and culturally diverse candidates. Bluestaq will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities and employees whose work requirements interfere with a religious belief unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. For accommodations, contact Human Resources at
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Information Technology
* Industries
* Software Development
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