Senior Classified Data Storage and Backup Engineer

Are you a storage engineer with deep experience managing enterprise data and backup solutions and, safeguarding mission-critical data?
Do you take pride in building secure, scalable storage infrastructure, and ensuring that every byte is protected and recoverable?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

As a Senior Storage & Backup Engineer, you'll lead the design, implementation, management and daily operations of both the enterprise storage and backup platforms within our classified IT environment. You'll ensure the availability, integrity, performance and recoverability of critical data across Dell and NetApp systems, while overseeing a comprehensive backup strategy built on best practices and compliance standards.

This role is central to our data resilience mission-and your work will directly support national security programs by safeguarding some of APL's most vital digital assets.

In this role, you will:

Storage Responsibilities:

• Design, configure, and manage Dell and NetApp enterprise storage arrays to meet performance, availability, and compliance goals.
• Conduct daily health checks, performance analysis, and proactive issue resolution for enterprise storage infrastructure.
• Manage storage provisioning requests, develop capacity plans, and tune performance based on usage trends and project demands.
• Evaluate emerging storage technologies and recommend enhancements to optimize system scalability, security, and efficiency.
• Ensure system patching and configuration compliance with DoD STIGs, POA&Ms, and internal vulnerability standards.

Backup Responsibilities (Core Function):

• Own and manage enterprise-wide backup solutions-developing, implementing, and maintaining a robust and secure backup architecture.
• Administer and monitor backup systems (e.g., Rubrik) to ensure successful backups, adherence to retention policies, and full recoverability of systems and data.
• Troubleshoot failed backups and proactively resolve issues related to backup software, agents, storage targets, or scheduling conflicts.
• Establish and enforce backup policies, schedules, and escalation procedures for backup failures or data restoration needs.
• Perform regular backup validation, test restoration procedures, and document disaster recovery workflows to ensure readiness.
• Support audits and inspections by generating compliance reports, maintaining backup job records, and validating data protection requirements.
• Collaborate with systems and network teams to ensure new applications, file systems, and databases are integrated into the enterprise backup solution.

You meet our minimum qualifications if you have:

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical field-or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of experience configuring, managing, and patching enterprise storage arrays (Dell, NetApp, or equivalent).
• 5+ years of hands-on experience managing and supporting enterprise backup platforms in a production environment.
• 5+ years of experience in VMware vSphere storage administration.
• 5+ years of Windows Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux administration.
• A current Security+ (or equivalent DoD 8570 compliant) certification.
• Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
• Active Secret clearance and ability to obtain a Top-Secret security clearance. U.S. Citizenship is required.

You'll stand out if you also have experience with:

• Rubrik or similar enterprise backup solutions (e.g., Commvault, NetBackup, Veeam, Cohesity).
• Developing and testing disaster recovery plans and backup validation workflows.
• Deploying and managing S3-compatible object storage.
• Dell Unity, Unity XT, NetApp Hybrid and All Flash storage systems in classified environments.
• Tuning backup systems for high-throughput environments, including optimization for virtualization and large data volumes.
• Holding an active Top-Secret clearance.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.