Senior Macintosh Systems Engineer

Empower AI is AI for government. Empower AI gives federal agency leaders the tools to elevate the potential of their workforce with a direct path for meaningful transformation. Headquartered in Reston, Va., Empower AI leverages three decades of experience solving complex challenges in Health, Defense, and Civilian missions. Our proven Empower AI Platform® provides a practical, sustainable path for clients to achieve transformation that is true to who they are, what they do, how they work, with the resources they have. The result is a government workforce that is exponentially more creative and productive. For more information, visit www.Empower.ai.

Empower AI is proud to be recognized as a 2024 Military Friendly Employer by Viqtory, the publisher of G.I. Jobs. This designation reflects the company’s commitment to hiring and supporting active-duty and veteran employees.

Empower AI: As the Senior Macintosh Systems Engineer, the candidate will provide advanced technical and senior engineering level support for the Macintosh Center of Excellence. Will work as part of a collaborative team tasked with providing full-range IT support for the JSP’s Mac environment and underlying Mac support systems. This includes Tier I through Tier IV support services covering user support, operations, and engineering functions. Candidate will develop solutions, build, test and deploy macOS while implementing hardening best practices using the DISA STIG, NIST, and other government approved security guidance. Candidate will integrate multiple third-party applications required for securely operating within existing DoD and Federal Government Active Directory based networks. 

 
Highlights of Responsibilities: 

• Provide advanced level of configuration and troubleshooting knowledge for macOS 
• Create and administer Apple operating system installation and application packages using JAMF Pro 
• Knowledge of installing, configuring, and supporting the following third-party software: ActivClient, Centrify, McAfee Security, Citrix, Cisco Anyconnect and/or Juniper VPN. 
• Provide COTS support and configuration knowledge in an enterprise environment of other Macintosh related applications such as Microsoft Office, Firefox, and Adobe products (Acrobat, Creative Cloud). This includes methods of packaging volume-licensed applications for deployment and repackaging non-PKG installers. 
• Research solutions utilizing all available resources. 
• Work with vendors to address issues that require escalation. Work with the vendor to provide testing and feedback for a successful resolution. 
• Knowledge of Windows network based authentication using smartcard (CAC/PIV) accreditation to obtain a domain issued Kerberos ticket 
• Knowledge and understanding of PKI, trusted certificates, certificate authorities, Keychain configuration, and Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP) services. 
• Configure, test, and implement DISA STIG requirements in accordance with DoD and Federal Government IT security policies. 
• Ensure all MAC developed/maintained solutions remain compliant with Government STIG’s and ACAS scans 
• Performs high-level systems evaluation, analysis, design, integration, implementation, and documentation of complex scenarios. 
• Test all MAC solutions and infrastructure changes in the enterprise test environment 
• Provide engineering support to analyze and resolve difficult macOS and software issues 
• Provide MAC System Improvement Recommendations (SIRs) for system operations to ensure reliability, performance, capacity, and optimal resource utilization 
• Develop “as-built” documentation and architecture/network diagrams that support the installation of MAC systems to be repeatable  
• Assist in the establishment of MAC technology “best practices” and provide documentation to support all initiatives. 
• Maintain and support configuration management tools 
• Assist in the maintenance and documentation of desktop, laptop, and server configurations 
• Participate in the development of new desktop/laptop images and workflows as new macOS versions are released 
• Develop custom application solutions to support customer requirements 
• Participate in collaborative efforts to support Apple products and technologies 
• Participate in macOS and iOS pilots, IPRs, working groups, and other efforts 
• Responsible for scripting using AppleScript and Unix Shell Scripts. 
• Directs and participates in all phases of system development and advancement 
• Applies higher-level business or technical principles and methods to difficult technical problems to arrive at automated engineering solution. 
• Designs and prepares technical reports and related documentation. 

Qualifications 

• Clearance Required: US Department of Defense (DOD) Secret clearance 
• Strong customer service orientation 
• Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities 
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment 
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills 
• Ability to present ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language 
• Highly self-motivated and directed 
• Keen attention to detail 
• Team-oriented and skilled in working within a collaborative environment 
• Above average written and oral communication skills 
• Ability to document tasks and requirements 

Required Education and Experience:  

• Professional Experience: 10 Years of professional IT experience with at least 4 years in the area of Apple/macOS administration/engineering 
• Required Education: Bachelor Degree or equivalent  
• DODI 8570 IAT-II compliance (e.g.: CompTIA Security+) 
• Jamf 300 Jamf Certified Admin 
• Jamf 370 Jamf Certified Endpoint Security Admin 
• Jamf 400 Jamf Certified Expert 
• Active Directory, LDAP, etc. 
• Kerberos, Single Sign On, Security Best Practices, Profile Manager 
• DEP, imaging, NetBoot, NetInstall, Custom Packages, Software Update Server 
• Creation of Apple installation packages and re-packaging of existing installers. 
• Scripting using AppleScript, Python, Ruby, JavaScript and/or Unix Shell Scripts 

Desired Bonus Experience: 

• FileMaker Database Administration 
• Risk Management Framework (RMF) 
• Enterprise Mission Assurance Support Service (eMASS) 
• Direct support of senior level Executives and DoD customers 
• Knowledge of (iOS) Apple mobile platforms and mobile device management; iPhone, iPad 
• and iPod Touch. 
• Experience using the following Apple technologies: Xcode IDE, Apple Configurator, 
• APNS, and FileVault. 
• Swift Development for macOS and iOS 

Physical Requirements:  

 This position requires the ability to perform the below essential functions: 

• Sitting for long periods 
• Standing for long periods 
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as required 
• Lift and carry weight up to 50 pounds 

It is the policy of Empower AI to provide equal opportunity in recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting individuals in all job categories without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected class or category as may be defined by federal, state, or local laws or regulations. In addition, we affirm that all compensation, benefits, company-sponsored training, educational assistance, social, and recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It is our firm intent to support equal employment opportunity and affirmative action in keeping with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.  Empower AI is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.