--- title: 'Systems Administrator at Whisper Aero' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/systems-administrator-whisper-aero-nashville-or-crossville-09fywj5s72ab' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-28' --- # Systems Administrator at Whisper Aero - **Company:** Whisper Aero - **Location:** Nashville OR Crossville, TN - **Posted:** 2026-10-21 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-28 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/whisperaero/jobs/5460540008 ## Job description Our Company Whisper Aero is pioneering a more compelling and connected future by delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient propulsion solutions. Today's open rotor propulsion systems are challenged by safety, noise, and performance limitations at all scales. Whisper's breakthrough technologies allow aircraft to fly anywhere at any time without disturbing communities, at greater speeds, and with incredible improvements in efficiency and cost. Their innovations also enable a new generation of air moving products that can blend into the soundscapes of daily life. Whisper was founded by industry veterans, Mark Moore and Ian Villa, and continues to innovate a future that’s as considerate as it is compelling with its world-class team in Tennessee. ## About Whisper Aero Whisper Aero is a next-generation electric propulsion and air movement company designing cleaner, quieter, and more efficient thrust for aviation and beyond. Backed by world-class talent from NASA, major aerospace firms, and leading innovators, we operate with startup speed to disrupt traditional paradigms in aerospace and air management. To maintain our rapid pace of engineering innovation, we are looking for a sharp, proactive System Administrator to scale, secure, and future-proof our IT infrastructure. Position Summary We are seeking a versatile and security-conscious System Administrator with 4+ years of hands-on experience managing robust hybrid IT environments. In this role, you will own the administration and lifecycle management of our corporate users and IT systems. You will bridge the gap between heavy-duty engineering requirements and secure enterprise IT, automating provisioning, securing endpoints, and hardening our cloud and on-premise infrastructure against modern cyber threats. ## Key Responsibilities Identity, Access Management & Endpoint Security - Cloud & Hybrid Identity: Administer Microsoft 365, Azure, Entra ID (Azure AD), and Active Directory. Enforce strict multi-factor authentication (MFA) and design intelligent Conditional Access Policies. - Modern Device Management: Drive Windows OS (10 and 11) and Windows Server (2019+) fleet management via Microsoft Intune and Autopilot, alongside Mobile Application Management (MAM) policies. - Identity Provisioning & SSO: Implement and optimize Single Sign-On (SSO), SCIM provisioning, and automated identity management across cloud platforms including Slack, Atlassian tools (Jira/Confluence), and others. - Automation: Build streamlined automation pipelines for employee on-boarding and off-boarding, drastically reducing manual IT friction. Infrastructure & Operations - Server & Virtualization Management: Deploy, patch, and maintain Windows Servers and Hyper-V virtualization environments. - OS & Third-Party Patching: Execute comprehensive vulnerability patch management strategies for operating systems and third-party software applications. - Backup & Disaster Recovery: Architect, execute, and routinely test a robust backup strategy designed to defend against malware and ransomware, ensuring swift and predictable disaster recovery. Security & Compliance - Cyber Resilience: Deploy proactive threat prevention, malware/ransomware defense protocols, and incident response/disaster recovery workflows. - Framework Familiarity: Support hardening initiatives aligned with NIST guidelines or Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements (preferred). - AI-Assisted Operations: Leverage modern AI tools and LLMs creatively to troubleshoot complex IT issues, script automation logic, and analyze infrastructure logs efficiently. ## Qualifications & Requirements - Experience: Minimum 4+ years of professional experience in a System Administrator or corporate IT engineering role. - Core Microsoft Stack: Deep expertise in MS 365, Azure, Entra ID, Active Directory, GPO, and MFA configuration. - Systems & Virtualization: Proven experience with Windows Servers (2019+), Windows 10/11 endpoints, Hyper-V, and Windows server deployment methodologies. - Endpoint Management: Hands-on experience with Microsoft Intune, Autopilot, and MAM policies. - Identity & SaaS Administration: Working knowledge of SSO, SCIM, and automated user provisioning (Slack, Atlassian, etc.). - Security & Resilience: Demonstrated history of managing robust backup strategies, vulnerability patching, malware/ransomware prevention, and disaster recovery planning. - Automation mindset: Experience scripting (PowerShell, Python, etc.) to automate repetitive IT workflows (on/off-boarding). - AI & Modern Tools: Curiosity and working knowledge of leveraging AI to diagnose IT problems and streamline operations. Preferred / Nice-to-Have Skills: - Linux administration experience (Ubuntu/RHEL). - Familiarity with defense or aerospace compliance frameworks (NIST SP 800-171, CMMC). - Experience in fast-paced startup or high-growth engineering environments. Benefits: - Top-tier Benefits: Employee-first focused comprehensive benefits package, minimum of 90% employer-paid plans for employees and dependents with optional HSA/FSA account offerings - PTO & Federal Holidays: Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days - Competitive Salary: Value-based compensation, plus enjoy Tennessee’s no-income-tax life - End of Year Bonuses: For eligible employees - We always have beverages and snacks available to energize you throughout the day, with paid team meals based on office demands. - 401(k) - Relocation Assistance - Professional Development Stipend Whisper Aero is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Whisper Aero also participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. ## About Whisper Aero ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Whisper Aero develops ultra-quiet, scalable electric propulsion systems for drones, jets, and air-moving products, aiming to make flight cleaner and less disruptive. - **Entity Type**: Private (Series A) – total funding $41M - **Headquarters**: Crossville, Tennessee, USA (with a corporate office in Nashville) - **Founded**: 2020 - **Founders**: Mark Moore (CEO) and Ian Villa (COO & CPO) ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing; electric propulsion for UAVs, eVTOL, and collaborative aircraft - **Target customers**: B2B – defense (DoD), commercial aviation, drone logistics, and potentially consumer air-mobility; also air-moving applications (fans, HVAC) - **Mission statement**: “Deliver the next generation of cleaner, quieter, more efficient thrust for drones, jets, and more” – redefining how and where the world moves. ## Products & Services - **UltraQuiet™ Propulsion System**: Proprietary electric ducted fan architecture delivering thrust from 5 to 500 lbs, speeds from 40 to 400 knots, and claims 20% greater efficiency than open-rotor designs. Available as the eQ160 propulsor. - **JetFoil™ Propulsion**: A new family of ultra-quiet, ducted electric thrusters for autonomous collaborative logistics aircraft, funded by U.S. Air Force STRATFI/OECIF. - **Custom Demonstrator Drones**: Bespoke UAV platforms used to validate first-principles quiet flight (e.g., demonstrator drone flown in 2024). ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed (private company) - **Key Metric**: Total funding – $41M across three rounds (venture round $7.5M in 2021, Series A $33M in 2023, state grant $0.5M in 2025). Estimated annual revenue: $20M per LinkedIn data (unverified). - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Capricorn Investment Group, EVE Atlas, Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development (grant), Tennessee Tech University, U.S. Air Force (STRATFI/OECIF funding). - **Growth Signals**: - Headcount grew 31.8% YoY to 67 employees (LinkedIn) - Opened an 8,000 sq ft Flight Test Center at Crossville Memorial Airport (funded by $1.2M state appropriation) - Partnered with Tennessee Tech to build a 130,000 sq ft manufacturing and testing facility (largest low-speed wind tunnel in the state) - Emerging from stealth at AIAA AVIATION 2023; named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (Ian Villa, 2022) and Nashville Dealmaker of the Year (2024) ## Competitive Advantages - **UltraQuiet™ Technology**: ~20 dB quieter than conventional open-rotor propulsion, enabling flights closer to communities and quieter drone operations. - **Efficiency & Scalability**: 20% more efficient than alternatives; thrust range from 5 to 500 lbs covers small drones to full-scale aircraft. - **First-Principles IP**: Founded by Mark Moore, NASA pioneer of Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP) who led the Puffin, GL-10, LeapTech, and X-57 projects – a deep technical moat. - **Proven DoD Backing**: US Air Force STRATFI/OECIF contracts validate military interest and de-risk development. ## Strategic Focus - Scale manufacturing and testing via the joint facility with Tennessee Tech. - Expand from aviation into broader air-moving products (e.g., fans, HVAC) using the same quiet, efficient core technology. - Win additional defense contracts for autonomous logistics aircraft. - Continue refining UltraQuiet™ propulsion for commercial eVTOL and last-mile drone delivery. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: “Intellectual rigor, trust, and ambition” – values include “Embody Safety”, “Foster creative genius”, and “Prioritize Efficiently”. Low-ego, high-impact environment. - **Location**: Dual presence – Crossville (rural, near Great Smoky Mountains) and Nashville (city life, music, growing tech hub). Outdoor activities accessible from both. - **Benefits**: - 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision (75% for dependents) - 4 weeks PTO plus federal holidays - Stock options for all full-time employees - Annual professional development stipend - End-of-year bonuses - Paid office lunches (MWF) and snacks - **Work Environment**: Primarily on-site in Tennessee (Crossville or Nashville). No income tax. Fast-growing startup with hands-on engineering and flight testing. - **Notable Perks**: Opportunity to work on cutting-edge electric propulsion from first principles, with direct impact on real aircraft flight. ## Sources 1. [whisper.aero](https://www.whisper.aero/) – Company overview 2. [whisper.aero/about](https://www.whisper.aero/about) – History, team, milestones 3. [whisper.aero/careers](https://www.whisper.aero/careers) – Benefits and culture 4. [LinkedIn – Whisper Aero](https://www.linkedin.com/company/whisperaero) – Employee count, funding, revenue estimates 5. [Greenhouse – Jobs at Whisper Aero](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/whisperaero) – Current openings and company description ## Other roles at Whisper Aero - [CFD / Aero Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/cfd-aero-engineer-whisper-aero-nashville-or-crossville-j1hsjky4a8ke) — Nashville OR Crossville, TN - [Supply Chain & Sourcing Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/supply-chain-sourcing-manager-whisper-aero-nashville-zhmprptnfpm7) — Nashville, TN - [Structures Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/structures-engineer-whisper-aero-nashville-or-crossville-9xq21t8x3c7p) — Nashville OR Crossville, TN - [Senior Mechanical Test Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-mechanical-test-engineer-whisper-aero-nashville-or-crossville-g9sqv95j7f7a) — Nashville OR Crossville, TN - [Project Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/project-engineer-whisper-aero-crossville-ptxp1nkbnwtz) — Crossville, TN - [Program Manager, High Thrust Propulsors](https://feeny.ai/job/program-manager-high-thrust-propulsors-whisper-aero-nashville-fybfzq6zey2f) — Nashville, TN - [Systems Administrator](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-administrator-anduril-industries-costa-mesa-speasdfca79e) — Costa Mesa, CA - [Systems Administrator](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-administrator-anduril-industries-costa-mesa-dee3w8p1g1gq) — Costa Mesa, CA - [Systems Administrator](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-administrator-pitchbook-data-seattle-atzh0xexg1be) — Seattle, WA - [Systems Administrator](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-administrator-hugeinc-united-states-rsj2nfp5xeh3) — United States