Utah State University

Cleared Linux Systems Administrator

Utah State University$90K — $150K *
Technical Services
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of Linux systems administration experience, or 10+ years without a degree
  • Skilled in managing enterprise Linux systems like RHEL and Ubuntu
  • Experience with virtualization platforms, primarily VMware and Red Hat Virtualization
  • Proficient in LDAP solutions, particularly Active Directory and FreeIPA
  • Strong understanding of security best practices in Linux environments
  • Familiar with monitoring tools for system management
  • Knowledge of automated deployment tools like Ansible and Terraform

Responsibilities

  • Develop deep understanding of company systems and networks
  • Monitor systems for performance and security proactively
  • Conduct audits and ensure compliance with IT policies
  • Maintain data integrity via software and hardware solutions
  • Support project prioritization with leadership
  • Document system issues and progress in Jira
  • Lead installation and configuration of information systems

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • Flexible working conditions with potential for travel
  • Supportive work environment with a focus on team collaboration
Full Job Description
Job ID: 7819A
Date Posted: June 8, 2026


Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking an experienced Linux System Administrator to design, implement, secure, and maintain systems and associated applications, services, and components. This is an on-site, non-remote position in our Albuquerque, NM location.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Achieves in-depth knowledge of company processes, systems, and networks
  • Proactively monitors assigned systems to ensure high availability, optimum performance, and security
  • Follows established IT policies and procedures to perform audits and ensure compliance
  • Ensures data integrity by implementing standard software and hardware solutions
  • Works with their leaders to prioritize projects, requests, changes, and tasks
  • Documents issues in Jira and communicates progress (through updates, workflow status, due dates, etc.)
  • Leads/assists in installation and configuration of information systems and components
  • Assists in the design and implementation of information systems
  • Responsible for documentation of assigned systems and solutions
  • Implements and maintains Linux security hardening, patch management, user and permission administration, and compliance with security standards
  • Participates in change management processes and documents system configurations, incidents, and resolutions clearly and in a timely manner
  • Collaborates with cross-functional teams to prioritize tasks, support project implementations, and improve system architecture
  • Implements strong problem-solving skills and works in fast-paced environments, independently and as part of a team
  • Performs maintenance on systems minimizing downtime and customer impact
  • Performs after-hours maintenance and provide on-call support as needed
Required Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience and a bachelor's degree in a related technical field (e.g., IT, computer science, information systems, engineering, or related field) or 10+ years of experience in lieu of a degree
  • Experience administering enterprise Linux systems (e.g., RHEL 7/8/9, Ubuntu 22/24)
  • Experience administering virtualization platforms such as VMware vSphere, Red Hat Virtualization (RHV), including VM provisioning, resource allocation, and basic performance tuning
  • Experience with LDAP solutions such as Microsoft Active Directory and FreeIPA
  • Strong Linux security skills including system hardening, patch management, user management, and configuration management
  • Familiarity with monitoring and alerting tools (e.g., Elasticsearch, Logrhythm, Prometheus, Grafana) for proactive system management
  • Proficiency with package management tools (YUM, DNF, RPM, APT) and maintaining repositories in offline or air-gapped environments
  • Experience with automated deployment and infrastructure as code tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Terraform)
  • Familiarity with container concepts and basic experience with container tools such as Docker or Podman
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to document and collaborate effectively
  • Must be willing to travel when required (2-3 times annually)
  • Must be a U.S. citizen with an active Top Secret clearance
  • Active CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent certification that meets or exceeds DoD 8570 IAT Level II (or be able to obtain within a maximum of 30 days after hire)
Preferred Qualifications:
  • 10+ years of experience and a bachelor's degree in a related technical field (e.g., IT, computer science, information systems, engineering, or related field) or 15+ years of experience in lieu of a degree
  • Advanced experience with virtualization platforms such as Red Hat Virtualization (RHV), VMware vSphere, including VM provisioning, resource allocation, snapshots, and performance tuning
  • Familiarity with databases (e.g., Postgres, MySQL) and Linux web services (e.g., Apache, Nginx)
  • Proficiency in one or more scripting language
  • Practical experience deploying and supporting Virtual Desktop (VDI) solutions (e.g., Leostream/HP Anyware, VMware Horizon, Citrix) and Trusted Thin Client, including image management and troubleshooting
  • Understanding of information systems security best practices, DoD security requirements, and use of security tools such as Nessus, SCAP, and applying STIGs
  • RHCSA and Red Hat Certified OpenShift Administrator certifications
*Salary Range
  • $90,000 - $150,000
    • Salary commensurate on education and relevant experience


This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate's preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 14 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.

For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact [redacted].

About Utah State University

Utah State University (USU) is a public land-grant research university in Logan, Utah. It is the flagship institution of the Utah State University System. USU offers programs in agriculture, engineering, business, economics, natural resources, and other fields. The university has about 17,000 students and 1,500 faculty members. USU is known for its research in agriculture, ecology, and engineering. The university has a large campus with many research facilities and a strong athletic program.
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