Los Alamos National Laboratory

Linux Systems Engineer (Cybersecurity Technical Staff 1)

Los Alamos National Laboratory$87K — $143K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a technical field.
  • 0-2 years of experience with Linux systems or equivalent education/experience.
  • Foundational knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux or similar distributions.
  • Familiarity with basic networking concepts and troubleshooting techniques.
  • Basic understanding of cybersecurity principles and access control.
  • Experience with scripting or automation using Bash, Python, or Ansible.
  • Ability to learn new technologies and apply technical guidance.

Responsibilities

  • Administer, configure, and maintain Red Hat Enterprise Linux servers.
  • Support system patching and lifecycle management.
  • Develop and maintain automation workflows using Ansible and Bash.
  • Document technical work and contribute to standard operating procedures.
  • Assist with cybersecurity compliance and NIST-based security controls.
  • Monitor system performance and troubleshoot routine issues.
  • Collaborate with team members to support secure computing environments.

Benefits

  • Onsite work location in Los Alamos, NM.
  • Opportunity to work alongside experienced engineers.
  • Engagement with national security programs.
  • Access to ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.
  • Position commitment providing stability in the job role.
Full Job Description
Job Title Linux Systems Engineer (Cybersecurity Technical Staff 1)

Location Los Alamos, NM, US

Organization Name SSO-3/Special Security IT & Cyber Operations

Minimum Salary 87800

Maximum Salary 143000

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
What You Will Do
The Special Security Operations IT & Cyber Group (SSO-3) is seeking a motivated Linux Systems Engineer to join our Linux Services Team. This team supports, deploys, and maintains secure Linux environments across multiple TS/SCI networks, providing mission-critical computing capabilities for national security programs.

In this entry-level role, you will work alongside experienced Linux engineers and cybersecurity professionals to administer Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems while developing your technical expertise. You will assist with system deployment, maintenance, security compliance, troubleshooting, and automation efforts while gaining experience supporting enterprise Linux infrastructure in a highly secure environment.

The ideal candidate has a solid foundation in Linux administration, enjoys solving technical problems, and is eager to learn enterprise technologies while contributing to secure, reliable computing environments.

As a member of the Special Security Cyber Operations Team, your responsibilities will include:
  • Assist with the administration, configuration, deployment, and maintenance of Red Hat Enterprise Linux servers and workstations.
  • Support system patching and lifecycle management using Red Hat Satellite and local repositories.
  • Assist with developing and maintaining automation workflows using Ansible Automation Platform, Bash, GitLab, or similar tools.
  • Help develop, document, and maintain system configurations, technical documentation, and standard operating procedures.
  • Support cybersecurity compliance by assisting with implementation and maintenance of NIST-based security controls and Laboratory security requirements.
  • Monitor system performance, troubleshoot hardware and software issues, and resolve routine Linux system problems under the guidance of senior staff.
  • Assist with vulnerability remediation, system hardening, and security monitoring activities.
  • Participate in system upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and lifecycle management activities.
  • Support enterprise storage systems, including NFS, NAS, and related technologies.
  • Assist with evaluating new technologies and automation tools to improve system administration and operational efficiency.
  • Collaborate with Linux engineers, cybersecurity personnel, and customers to support secure and reliable computing environments.
  • Document technical work, communicate findings, and contribute to project deliverables.
  • Follow Laboratory safety, security, and quality requirements while fostering a respectful and collaborative work environment.


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Foundational knowledge of Linux operating systems, preferably Red Hat Enterprise Linux or similar distributions.
  • Basic understanding of Linux system administration, networking concepts, and troubleshooting techniques.
  • Basic understanding of cybersecurity principles, system security, access control, and security best practices.
  • Familiarity with scripting or automation using Bash, Python, Ansible, or similar technologies.
  • Familiarity with Git, GitLab, or other version control systems.
  • Ability to learn new technologies, follow established procedures, and apply technical guidance to assigned work.
  • Problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative technical team.
  • Demonstrated commitment to customer service and continuous learning.

Education/Experience:
Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a technical field and a minimum of 2 years' related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux administration.
  • Familiarity with Red Hat Satellite or enterprise patch management tools.
  • Experience using Ansible, Bash, Python, or other automation tools.
  • Familiarity with GitLab or similar version control platforms.
  • Basic understanding of NIST 800-53, CIS Benchmarks, or DoD STIGs.
  • Familiarity with Linux authentication using Microsoft Active Directory.
  • Experience troubleshooting Linux networking and performance issues.
  • Exposure to enterprise storage technologies such as NFS, NAS, or NetApp.
  • Familiarity with virtualization, containers (Podman or Docker), Kubernetes, or OpenShift.
  • Exposure to GPU-enabled computing environments is a plus.
  • Active DOE Q or DoD TS/SCI clearance is desirable.

Training and Certifications:
Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) certification or the ability to obtain within 12 months of hire.
Additional Red Hat or Linux certifications are desirable.

Work Environment:

Work Location : The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

About Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a United States Department of Energy national laboratory initially organized during World War II for the design of nuclear weapons as part of the Manhattan Project. It is located a short distance northwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico in the southwestern United States. LANL conducts research in fields such as national security, space exploration, renewable energy, medicine, nanotechnology, and supercomputing. It is the largest institution of its kind in the world. LANL is managed and operated by Triad National Security, LLC, which is composed of Battelle Memorial Institute, the University of California, and the Texas A&M University System.
Learn more about Los Alamos National Laboratory
Size
12,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1943

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