Sr. Linux Systems Administrator

Astrion • $145K — $165K *
Columbia, MD 21044In-Person
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Active TS/SCI security clearance (required)
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 8+ years of Linux systems administration experience within DoD/DoW or classified environments
  • Deep expertise in RHEL administration, scripting (Bash, Python, Ansible), and Linux identity/authentication
  • Demonstrated experience implementing and maintaining DoD STIG compliance on Linux
  • Hands-on experience administering an HPC cluster and enterprise storage (NetApp ONTAP)
  • Active DoD 8140 compliant baseline certification and computing environment certification (e.g., RHCSA)

Responsibilities

  • Administer, patch, and sustain RHEL servers and workstations across isolated classified networks
  • Build, harden, and baseline Linux systems to DoD STIGs; remediate findings and control configuration drift
  • Administer and tune the HPC cluster including workload scheduling and shared filesystem
  • Automate provisioning and remediation with Bash, Python, and Ansible, even on disconnected systems
  • Perform patching on air-gapped networks through approved offline processes
  • Implement C2C and 802.1x posture for Linux endpoints
  • Troubleshoot complex issues across multi-network, multi-vendor environments
  • Collaborate with cybersecurity and systems engineering stakeholders to ensure secure operations

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness programs
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Professional development and training opportunities
  • Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements
  • Support for work-life balance through employee assistance programs
Full Job Description
Overview

Senior Linux Systems Administrator

LOCATION: Columbia, MD (Onsite)

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: Active Top Secret / TS/SCI (Required)

TRAVEL: Less than 10%

SALARY RANGE: $145k - $165k

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced Senior Linux Systems Administrator to build, secure, and sustain the Linux server and workstation estate, the high-performance computing (HPC) cluster, and the enterprise storage that run across three or more isolated classified networks supporting Department of Defense/Department of War (DoD/DoW) environments in Columbia, MD. The ideal candidate brings deep Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) expertise, extensive experience operating inside closed and air-gapped classified enclaves, and a proven record of building and maintaining systems in compliance with Risk Management Framework (RMF), DoD STIG, and Comply-to-Connect (C2C) requirements. This position requires Monday through Friday on-site work at our facility in Columbia, MD.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance (required)
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 8+ years of Linux systems administration experience within DoD/DoW or classified environments
  • Deep expertise in:
    • RHEL administration (installation, patching, performance tuning, kernel and systemd, storage, and networking)
    • Scripting and automation (Bash, Python, Ansible)
    • Linux identity and authentication (LDAP/SSSD, Kerberos, FreeIPA or AD integration)
  • Demonstrated experience implementing and maintaining DoD STIG compliance on Linux
  • Hands-on experience administering an HPC cluster (workload scheduler such as PBS Professional or similar)
  • Experience administering enterprise storage (NetApp ONTAP, NFS)
  • Strong understanding of:
    • RMF (Risk Management Framework)
    • DISA security requirements and accreditation processes
    • DCSA accreditation standards
  • Active DoD 8140 (formerly DoD 8570) compliant baseline certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CISSP)
  • Active DoD 8140 compliant computing environment certification (e.g., minimum Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA))
  • Experience with:
    • Offline and air-gapped patching (Red Hat Satellite or internal repositories)
    • ACAS or Nessus and SCAP scanning
    • SIEM integration and log analysis
    • Continuous monitoring under RMF

KEY COMPETENCIES
  • Advanced Linux systems administration and troubleshooting
  • Security hardening and compliance enforcement
  • Automation and scripting
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills
  • Ability to operate in high-security, mission-critical environments

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
  • Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) or Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)
  • HPC experience with PBS Professional
  • NetApp Certified Data Administrator (NCDA)
  • Automation at scale (Ansible Automation Platform, Git-based configuration management)
  • Zero Trust architectures and containerization (Podman, Kubernetes) in classified environments
  • Prior experience supporting Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) programs
  • Experience with cloud-based DoD environments (e.g., Azure Government, Azure Secret)
  • Project management experience and experience briefing executive leadership

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Administer, patch, and sustain RHEL servers and workstations across three or more isolated classified networks, each operated as its own authorization boundary
  • Build, harden, and baseline Linux systems to DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs); remediate findings and control configuration drift
  • Administer and tune the HPC cluster, including compute nodes, the workload scheduler (e.g., PBS Professional), the shared or parallel filesystem, and the low-latency interconnect
  • Administer NetApp storage (ONTAP), including volumes, NFS and CIFS exports, snapshots, capacity planning, and backup and recovery
  • Automate provisioning, configuration, and remediation with Bash, Python, and Ansible, including on disconnected systems
  • Perform patching and updates on air-gapped networks through approved offline processes (e.g., Red Hat Satellite or internal repositories and trusted media transfer)
  • Administer Linux identity and access (LDAP/SSSD, Kerberos, FreeIPA or Active Directory integration, sudo, PAM), enforcing least privilege
  • Implement and maintain C2C and 802.1x posture for Linux endpoints and integrate with the security tool stack
  • Perform vulnerability remediation and continuous monitoring in accordance with RMF controls; run and interpret ACAS and SCAP scans and review audit logs
  • Support the Authority to Operate (ATO) process, including STIG checklists, POA&Ms, and risk assessments
  • Develop and maintain system documentation, diagrams, SOPs, and security artifacts
  • Troubleshoot complex issues across multi-network, multi-vendor environments
  • Collaborate with cybersecurity, network, systems engineering, and mission stakeholders to ensure secure, reliable operations
  • Support audits, inspections, and compliance validation activities

About Astrion

Astrion Careers

Joining Astrion presents an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a leading team of professionals dedicated to pioneering innovation and digital transformation. Astrion, a beacon in the tech industry, offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to ambitious individuals eager to drive change and lead industries forward.

Work That Matters

At Astrion, every position is a chance to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in technology and business. The company helps the world’s most renowned companies navigate their digital transformation journeys, leveraging a unique blend of industry expertise and technological innovation.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Astrion is constantly seeking passionate, curious, and creative individuals to join its team. Whether looking for full-time employment or an internship, Astrion provides a platform to develop professional skills, engage in meaningful networking, and contribute to impactful projects. Explore the myriad of positions available and find where your skills can help shape the future of technology.

Innovative Work Environment

Astrion fosters a culture of innovation where team members from diverse backgrounds come together to solve complex challenges. The company is committed to diversity training and leadership development, ensuring that all team members have the opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Benefits and Growth

Astrion is dedicated to the growth of its team members, offering substantial benefits and resources to support career advancement. This includes comprehensive health benefits, leadership training programs, and opportunities for professional development. Astrion’s commitment to career growth ensures that every team member has the resources to reach their full potential.

Join the Astrion Team

Astrion is hiring! Search open positions that match your skills and interests. The company looks for driven, solution-oriented team players. Prepare your resume, refine your interview skills, and get ready to join a team that values leadership and professional growth.

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Astrion values the power of networking and encourages its team to engage in events and activities that foster professional connections. This commitment to networking is integral to maintaining a vibrant, innovative, and inclusive workplace.

Empower Your Career with Astrion

Embark on a journey of professional discovery and innovation at Astrion. Whether you are starting your career or looking to enhance it, Astrion offers a dynamic environment where your ambitions can take flight.
Learn more about Astrion
Industry
Aerospace & Defense
* Ladders Estimates

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