Linux Systems Administrator

Job ID: 4867A
Date Posted: October 23, 2025

The 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 North Logan, UT 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, 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, documents system configurations, incidents, and resolutions clearly and timely
• 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

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years' experience and a bachelor's degree in a related technical field (e.g., IT, computer science, information systems, engineering) 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), or KVM/QEMU, including VM provisioning, resource allocation, and basic performance tuning
• 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
• Willingness to perform after-hours maintenance and provide on-call support if needed
• Must be willing to travel when required (2-3 times annually)
• Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain US Government Security 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' experience and a bachelor's degree in a related technical field (e.g., IT, computer science, information systems, engineering) or 15+ years of experience in lieu of a degree
• 2+ years of experience with container platforms such as Kubernetes, OpenShift, Docker, or Podman
• Advanced experience with virtualization platforms such as Red Hat Virtualization (RHV), VMware vSphere, or KVM/QEMU, 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), 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 are a plus
• Active DoD security clearance

Salary Range

• Level II: $87,000-$107,000
  • 9-14 years of applicable experience with related certification OR
  • 5-10 years of applicable experience with BS in Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field OR
  • 3-8 years of applicable experience with MS in Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field
• Level III: $105,000-$125,000
  • 14+ years of applicable experience with related certification OR
  • 10+ years of applicable experience with BS in Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field OR
  • 8+ years of applicable experience with MS in Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field

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 posting 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.

Why Join SDL?
SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL, we uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

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 employment@sdl.usu.edu.