Cloud Linux Administrator

Job ID: 5969
Date Posted: January 15, 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a System Administrator skilled in Linux to implement, secure, and maintain systems and associated applications, services, and components. The selected candidate will primarily focus on implementing and then supporting Linux in Azure and AWS cloud environments.

This position is onsite, non-remote, at our North Logan, UT location.

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leads the implementation, installation, and configuration of Linux systems and components
• Assists other Systems Administrators as a Linux expert as needed
• Monitors and maintains assigned systems to ensure availability, optimum performance, and security
• Follows established IT policies and procedures to perform audits and ensure compliance
• Works with leaders to prioritize projects, requests, changes, and tasks
• Documents issues and communicates progress through updates, workflow status, due dates
• Understands and utilizes Change Management when adding, modifying, or removing anything that could affect IT services
• Assists in the design of information systems
• Achieves in-depth knowledge of company processes, systems, and networks
• Documents assigned systems and solutions

Minimum Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in administering Linux environments, to include RPM and Debian-based distributions and a bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, information systems, engineering, or a related computer field or 13+ years of experience in lieu of a degree
• Experience integrating Linux with Microsoft Windows environment, to include Active Directory/LDAP, Kerberos, Exchange, and WSL
• Understanding of information systems security best practices and use of security tools such as Nessus, SCAP, and applying STIGs
• Experience configuring and supporting headless and bare metal servers
• Willing to perform maintenance and support on systems outside of core hours (on-call) as required
• Willingness to travel if required, though not a normal expectation
• Strong organizational skills, quick learner, and demonstrated problem solver
• Able to apply knowledge to complex, practical situations
• Must work well independently and as part of a team
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, with a wide range of internal and external customers
• Ability and desire to continue learning new skills as system needs grow and change
• Valid CompTIA Security+ (or equivalent) is required or must be obtained within 30 days of hire
• Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• 15+ years of IT-specific experience (systems administration related)
• Ability to automate at scale utilizing enterprise-grade tools (e.g., Ansible, Chef, Puppet, and Terraform)
• Experience with containerized tools & platforms (e.g., Docker, Podman, Kubernetes, or OpenShift)
• Experience with one or more of the following would be helpful: Azure Kubernetes Services/Azure Container Apps/Azure Container Storage, Virtualization, backups and disaster recovery, administration of Atlassian products (Jira/Confluence/Bitbucket), GitHub, MSSQL, logging, endpoint protection, and monitoring
• Experience meeting NIST SP 800-171 or NIST SP 800-53 requirements in a Linux environment

*Salary Range

• $94,000 - $140,000
  • Salary commensurate based 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 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 supports a variety of missions, including NASA's vision to reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind and the Department of Defense's aim to protect our Nation on the ground, in the air, and in space. Our sensors, satellites, software systems, and science and engineering play an essential role in some important missions you've heard of, and others that you haven't. Join our team 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.