Posted today
Secret
Mid Level Career (5+ yrs experience)
$120,000 - $165,000
IT - Database
China Lake Nwc, CA (On-Site/Office)
Position Overview
We are seeking a Linux Engineer at the mid to senior level to support mission-critical government programs in Ridgecrest, CA. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience administering, securing, and troubleshooting Linux-based systems in classified or restricted environments. This role supports system integration, development, test, and sustainment activities across multiple programs and requires close collaboration with engineers, cybersecurity teams, and government customers.
This position is well-suited for a Linux professional who is comfortable working independently, supporting complex systems, and operating in a structured DoD environment.
Key Responsibilities
Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux operating systems (e.g., RHEL, Rocky, CentOS, Ubuntu) in development, test, and operational environments.
Support system deployment, configuration management, patching, and lifecycle maintenance for Linux servers and workstations.
Develop and maintain automation scripts (Bash, Python, Ansible, etc.) to improve system reliability and repeatability.
Troubleshoot system performance, storage, networking, and application-level issues in coordination with engineering and IT teams.
Implement and maintain system hardening in accordance with DoD security requirements (STIGs, RMF controls).
Support accreditation and compliance activities, including documentation, audits, and vulnerability remediation.
Configure and support virtualization and containerized environments (VMware, KVM, Docker, Podman, Kubernetes—experience dependent on level).
Participate in system integration, lab bring-up, upgrades, and test events.
Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior engineers (senior level).
Interface with government customers and support technical reviews as required.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Mid-Level: 4–7 years of Linux systems engineering or administration experience
Senior-Level: 8+ years of Linux systems engineering or administration experience
Strong experience administering Linux systems in enterprise or mission environments.
Proficiency with Linux command-line tools, system services, user management, storage, and networking.
Experience writing and maintaining shell scripts; Python experience preferred.
Familiarity with configuration management and automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef).
Understanding of DoD cybersecurity requirements and secure system operations.
Active Secret clearance and U.S. citizenship.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting DoD or Navy programs, labs, or test environments.
Familiarity with STIG implementation, vulnerability scanning, and RMF processes.
Experience with virtualization platforms and container technologies.
Exposure to DevOps or CI/CD pipelines in a secure environment.
Knowledge of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls).
CompTIA Security+, Linux+, RHCSA/RHCE, or similar certifications.
Experience working in air-gapped or classified environments.
Core Competencies
Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Clear technical communication (written and verbal)
Attention to detail and configuration discipline
Collaborative, mission-focused mindset
We are seeking a Linux Engineer at the mid to senior level to support mission-critical government programs in Ridgecrest, CA. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience administering, securing, and troubleshooting Linux-based systems in classified or restricted environments. This role supports system integration, development, test, and sustainment activities across multiple programs and requires close collaboration with engineers, cybersecurity teams, and government customers.
This position is well-suited for a Linux professional who is comfortable working independently, supporting complex systems, and operating in a structured DoD environment.
Key Responsibilities
Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux operating systems (e.g., RHEL, Rocky, CentOS, Ubuntu) in development, test, and operational environments.
Support system deployment, configuration management, patching, and lifecycle maintenance for Linux servers and workstations.
Develop and maintain automation scripts (Bash, Python, Ansible, etc.) to improve system reliability and repeatability.
Troubleshoot system performance, storage, networking, and application-level issues in coordination with engineering and IT teams.
Implement and maintain system hardening in accordance with DoD security requirements (STIGs, RMF controls).
Support accreditation and compliance activities, including documentation, audits, and vulnerability remediation.
Configure and support virtualization and containerized environments (VMware, KVM, Docker, Podman, Kubernetes—experience dependent on level).
Participate in system integration, lab bring-up, upgrades, and test events.
Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior engineers (senior level).
Interface with government customers and support technical reviews as required.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Mid-Level: 4–7 years of Linux systems engineering or administration experience
Senior-Level: 8+ years of Linux systems engineering or administration experience
Strong experience administering Linux systems in enterprise or mission environments.
Proficiency with Linux command-line tools, system services, user management, storage, and networking.
Experience writing and maintaining shell scripts; Python experience preferred.
Familiarity with configuration management and automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef).
Understanding of DoD cybersecurity requirements and secure system operations.
Active Secret clearance and U.S. citizenship.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting DoD or Navy programs, labs, or test environments.
Familiarity with STIG implementation, vulnerability scanning, and RMF processes.
Experience with virtualization platforms and container technologies.
Exposure to DevOps or CI/CD pipelines in a secure environment.
Knowledge of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls).
CompTIA Security+, Linux+, RHCSA/RHCE, or similar certifications.
Experience working in air-gapped or classified environments.
Core Competencies
Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Clear technical communication (written and verbal)
Attention to detail and configuration discipline
Collaborative, mission-focused mindset
group id: 10105424
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