Systems Engineer (Linux)

We are seeking a highly experienced Systems Engineer with a specialization in Linux-based environments to support engineering, research, and mission‑critical operations at Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake. This role focuses on architecting, implementing, securing, and optimizing Linux systems and infrastructure across highly technical and security‑sensitive environments.
The ideal candidate combines deep Linux expertise with strong systems engineering discipline, including requirements analysis, solution design, integration, documentation, and lifecycle support.

Key Responsibilities
Systems Architecture & Engineering
Design, document, and implement enterprise Linux solutions for on‑premise, hybrid, and isolated network environments.
Conduct requirements gathering, system modeling, and architecture definition for new or upgraded systems.
Lead integration efforts involving servers, storage, networking, automation, and security components.

Linux Platform Engineering
Build, configure, and optimize Linux systems (RHEL, Rocky, Alma, Ubuntu, or similar).
Develop baseline images, configuration standards, and hardened system profiles.
Troubleshoot kernel-level issues, performance problems, and complex dependency conflicts.

Automation & Infrastructure-as-Code
Develop automation using tools such as Ansible, Puppet, Terraform, and shell/Python scripting.
Create scalable deployment workflows and CI/CD pipelines for configuration consistency and rapid provisioning.
Drive adoption of automated testing, validation, and compliance workflows.

Security & Compliance Engineering
Engineer secure systems aligned with DoD cybersecurity guidelines (e.g., STIGs, RMF workflows).
Implement security controls such as SELinux, system hardening, auditing, and access management.
Support vulnerability analysis, remediation, and secure configuration enforcement.

Systems Integration & Lifecycle Support
Integrate Linux systems with mission applications, storage platforms, networks, and cross-domain solutions.
Perform root‑cause analysis on system failures and design long-term corrective actions.
Maintain detailed engineering documentation, diagrams, and lifecycle management plans.

Collaboration & Technical Leadership
Work directly with developers, test engineers, cybersecurity professionals, and mission program managers.
Provide engineering guidance, training, and mentorship to junior technical staff.
Participate in engineering design reviews, technical working groups, and change-control boards.


Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or similar discipline.
5+ years of experience engineering Linux-based systems in complex or secure environments.
Strong knowledge of the Linux kernel, system internals, storage subsystems, and networking.
Experience with automation tools (Ansible, Terraform, Puppet) and scripting languages (Bash, Python).
Experience designing or maintaining high‑availability, clustered, or distributed systems.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance (Secret or higher).


Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting DoD programs, defense contractors, or secure facility environments.
Familiarity with RMF, STIGs, SCAP, and hardened government platforms.
Experience with virtualization (VMware, KVM) and container platforms (Docker, Podman, Kubernetes).
Understanding of DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and modern provisioning frameworks.
Experience with advanced networking, zero‑trust principles, or cross-domain architectures.


Work Environment
On‑site, full‑time support at NAWS China Lake.
Work performed within secure facilities, labs, integration test environments, and engineering offices.
Requires adherence to strict security and operational protocols.