Senior Linux System Administrator

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

We are seeking a Linux System Administrator to join the RF Engineering group to support Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) facilities. In this role, you will apply Risk Management Framework (RMF) principles, develop new IT security capabilities, and provide advanced system administration across complex, classified infrastructures, helping drive innovation, security, and operational excellence. This role combines technical execution, collaborating with a team of system administrators, and establishing Linux standards. As a Linux system administrator, you will recommend and implement changes that align with security protocols, the overall mission, and engineering team capabilities.

Requirements

Have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, or have equivalent experience.
Possess 7+ years of professional experience as a Linux systems administrator in secure or complex environments.
Are a strong teammate with a focus on exchanging information and collaboration.
Are proficient in various operating systems, including some of the following: Linux operating systems (RHEL5, RHEL6, RHEL7, RHEL8, RHEL9, Ubuntu), Real-time Linux computing systems (Concurrent platforms)
Have knowledge of interoperability between Linux and Windows systems.
Have experience administering systems in classified environments, with an understanding of secure operations, auditing, and following compliance frameworks (RMF, NIST, etc.)
Have excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering, program, and security teams.
Are proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable owning technical decisions.
Have some experience with programming/scripting languages.
Hold a current DoD 8570 certification (Security+, CASP, CISSP) or have the ability to obtain one within 6 months of employment.
Hold an Interim Secret level security clearance and can ultimately obtain a Top-Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

Plan, deploy, maintain, and upgrade computing and networking infrastructure supporting HiL operations. Specifically, via system administration of Linux-based HiL computer systems, including legacy platforms, modern platforms, and real-time computing systems.
Design, implement, and enforce system security hardening standards (STIG) in accordance with established compliance frameworks (RMF, NIST, etc.)
Support installation and management of engineering, scientific, and analysis applications in secure, classified environments such as GitLab and MATLAB.
Solve complex technical issues that impact system availability, performance, or security.
Integrate Linux systems with Windows platforms to support hybrid workflows in RF and simulation environments.
Manage a lab/test environment to validate new applications, configurations, and upgrades before deployment to production systems.
Collaborate with engineers, cybersecurity staff, and program managers to ensure mission success.