Linux System Administrator – Mid Level (TS/SCI)

Vantor•Herndon, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Vantor is seeking a Linux System Administrator to join its infrastructure team in Herndon, Virginia. The role supports mission partners and contributes directly to mission requirements. The administrator will work closely with software development, DevOps, and cybersecurity teams to create and maintain a private cloud and big-data platform built with open-source tools. The platform supports more than 10 petabytes of data and serves special operations analysts and their ongoing activities. The team uses prototyping and frequent, iterative feedback to deliver quickly in support of its missions. This is a full-time, on-site role in a SCIF at Vantor’s Herndon facility. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and hold an active Top Secret/SCI clearance; the role also requires willingness and ability to obtain a CI polygraph. Employment in this cleared role is contingent upon verification of clearance status.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must hold a current Top Secret/SCI security clearance and be willing and able to obtain a CI polygraph.
Must be willing to work full time on-site in a SCIF in Herndon, Virginia.
At least 8 years of demonstrated Linux system administration experience, or 5 years with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science; experience must include RHEL-based distributions such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Rocky Linux, or AlmaLinux.
Experience administering both physical servers and virtual machines.
A certification meeting DoD 8570/8140 cybersecurity workforce requirements, such as CompTIA Security+, ISC2 SSCP, or GIAC GSEC.
Experience configuring and using server remote access tools such as PuTTY, MobaXTerm, or Windows RDP.
Tier 3 support capability and mature troubleshooting skills in complex computing environments.
Experience administering virtualization platforms that support Linux virtual machines, such as OpenStack, Proxmox, or VMware.
Experience administering commercial cloud environments that support Linux workloads, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
Hands-on experience with host endpoint security tools such as Tenable Nessus, Trellix, Flexera, Carbon Black, or ArcSight/CRIBL.
Hands-on experience with GitLab for workflow management and source code configuration control.
Ability to work independently, adjust quickly to ad-hoc requests, and support a broad range of tasks including software upgrades, patching, monitoring, and research and development.
Ability to collaborate effectively in a diverse team across the technology stack and balance team-based and independent work.
Strong verbal, written, and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

One or more relevant Linux certifications, such as RHCSA, RHCE, LPIC-1/2/3, or LFCS.
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or a related field.
Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or a related field; may count as up to two years of experience depending on qualifications.
Linux system administration experience with Rocky Linux 8, 9, and 10.
Experience understanding and configuring RHEL-based Linux security settings to comply with DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).
Experience with Python scripting, tools, or application development.
Experience with Linux distributions outside the RHEL family, such as Debian, Ubuntu, Kali, or Alpine.
Experience configuring CI/CD pipelines in GitLab.
Experience with Docker or Podman and Packer.
Hands-on experience administering, deploying, or upgrading OpenStack.
Hands-on experience administering, deploying, or upgrading CEPH.
Experience with Kubernetes or Nomad orchestration.
Experience deploying, upgrading, and maintaining big-data software stacks, including Hadoop, HDFS, YARN, and Elasticsearch.
Experience with cybersecurity accreditation processes, including RMF, ATO, and NIST 800-53 cybersecurity controls.
Experience with Static Application Security Testing tools such as GitLab SAST, SonarQube, Fortify, or similar.
Experience working with GPUs and virtualizing GPU resources.

Responsibilities

Monitor the platform and respond to hardware and software outages.
Assist OpenStack Cloud Platform tenants and users with troubleshooting and requests through chat services.
Implement cybersecurity remediations in coordination with the cybersecurity team.
Upgrade and deploy applications on the platform.
Integrate new hardware into multiple compute clusters.
Review and update procedures and documentation.
Participate in planning future hardware needs for system recapitalization and expansion.