Linux Systems Administrator (SDN / Cisco ACI)

Peraton•College Park, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Peraton Labs is seeking a poly-cleared Linux Systems Administrator who can own day-to-day administration and security posture of complex research infrastructure in classified and unclassified environments, while also bringing strong software-defined networking (SDN) capabilities and exceptional automation skills. You will work closely with Peraton team members, sub-contractors, as well as directly with our Maryland-based customer, in a fast-paced environment. This role supports mission-critical systems by implementing secure configurations, maintaining baseline images, troubleshooting infrastructure issues end-to-end (compute, network, and storage), and building repeatable automation to reduce toil and ensure compliance. This position requires full-time on-site work at a customer site near College Park, MD.

Requirements

Minimum of 6+ years of experience and a BS in computer science, IT, or related technical discipline, MS and 4+ years of experience, or a Ph.D. Four years of additional experience may be used in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree for a total of 10 years of experience
Strong hands-on experience administering Linux servers in production (baseline builds, patching, hardening, troubleshooting)
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain automation using Ansible and/or Python/Bash
Working experience supporting SDN / Cisco ACI operations and troubleshooting in an enterprise or mission environment
Practical knowledge of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, routing/switching operations, DNS/DHCP, firewalls/segmentation), virtualization and storage technologies, and security best practices
Ability to operate as a senior contributor on complex projects with integrated customer/subcontractor teams
This position requires an active/current TS/SCI w/ Polygraph

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting secure environments and compliance efforts (RMF, NIST-aligned controls, STIG/SRG implementation, SCAP tooling and remediation workflows)
Experience integrating GOTS/COTS/open-source solutions into governed environments
Experience building “compliance-as-code” style automation (continuous configuration validation, drift detection, audit artifact generation)
Strong communication skills and customer-facing experience in high-tempo operational environments
Experience leading or coordinating small technical efforts and directing subcontractor tasks

Responsibilities

Administer and harden Linux and Windows server environments (installation, configuration, patching, performance tuning, account management, services, kernel/package management)
Maintain and enhance the security posture of research infrastructure systems in accordance with program security plans and operational requirements
Build, maintain, and update images/baselines for Linux systems; apply STIF-aligned secure configurations and document as required
Perform incident triage and troubleshooting across OS, services, network, and storage layers; drive issues to resolution and capture lessons learned/runbooks
Develop automation to standardize provisioning, configuration enforcement, and sustainment (e.g., Ansible, Bash, Python, PowerShell)
Install, configure, and troubleshoot IT and networking hardware/software in classified and unclassified spaces
Support virtualization and underlying platform operations (hypervisor administration, VM provisioning, capacity planning)
Implement/maintain storage solutions and data management practices; ensure reliable backup/restore operations aligned to program requirements
Perform hands-on physical tasks: rack/stack, cabling, power, patching ports, and coordinating activations as needed
Support and/or administer SDN/Cisco ACI fabrics: understanding tenants, VRFs, bridge domains, EPGs, contracts, L4-L7 service integration, and operational troubleshooting
Interface effectively with Peraton and customer stakeholders; communicate system status, risks, and recommended actions clearly
Coordinate and monitor subcontractor tasking as required; ensure deliverables meet technical and security expectations