Linux Systems Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

11h

About The Position

Do you enjoy solving complicated problems? Are you passionate about Linux? Do you like contributing to automation? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment? If so, we 're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. Recognized by Computerworld as one of the Top Places to Work in IT for six years running, we’re looking for a Linux Systems Engineer who is eager to learn, loves working hands-on with Linux, and is excited by open-source technologies. In this role, you’ll directly support APL’s exceptional research community. Linux systems power APL’s most mission-critical national security and research efforts. As a Linux Systems Engineer, you’ll build, secure, and operate platforms that solve meaningful, real-world problems. From day one, you’ll be trusted to take ownership, grow quickly, and help define how Linux is automated, secured, and scaled enterprise-wide. As a Linux Systems Engineer, you will...

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, a related field.
• 3+ years experience administering Linux systems (e.g., Red Hat, Ubuntu).
• Experience scripting or automating tasks using Bash, Python, or a similar language.
• Proactive, self-driven approach to preventing outages, optimizing performance, and maintaining secure, reliable systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the persistence to drive issues to root cause.
• Interest in building secure, well-engineered systems, including curiosity about compliance and security frameworks such as DFARS, FIPS, and STIGs.
• Collaborative mindset with clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Are able to obtain a Secret level security 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.

Nice To Haves

• Automation or configuration management tools such as Ansible, Puppet, Chef, or BigFix.
• Container technologies like Docker, Podman, or Kubernetes.
• Monitoring and observability tools such as Prometheus, Grafana, or Splunk.
• Authentication and directory services including LDAP, Kerberos, or Red Hat IdM.
• Linux security hardening frameworks such as CIS Benchmarks or DISA STIGs.
• Experience using Git or other version control systems.

Responsibilities

• Build, configure, and support Linux systems that underpin secure research and operational programs across the Lab.
• Troubleshoot complex system and application issues, working with teammates, researchers, and vendors to engineer durable solutions.
• Help keep systems healthy through patching, monitoring, performance tuning, and thoughtful problem-solving.
• Contribute to the Linux Administration Team by building automation, improving documentation and sharing ideas that influence long-term architecture.
• Participate in shaping how Linux is secured, automated, and scaled at APL—your perspective and curiosity will be valued.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees