Principal Linux System Administrator

SciTec•Aurora, CO

About The Position

SciTec, a subsidiary of Firefly Aerospace, is a defense contractor specializing in advanced technologies for U.S. National Security and Defense. For over 45 years, SciTec has supported Department of Defense customers by developing innovative remote sensing algorithms, tools, and techniques for missile defense, intelligence, surveillance, & reconnaissance, space domain awareness, and aircraft survivability missions. SciTec exclusively works on U.S. government contracts requiring U.S. citizenship. This role involves supporting programs that deliver Next-Generation Missile Warning software, focusing on end-to-end software processing of Overhead Persistent InfraRed (OPIR) sensor data for various defense applications. The position requires a skilled Linux System Administrator to manage the installation, configuration, security, and operation of Linux- and Windows-based systems in a secure, mission-focused environment. The ideal candidate will be hands-on, detail-oriented, and capable of collaborating across infrastructure, security, and operations teams.

Requirements

8+ years of professional experience administering Linux systems (RHEL preferred)
Active Top Secret clearance
Experience with Installation and configuration of RHEL 8 servers and workstations
Experience with System security, hardening (STIG), auditing, and backup strategies
Experience with Patch and package management
Experience with Virtualization technologies including VMware, Podman, Docker, Image registries, Red Hat Openshift/Kubernetes
Experience with Hardware and software troubleshooting
Experience with Networking in heterogeneous (Linux/Windows) environments
Strong oral and written communication skills
Detail oriented
Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to own issues through completion
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Network Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
Experience with Dell servers, switches, and SAN solutions
Experience with VMware vSphere
Experience with Root Cause Analysis and documenting findings
Experience with DISA SCAP Compliance Checker and DISA STIG implementation
Experience with RHEL 8/9/10
Experience with NAS and/or SAN configuration and maintenance
Experience with Configuration management, Automation, Scripting (Ansible, Bash, Python)
Experience with Git/GitLab and CI/CD pipelines
Experience with Containers and orchestration (Podman/Docker, RHOCP/Kubernetes, minikube, image registries)
Relevant certifications (e.g., Security+, RHCSA / RHCE / LPIC-1)

Responsibilities

Serve as the technical team lead for the System Administrator group, providing mentorship, guidance, and oversight to ensure consistent operational excellence
Install, configure, and maintain Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) workstations and servers in accordance with defined baselines
Implement and maintain system security, hardening, integrity monitoring, backups, and auditing (e.g., STIG, SCAP)
Perform patch and package management, including installation and maintenance of third-party software (e.g., IDEs, Pypi, Docker registry)
Monitor system performance, availability, and health; troubleshoot and resolve hardware and software issues
Support and maintain virtualized and workstation environments (e.g., VMware)
Install, configure, and troubleshoot servers, switches, and storage systems
Configure and support networking in mixed Linux and Windows environments
Document system configurations, procedures, and changes in accordance with policies and requirements
Collaborate effectively with team members, security personnel, and end users
Provide technical support and respond to operational issues through resolution
Participate in continuous improvement, automation, and modernization efforts
Perform other duties as assigned