Senior Linux System Administrator

Axiom Consultants•Kiln, MS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The position is for the Senior Linux System Administrator responsible for the servers that process data from a global network of buoys, managed by the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC). This position is located at the NDBC facility at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. While some telework is authorized, regular in-office presence is required, including the ability to come into the office in the event of an issue requiring hands-on resolution. Participate in a rotation to provide 24x7x365 on-call support for the primary IT mission essential data processing, applications, and functions to support the continuity of operations of the NDBC information system. Support IT architecture improvements to ensure continuity of operations for primary mission essential functions and the flow of data. Support the annual NDBC IT Assessment and Authorization (A&A) audits through security patching and security-minded configuration updates; actively address changes needed as a result of Plan of Action & Milestones (POAM) requirements; help ensure NDBC maintains its Authority to Operate (ATO). Maintain all Linux-based servers and clients located on premises and in an AWS cloud environment. Follow system administration best practices. Patch and configure systems in compliance with NOAA security requirements. Upgrade operating systems in advance of end-of-support dates. Support software development efforts. Deploy software application updates for both COTS as well as internal applications. Plan and implement migration of local systems to a cloud environment, where possible, in a cost-effective manner. Ensure reliable system and data backups. Manage/maintain server certificates. Maintain Red Hat Enterprise Linux subscriptions. Perform ongoing performance tuning, hardware upgrades, and resource optimization as required. Communicate/brief upcoming maintenance efforts and/or anticipated impacts to stakeholders. Implement strategies to automate routine administration tasks. Maintain and monitor data center environmental equipment.

Requirements

8 years or more experience preferred in the installation/configuration, operation, and maintenance of IT system hardware and software and related IT infrastructure
Demonstrated advanced knowledge and experience supporting Red Hat Linux, Apache, Tomcat, drivers, applications, vulnerabilities, security requirements and postures, quarterly STIG updates
An understanding of programming languages, such as Java, Python, PHP, and Perl
Experience in installing and maintaining system hardware, operating systems, software systems, network systems, security systems
Experience applying OS patches and upgrades on a regular basis, and upgrades of administrative tools and utilities; configuring, adding, and removing services as necessary
Experience implementing automation to streamline recurring system administration tasks is highly preferred; experience with scripting languages
Able to work autonomously and take initiative in identifying areas for improvements and proposing solutions
Able to communicate effectively with coworkers and stakeholders
Must be able to successfully complete a NOAA (Stennis Space Center)/NASA background investigation for site/system access
Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization
US Citizenship or a valid Green Card is required for facility credentials/authorization at this work location
Bachelors of Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent. Experience may be considered as an equivalent

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of AWS solutions and migration of Linux systems is considered a plus
Experience with AWS lamda, containers, EC2 instances is desirable

Responsibilities

Provide 24x7x365 on-call support for the primary IT mission essential data processing, applications, and functions
Support IT architecture improvements
Support the annual NDBC IT Assessment and Authorization (A&A) audits
Maintain all Linux-based servers and clients located on premises and in an AWS cloud environment
Follow system administration best practices
Patch and configure systems in compliance with NOAA security requirements
Upgrade operating systems in advance of end-of-support dates
Support software development efforts
Deploy software application updates for both COTS as well as internal applications
Plan and implement migration of local systems to a cloud environment
Ensure reliable system and data backups
Manage/maintain server certificates
Maintain Red Hat Enterprise Linux subscriptions
Perform ongoing performance tuning, hardware upgrades, and resource optimization as required
Communicate/brief upcoming maintenance efforts and/or anticipated impacts to stakeholders
Implement strategies to automate routine administration tasks
Maintain and monitor data center environmental equipment