16188 - Sr Linux System Admin w/Top Security Clearance

Smith Johnson Tech•Albuquerque, NM

24d•Remote

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Linux System Administrator to design, implement, secure, and maintain systems and associated applications, services, and components. This role involves achieving in-depth knowledge of company processes, systems, and networks, proactively monitoring systems for availability, performance, and security, and ensuring data integrity. The position requires adherence to IT policies, documentation of issues and progress in Jira, and collaboration with leaders and cross-functional teams. Responsibilities include installation, configuration, and maintenance of information systems, Linux security hardening, patch management, user administration, and participation in change management processes. The role also involves implementing problem-solving skills in fast-paced environments, performing system maintenance with minimal downtime, and providing after-hours support and on-call duties as needed.

Requirements

5+ years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related technical field (e.g., IT, computer science, information systems, engineering, or related field) or 10+ years of experience in lieu of a degree
Experience administering enterprise Linux systems (e.g., RHEL 7/8/9, Ubuntu 22/24)
Experience administering virtualization platforms such as VMware vSphere, Red Hat Virtualization (RHV), including VM provisioning, resource allocation, and basic performance tuning
Experience with LDAP solutions such as Microsoft Active Directory and FreeIPA
Strong Linux security skills including system hardening, patch management, user management, and configuration management
Familiarity with monitoring and alerting tools (e.g., Elasticsearch, Logrhythm, Prometheus, Grafana) for proactive system management
Proficiency with package management tools (YUM, DNF, RPM, APT) and maintaining repositories in offline or air-gapped environments
Experience with automated deployment and infrastructure as code tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Terraform)
Familiarity with container concepts and basic experience with container tools such as Docker or Podman
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to document and collaborate effectively
Must be willing to travel when required (2-3 times annually)
Must be a U.S. citizen with an active Top Secret clearance
Active CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent certification that meets or exceeds DoD 8570 IAT Level II (or be able to obtain within a maximum of 30 days after hire)

Nice To Haves

10+ years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related technical field (e.g., IT, computer science, information systems, engineering, or related field) or 15+ years of experience in lieu of a degree
Advanced experience with virtualization platforms such as Red Hat Virtualization (RHV), VMware vSphere, including VM provisioning, resource allocation, snapshots, and performance tuning
Familiarity with databases (e.g., Postgres, MySQL) and Linux web services (e.g., Apache, Nginx)
Proficiency in one or more scripting language
Practical experience deploying and supporting Virtual Desktop (VDI) solutions (e.g., Leostream/HP Anyware, VMware Horizon, Citrix) and Trusted Thin Client, including image management and troubleshooting
Understanding of information systems security best practices, DoD security requirements, and use of security tools such as Nessus, SCAP, and applying STIGs
RHCSA and Red Hat Certified OpenShift Administrator certifications

Responsibilities

Achieves in-depth knowledge of company processes, systems, and networks
Proactively monitors assigned systems to ensure high availability, optimum performance, and security
Follows established IT policies and procedures to perform audits and ensure compliance
Ensures data integrity by implementing standard software and hardware solutions
Works with their leaders to prioritize projects, requests, changes, and tasks
Documents issues in Jira and communicates progress (through updates, workflow status, due dates, etc.)
Leads/assists in installation and configuration of information systems and components
Assists in the design and implementation of information systems
Responsible for documentation of assigned systems and solutions
Implements and maintains Linux security hardening, patch management, user and permission administration, and compliance with security standards
Participates in change management processes and documents system configurations, incidents, and resolutions clearly and in a timely manner
Collaborates with cross-functional teams to prioritize tasks, support project implementations, and improve system architecture
Implements strong problem-solving skills and works in fast-paced environments, independently and as part of a team
Performs maintenance on systems minimizing downtime and customer impact
Performs after-hours maintenance and provide on-call support as needed