Linux Systems Engineer / Administrator
Location: Newport, RI
Clearance Requirement: Active Secret Clearance Required (Top Secret Preferred)
Travel: Approximately 5% CONUS travel with advance notice provided whenever possible
Relocation Assistance: Available
Position Overview: We are seeking a motivated and mission-focused Linux Systems Engineer / Administrator to support advanced tactical and cybersecurity-focused systems in a dynamic Department of Defense environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong Linux systems administration expertise, hands-on cybersecurity experience, and a willingness to work across systems engineering, platform hardening, automation, and operational support activities. This role supports the engineering, security, integration, and sustainment of mission-critical systems operating in complex networked environments. Candidates should be comfortable collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams, participating in technical reviews, and contributing to secure systems modernization efforts.
Responsibilities:
- Administer, maintain, and secure Linux-based systems in operational and development environments
- Implement and maintain Linux system hardening in accordance with DISA STIGs and cybersecurity best practices
- Manage firewall configurations, networking services, privilege management, and access controls
- Support systems engineering efforts by evaluating and implementing engineering changes and cybersecurity enhancements
- Develop and maintain shell scripts and Python-based automation solutions to improve operational efficiency and system reliability
- Assist with deployment and sustainment of containerized applications using Kubernetes or similar orchestration platforms
- Participate in CI/CD pipeline development and maintenance including automated testing, SAST/DAST integration, and deployment workflows
- Support cybersecurity assessments, vulnerability remediation activities, and RED TEAM exercises
- Analyze penetration testing results and recommend mitigation or remediation strategies
- Collaborate with engineering, cybersecurity, and operations teams during trade studies, integration efforts, and technical reviews
- Provide on-site technical support during testing events, system installations, and fleet or vendor visits as required
- Maintain documentation related to system configurations, engineering changes, security controls, and operational procedures
- Develop and maintain technical documentation including system procedures, engineering artifacts, implementation plans, test plans, and test reports
- Support system integration and Test & Evaluation (T&E) activities through test planning, execution support, documentation, and reporting
- Coordinate with engineering and cybersecurity teams to document system changes, validation activities, and remediation efforts
Required Qualifications: Significant experience with Linux systems administration in enterprise or mission-critical environments
- Strong understanding of:
- Linux networking
- Linux filesystems
- Privilege and identity management
- System hardening and STIG compliance
- Bash shell scripting
- Python programming
o Network enumeration
o Privilege escalation
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps concepts including:
- Automated tooling
- Unit testing
- Static and dynamic application security testing (SAST/DAST)
- Experience working in containerized environments using Kubernetes or equivalent orchestration tools
- Ability to troubleshoot complex Linux systems and networking issues
- Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills
- Active Secret Security Clearance or eligibility for reinstatement
- Experience managing and maintaining virtualized environments including virtual machine (VM) creation, configuration, administration, and lifecycle management
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced Linux expertise including:
- Filesystem administration and manipulation
- Encryption and key management
- SELinux administration
- ACL and IMA labeling
- Experience supporting tactical networks, critical infrastructure, or defense systems
- Experience working within a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) environment
- Familiarity with undersea domain systems or submarine platforms
- Prior experience supporting DoD cybersecurity initiatives or classified environments
- Experience with virtualization technologies and VM management in enterprise or lab environments (VMware, KVM, VirtualBox, Hyper-V, or equivalent)
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related technical discipline preferred or equivalent military or industry experience may be considered in lieu of degree
Why Join Us: You will work alongside highly skilled engineers and cybersecurity professionals supporting mission critical defense systems that directly contribute to national security. This role offers opportunities for technical growth, hands-on operational support, and participation in cutting-edge cybersecurity and systems engineering initiatives.
Job Types: Contract, Full-time
Pay: $125,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Compensation Package:
- 1099 contract
- Bonus pay
- Performance bonus
- Signing bonus
- Yearly pay
Education:
Experience:
- Cybersecurity: 1 year (Required)
- Systems Engineering: 2 years (Required)
- Linux Administration: 3 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- CompTIA Linux+ (Required)
Security clearance:
Work Location: In person
