Linux Specialist Security Clearance

Position: Linux Specialist with Security Clearance
Location: China Lake

We are seeking a highly skilled Systems Administrator specializing in Linux to support mission‑critical IT operations at Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake. The ideal candidate will be responsible for maintaining, securing, and optimizing Linux-based systems that support engineering, testing, research, and operational environments. This role requires strong technical expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a dynamic defense‑related environment.

Key Responsibilities
Linux Systems Administration
Install, configure, and maintain Linux servers (RHEL, CentOS, Ubuntu, or similar distributions).
Perform regular system updates, patching, and kernel upgrades.
Manage system performance, monitor resource utilization, and conduct preventative maintenance.
Implement and maintain system backups, recovery procedures, and disaster‑recovery strategies. Security & Compliance
Ensure system hardening in accordance with DoD/STIG guidelines.
Manage user access controls, authentication mechanisms, and security policies.
Monitor logs, perform audits, and respond to security events.
Support vulnerability assessments and remediation activities. Networking & Infrastructure Support
Configure and troubleshoot network services such as DNS, NFS, DHCP, SSH, and firewalls.
Support integration of Linux servers into mixed-platform environments.
Work with networking teams to troubleshoot connectivity and performance issues. Automation & Scripting
Develop and maintain automation scripts (Bash, Python, Ansible, etc.).
Support configuration management and infrastructure-as-code practices.
Automate routine tasks to improve efficiency and system reliability. Operational Support
Provide technical support to users, developers, and mission support teams.
Participate in on-call rotations and respond to system outages.
Document system configurations, processes, and troubleshooting procedures.
Work collaboratively with engineering, cybersecurity, and program management teams.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent experience.
3–5+ years hands-on experience administering Linux systems.
Strong knowledge of system administration tools, systemd, package management, SELinux, and shell scripting.
Familiarity with virtualization platforms (VMware, KVM, etc.).
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance (Secret or higher).

Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in DoD, defense contracting, or secure facility environments.
Familiarity with DoD STIGs, RMF, and classified network environments.

Experience with automation/orchestration tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or Terraform.
Knowledge of containerization platforms (Docker, Podman, Kubernetes).

Experience with high-availability systems and clustered environments. Work Environment
On-site position at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, CA.
Work may occur in a combination of office, lab, and test-range support environments.
Requires adherence to site-specific security, safety, and operational procedures.