Senior Systems Administrator

Position Description

The Tactical Autonomy Group develops and delivers AI-enabled autonomy and robotic systems where it counts - at the tactical edge. As an FFRDC, we combine academic depth in algorithms, controls, and machine learning, the execution speed of industry, and direct mission pull from operational end-users to solve problems others can’t. We don’t stop at papers: we design, build, integrate, field-test, and transition autonomy stacks - spanning perception, decision-making, learning, and control—into real operations across the DoW and Intelligence Community.

Our group seeks a Senior Linux Systems Administrator to become part of a team that builds and maintains IT computing and network infrastructure in an unclassified/classified environment and provides end-user support as needed. The candidate must possess a strong understanding of Linux system administration, network fundamentals, and security/compliance practices, and have the experience (or strong desire) to work in a research and development environment.

The candidate must be team-oriented, have strong communication skills, and be able to work independently to develop practical IT solutions that enhance productivity and reliability of computing resources. The candidate must also be comfortable supporting technical end users and working with classified information in a closed area.

This position is full time onsite (40 hours/week) and may require some travel to field offices within the U.S.

• Support installation, maintenance, repair, and upgrade of Linux compute and network equipment
• Administer and support Linux-based systems (workstations and servers) in both unclassified and classified environments
• Build, configure, harden, monitor, and troubleshoot Linux systems across varying research needs and constraints
• Review and test new hardware and software and make recommendations for purchases and standardization
• Help design and implement configuration management and monitoring for systems and networks
• Assist in configuration of network devices such as routers and switches
• Provide technical support for staff and back-end system users; handle Tier 2/3 issues as needed
• Manage identity, access, and authentication integrations as required (e.g., LDAP/Kerberos/SSSD; AD integration where applicable)
• Support and maintain core services commonly used in Linux environments (e.g., DNS, DHCP, NFS, SSH, Samba)
• Apply security best practices and compliance requirements (e.g., DISA STIGs, vulnerability remediation, audit readiness)
• Collaborate with other personnel throughout the organization to enhance technology and support practices

• Bachelors Degree and 6+ years of experience in Linux Systems Administration (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Excellent knowledge of Linux OS administration: installation, configuration, monitoring, patching, performance tuning, and troubleshooting
• Experience administering common Linux distributions (e.g., RHEL/Rocky/Alma, Ubuntu, etc.)
• Experience working in a classified computing environment
• Experience installing, configuring, and operating network services such as DNS, DHCP, NFS, SSH, Samba, and directory services integrations (e.g., LDAP/Kerberos/SSSD; AD integration a plus)
• Demonstrated experience securing Linux systems using DISA STIGs and/or comparable hardening baselines
• Experience performing vulnerability scanning, configuration assessment, remediation, and documenting compliance evidence
• Scripting/automation skills (e.g., Bash, Python) and familiarity with automation/config tools (e.g., Ansible, Salt, Puppet, etc.)
• Familiarity with log collection/monitoring tooling and concepts (e.g., syslog, audit logs, endpoint monitoring)
• Understanding of RMF policies and DoD Directive 8570 / 8140 expectations