Principal Linux System Administrator; Secret Clearance Required

Position Overview

Principal Linux System Administrator, responsible for supporting classified digital services across the RTX Enterprise‑Wide Area Network (eWAN). The role involves end‑user facing systems, account maintenance, and security hardening of program resources across a geographically diverse network.

• Provide systems administration, sustainment, and troubleshooting support for Red Hat Enterprise Linux servers and appliances operating within Classified Digital Services environments.
• Install, configure, maintain, patch, secure, and troubleshoot Linux operating systems, applications, middleware, repositories, and supporting infrastructure services.
• Support the deployment, administration, and continued operation of vulnerability management technologies, including Tenable Security Center, Nessus scanners, Nessus Agents, ACAS, or other approved security products.
• Coordinate vulnerability scanning activities, analyze findings, assist with remediation planning, and work with infrastructure and cybersecurity teams to reduce security risk across classified assets.
• Support security hardening and compliance activities using applicable security requirements, including DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), approved configuration baselines, vulnerability remediation guidance, and internal cybersecurity procedures.
• Develop, maintain, and execute Ansible playbooks or comparable automation solutions to support Linux configuration management, system hardening, patching, software deployment, security‑tool administration, and compliance validation activities.
• Identify opportunities to automate repetitive system administration, vulnerability remediation, compliance reporting, configuration validation, and operational sustainment tasks.
• Support secure patching and software deployment processes for Linux systems in restricted, isolated, or classified network environments.
• Troubleshoot Linux server, application, networking, authentication, storage, repository, and security‑tool integration issues of moderate to high complexity.

• Typically requires a university degree or equivalent experience and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree in a related field and a minimum of 3 years of experience.
• An active and transferable U.S. government‑issued Secret security clearance is required on day one of employment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense Directive 8140 / 8570‑compliant baseline certification, such as CompTIA Security+ CE or an approved equivalent, within 6 months of start date unless already held.

• Experience administering Tenable Security Center, Nessus Manager, Nessus scanners, Nessus Agents, ACAS, or similar vulnerability‑management platforms.
• Hands‑on experience creating and maintaining Ansible playbooks, roles, inventories, templates, and automation workflows for Linux administration or cybersecurity compliance.
• Experience supporting security tools within air‑gapped, isolated, restricted, or classified environments.
• Experience with Linux and Windows patch management.
• Red Hat certifications, such as Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) or Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE).
• Experience integrating Linux systems with enterprise logging, monitoring, endpoint protection, authentication, or cybersecurity reporting solutions.
• Familiarity with security products such as Splunk, endpoint detection and response tools, host‑based security solutions, compliance scanners, or configuration assessment tools.
• Understanding of Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities, audit evidence, Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) management, or classified system security requirements.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cybersecurity, infrastructure, engineering, program, and operations stakeholders.
• Ability to independently prioritize work, resolve technical issues, and adapt to changing mission and security requirements in a fast‑paced environment.

• Competitive salary range: 86,800 USD – 165,200 USD.
• Comprehensive healthcare, wellness, and retirement benefits.
• Work/life balance support, flexible schedules, and parental (including paternal) leave.
• Career development and recognition programs, academic assistance, and child/adult backup care.
• Incentive compensation programs and 401(k) match.

Onsite – positions available in Tucson, AZ;
Tewksbury, MA; or Richardson, TX.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.