System Administrator - Exmouth

empire group; Western Australia; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote living and working allowances

Relocation support

Attractive remuneration

Ongoing professional development

Flexible salary packaging

Generous paid parental leave

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

A defence contractor is seeking a Hardware Systems Administrator to play a key role in supporting mission readiness and operational performance. The position is based onsite in Exmouth, Western Australia, and relocation support is provided. Candidates should have strong Linux and Red Hat system administration skills, CCNA certification, and must ideally hold NV1 or NV2 clearance. The role includes troubleshooting, maintaining system stability, and working closely with engineering teams on secure projects.

Qualifications

• Strong Linux and Red Hat system administration experience.
• CCNA certification or equivalent networking experience.
• Experience supporting high-availability systems.
• Must have NV1 or NV2 clearance or eligibility to obtain.
• NV1 or NV2 clearance, or eligibility to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Act as a Linux Systems Administrator for secure environments.
• Maintain system stability through monitoring and troubleshooting.
• Support LAN and WAN environments, including Cisco devices.
• Provide third-level support and participate in after-hours support.
• Provide third-level network and systems support, including after-hours involvement when required.

Skills

Linux system administration

Red Hat experience

Hands-on networking experience

Attention to detail

Strong communication skills

Multitasking

Tools

Cisco routers

Switches

Firewalls

Job description

Candidate Manager @empiregroup | IT Recruitment, Communication, Sales

Empire Group is partnering with a specialist defence contractor delivering highly classified, next‑generation capability in support of Australia’s national security priorities. This is a rare opportunity to work on state‑of‑the‑art technology that few people globally ever get exposure to. The environment is complex, mission‑critical, and technically sophisticated, sitting at the intersection of defence, space, and advanced computing.

The position is based onsite in Exmouth, Western Australia and will require relocation. This is not a FIFO role; part of the relocation will be supported by the client.

Role

As a Hardware Systems Administrator, you will play a key onsite role supporting mission readiness, system availability, and operational performance for a highly secure defence program. You will work closely with engineering, software, and network teams locally and internationally, including collaboration with overseas program offices.

Responsibilities

• Act as a Linux Systems Administrator supporting secure, multi‑user environments


• Maintain system stability through patching, upgrades, monitoring, troubleshooting, and performance optimisation


• Evaluate and implement system enhancements to improve reliability and efficiency


• Support and troubleshoot LAN and WAN environments, including Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls


• Provide third‑level network and systems support, including participation in after‑hours support when required

Qualifications

You will bring a strong technical foundation, a methodical approach, and the ability to operate effectively in a highly regulated defence environment.

• Strong Linux and Red Hat system administration experience


• CCNA certification or equivalent hands‑on networking experience


• Experience supporting complex, secure, and high‑availability systems


• Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities


• NV1 or NV2 clearance, or eligibility to obtain

Benefits

You will be part of a defence organisation delivering complex, high‑impact programs, working alongside capable people on advanced technology.

• Remote living and working allowances + Relocation support


• Attractive remuneration on offer


• Ongoing professional development, further study support, leadership programs, memberships, and on‑demand learning


• Purchased annual leave and flexible salary packaging, including novated leasing


• Generous paid parental leave


• Volunteer leave and enhanced Reservist leave


• Health and wellbeing initiatives and an Employee Assistance Program

Empire Group is managing this search confidentially. Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates.

At Empire Group, we value diversity and are committed to equitable recruitment. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and other underrepresented groups to apply. Our focus is on creating fair, accessible, and culturally safe recruitment processes that genuinely reflect and respect the communities we serve.

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Empire Group by 2x.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Information Technology

Industries: Technology, Information and Internet