Classified Linux Systems Administrator - Secure Environments

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Linux Systems Administrator to design, implement, and secure Linux computing environments supporting classified programs in Laurel, MD. You will collaborate with section staff and program managers to deploy, harden, and maintain Red Hat and Ubuntu systems, integrate GitLab and MATLAB, and drive automation across complex workflows.

Ideal candidates hold an Interim Secret clearance (TS eligibility) and a DoD 8570/8140–aligned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field with three years of relevant experience; a master’s degree with one year of relevant experience; a Ph.D. with no additional experience; or five years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Professional experience administering Linux systems in secure, laboratory, development, or similarly complex environments.
• Proficiency with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu, or similar enterprise Linux distributions.
• Experience installing, configuring, securing, patching, and troubleshooting Linux servers, workstations, and applications.
• Understanding of Linux user and group administration, permissions, services, logging, auditing, package management, and access controls.
• Experience with shell scripting, Python, or another programming or scripting language.
• Understanding interoperability between Linux and Windows systems.
• Strong written, verbal, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Active Interim Secret level security clearance and potential TS clearance; DoD 8570/8140-aligned certification, or ability to obtain within six months.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, configure, and optimize complex Linux computing environments and infrastructure supporting laboratory, development, and mission-critical systems.
• Lead Linux system deployments, upgrades, migrations, patching, modernization efforts across Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Ubuntu.
• Analyze and resolve complex OS, network, application, performance, hardware, kernel, driver, and software compatibility issues.
• Implement and oversee system-hardening standards, security controls, vulnerability management activities, and RMF/NIST compliance.
• Install, configure, integrate, and maintain engineering applications, including GitLab and MATLAB, within secure and classified environments.
• Develop scripting and automation solutions to increase efficiency, consistency, security, and reliability of system administration activities.
• Mentor staff and provide technical guidance to less experienced personnel and project teams.

Skills

Linux admin

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Ubuntu

Shell scripting

Python

Security clearance

DoD 8570/8140

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

GitLab

MATLAB

VMware

Job description

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Linux Systems Administrator to design, implement, and secure Linux computing environments supporting classified programs in Laurel, MD. You will collaborate with section staff and program managers to deploy, harden, and maintain Red Hat and Ubuntu systems, integrate GitLab and MATLAB, and drive automation across complex workflows.

Ideal candidates hold an Interim Secret clearance (TS eligibility) and a DoD 8570/8140–aligned