Cleared Linux Systems Administrator

Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory is seeking an experienced Linux System Administrator to design, implement, secure, and maintain systems in Albuquerque, NM. This on-site position requires solid experience with enterprise Linux systems and a strong focus on system security.

The ideal candidate will have proficiency with virtualization platforms, security management, and must hold an active Top Secret clearance. A competitive salary between $90,000 and $150,000 is offered based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience or 10+ years in lieu of a degree.
• Experience administering enterprise Linux systems.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, secure, and maintain systems.
• Monitor and ensure system performance and security.
• Document issues and communicate progress.

Skills

Linux System Administration

Virtualization (VMware, RHV)

Linux Security

Active Directory/FreeIPA

Monitoring and Alerting Tools

Automation (Ansible, Puppet)

Containerization (Docker, Podman)

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT or related field

Tools

Elasticsearch

Docker

Job description

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking an experienced Linux System Administrator to design, implement, secure, and maintain systems and associated applications, services, and components. This is an on‐site, non‑remote position in Albuquerque, NM.

Key Responsibilities

• Achieves in-depth knowledge of company processes, systems, and networks
• Proactively monitors assigned systems to ensure high availability, optimum performance, and security
• Follows established IT policies and procedures to perform audits and ensure compliance
• Ensures data integrity by implementing standard software and hardware solutions
• Works with leaders to prioritize projects, requests, changes, and tasks
• Documents issues in Jira and communicates progress (through updates, workflow status, due dates, etc.)
• Leads or assists in installation and configuration of information systems and components
• Assists in the design and implementation of information systems
• Responsible for documentation of assigned systems and solutions
• Implements and maintains Linux security hardening, patch management, user and permission administration, and compliance with security standards
• Participates in change management processes and documents system configurations, incidents, and resolutions clearly and in a timely manner
• Collaborates with cross‑functional teams to prioritize tasks, support project implementations, and improve system architecture
• Implements strong problem‑solving skills and works in fast‑paced environments, independently and as part of a team
• Performs maintenance on systems minimizing downtime and customer impact
• Performs after‑hours maintenance and provides on‑call support as needed

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related technical field (e.g., IT, computer science, information systems, engineering, or related field) or 10+ years of experience in lieu of a degree
• Experience administering enterprise Linux systems (e.g., RHEL 7/8/9, Ubuntu 22/24)
• Experience administering virtualization platforms such as VMware vSphere, Red Hat Virtualization (RHV), including VM provisioning, resource allocation, and basic performance tuning
• Experience with LDAP solutions such as Microsoft Active Directory and FreeIPA
• Strong Linux security skills including system hardening, patch management, user management, and configuration management
• Familiarity with monitoring and alerting tools (e.g., Elasticsearch, Logrhythm, Prometheus, Grafana) for proactive system management
• Proficiency with package management tools (YUM, DNF, RPM, APT) and maintaining repositories in offline or air‑gapped environments
• Experience with automated deployment and infrastructure as code tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Terraform)
• Familiarity with container concepts and basic experience with container tools such as Docker or Podman
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to document and collaborate effectively
• Must be willing to travel when required (2‑3 times annually)
• Must be a U.S. citizen with an active Top Secret clearance
• Active CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent certification that meets or exceeds DoD 8570 IAT Level II (or be able to obtain within a maximum of 30 days after hire)

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related technical field (e.g., IT, computer science, information systems, engineering, or related field) or 15+ years of experience in lieu of a degree
• Advanced experience with virtualization platforms such as Red Hat Virtualization (RHV), VMware vSphere, including VM provisioning, resource allocation, snapshots, and performance tuning
• Familiarity with databases (e.g., Postgres, MySQL) and Linux web services (e.g., Apache, Nginx)
• Proficiency in one or more scripting language
• Practical experience deploying and supporting Virtual Desktop (VDI) solutions (e.g., Leostream/HP Anyware, VMware Horizon, Citrix) and Trusted Thin Client, including image management and troubleshooting
• Understanding of information systems security best practices, DoD security requirements, and use of security tools such as Nessus, SCAP, and applying STIGs
• RHCSA and Red Hat Certified OpenShift Administrator certifications

Salary Range

• $90,000 – $150,000 (salary commensurate with education and relevant experience)