Computer Systems Architect 3

PDS Defense, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 168,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

PDS Defense, Inc. in San Diego, CA is seeking a Senior Principal Computer System Architect to lead the design and deployment of complex development networks with Linux/Windows, virtualization, and automation.

You will work with engineers and government staff to define architectures, enhance security, and drive the program’s infrastructure modernization. Strong Linux/Red Hat expertise, scripting, and experience with containerization and virtualization are essential.

Qualifications

• 4 years of experience with STEM PhD degree; an additional 4 years may substitute a Bachelor degree.
• Linux knowledge and experience.
• Advanced system hardening and troubleshooting experience.
• LDAP (RHDS) is required; experience with security monitoring and Splunk.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with software teams to design end-to-end system architectures.
• Install, upgrade, troubleshoot, and automate hardware/software.
• Maintain system documentation and develop infrastructure support procedures.
• Provide security support and ensure compliance with STIGs.
• Coordinate with government engineers and travel as needed.

Skills

Linux knowledge

Red Hat OS

Bash/Shell scripting

Python

Ansible

Scripting/Programming

DNS/BIND

STIGs

LDAP (RHDS)

Security posture

Education

STEM PhD degree

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Red Hat OpenShift

VMware

KVM

Hyper-V

RH-V

Ansible

Job description

Engineering

Computer Systems Architect 3 San Diego, CA Posted: 10/8/2026

Job Description

Job ID#: 226686

Job Category: Engineering

Position Type: Associate - W2

Duration: 52

Shift: 1

PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking a Computer Systems Architect 3, in San Diego, CA. Job ID#226686

Pay Rate: $122 - $127/hr

This requisition is for our opening as a Senior Principal Computer System Architect based out of San Diego, CA. Under this role you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation.

We are seeking cleared or clearable candidates to perform key assignments for Mission Systems N-OSSM development programs. This position supports a large heterogeneous unclassified and classified computer networks that includes Linux, Windows, and VMware Virtualization with emphasis on supporting software development and test automation teams. Responsibilities include working with software development teams to design and define system architectures for new or existing complex development networks, hardware/software installation, upgrades, troubleshooting, repair, monitoring, tuning, automation scripting and general sustainment activities. Duties will also include maintaining system documentation, developing infrastructure support procedures, and providing security support.

What you'll get to do

• Work closely with engineers and technicians in a lab environment
• Advise on integration of new emerging industry technologies to the program's systems
• Implement engineering changes to the system as required
• Review, analyze, and incorporate technical requirements into end-to-end system architectures
• Responsible for completing the network configurations and coordinating with the peers, SMEs, and government engineers.
• Occasional travel may be required

Basic Qualifications

• 4 years of experience with STEM PhD degree. An additional 4 years of relevant experience can be considered in lieu of a Bachelor degree.
• Linux knowledge and experience
• Advance and in-depth technical knowledge of Red Hat operating systems
• Understanding of Linux built-in applications/programs (awk, grep, etc)
• In-Depth Linux troubleshooting knowledge
• LDAP (RHDS) experience
• Advanced System hardening experience
• Utilizing and working with Splunk
• Basic experience with Windows operating system
• Knowledge of STIGs and STIG implementation
• Knowledge of DNS, specifically Linux BIND
• Scripting/Programming experience
• Bash/Shell
• Ansible
• Python
• Other scripting/programming experience
• Ability to communicate well and operate with considerable independence.
• Full on-site presence at San Diego Spectrum Center campus
• Ability to travel 10% of the time.
• CLEARANCE: Must be a US Citizen and must have or be able to obtain an Interim Secret/Secret clearance before you start

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with imaging, backup and restore software and scripting (Clonezilla, Linux dump, etc)
• Experience leading and managing internal programs and working with engineers to delegate tasking/efforts
• Experience with containers (Docker, Red Hat OpenShift, Kubernetes)
• Strong experience with virtualization platforms (VMWare, KVM, Hyper-V, RH-V)
• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance and provide milestone progress on critical items or scheduled items
• Ability to mentor and help grow junior engineers and share knowledge and experience to improve procedures, processes and bring recommendations for technological improvements
• Ability to work and support a flexible schedule (2nd shift, RDO Fridays, possibly weekends) as required
• Basic to advance knowledge of networking and network systems including iSCSI connectivity functionality
• Experience in design, implementation, and sustainment of Linux/Unix systems
• Experience in design, implementation, and sustainment of Containerization technologies

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter

Job Requirements

Minimum Security Clearance: Secret

Military connected talent encouraged to apply.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable: The California Fair Chance Act Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit http://www.tadpgs.com/candidate-privacy/ or https://pdsdefense.com/candidate-privacy/

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled