Defense Linux Systems Engineer: Secure, Automate & Harden

Crest Security Assurance; Newport (RI); On-site; USD 125,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Crest Security Assurance is seeking a Linux Systems Engineer/Administrator to support DoD systems in Newport, RI. The role emphasizes Linux administration, system hardening, and automation, with duties spanning engineering, cybersecurity, and operations.

The successful candidate will implement DISA STIGs, manage virtualization and containerized deployments with Kubernetes, and contribute to CI/CD and security testing. A Secret clearance is required or eligible for reinstatement.

Qualifications

• Significant Linux administration experience in enterprise or mission-critical environments.
• Strong understanding of privilege/identity management and STIG compliance.
• Experience with Bash scripting and Python programming.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps concepts including automated tooling, unit testing, SAST/DAST.
• Experience with containerized environments using Kubernetes or similar orchestration tools.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex Linux systems and network issues.
• Active Secret clearance or eligibility for reinstatement.

Responsibilities

• Administer, maintain, and secure Linux-based systems in operational and development environments.
• Implement Linux system hardening per DISA STIGs and cybersecurity best practices.
• Manage firewall configurations, networking services, privilege management, and access controls.
• Develop shell scripts and Python automation to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Support deployment and sustainment of containerized apps using Kubernetes or similar tools.
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines, testing, and automated security testing integration.
• Support cybersecurity assessments, vulnerability remediation, and RED TEAM exercises.
• Document system configurations, security controls, and procedures.
• Collaborate across engineering, cybersecurity, and operations teams during reviews.

Skills

Linux administration

Privilege management

System hardening

Bash scripting

Python

CI/CD / DevSecOps

SAST/DAST

Kubernetes

Troubleshooting Linux

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Kubernetes

VMware / virtualization

Job description

Crest Security Assurance is seeking a Linux Systems Engineer/Administrator to support DoD systems in Newport, RI. The role emphasizes Linux administration, system hardening, and automation, with duties spanning engineering, cybersecurity, and operations.

The successful candidate will implement DISA STIGs, manage virtualization and containerized deployments with Kubernetes, and contribute to CI/CD and security testing. A Secret clearance is required or eligible for reinstatement.