Intermediate Linux System Administrator – TS/SCI Eligibility

Dark-Horse-Tech; Monterey (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Dark Horse Technologies LLC seeks an Intermediate Linux System Administrator to support the CDS environment at FNMOC in Monterey, CA. The role covers day-to-day Linux administration, monitoring, security support, and troubleshooting for classified mission environments.

On-site only, with training on CNMOC CDS systems. Requires active Top Secret with SCI eligibility and readiness to travel for training as needed. Join a team delivering mission-critical Linux services in secure facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or CompTIA Security+ certification.
• Formal training or demonstrated technical training in Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience administering Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems.
• Working knowledge of Linux system administration including monitoring, logs, configuration, patching, user administration and service management.
• Knowledge of Apache NiFi software components, configuration, and data-flow concepts.
• Ability to perform privileged-user system administration within classified environments.

Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain operational Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems.
• Monitor system availability, performance, health, and operational status.
• Review logs, identify anomalies, security events, and performance issues.
• Perform routine maintenance, patching, configuration updates, and security changes.
• Troubleshoot Linux systems, applications, connectivity, and services.
• Support CDS systems and data-flow components; coordinate with government staff.

Skills

Linux administration

System monitoring

Troubleshooting

Security hardening

Cross Domain Solutions

Privileged-user admin

Independent work

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

CompTIA Security+ certification

Tools

Apache NiFi

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Job description

Location: Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC), Monterey, CA
Work Arrangement: On-site only
Clearance: Active Top Secret with SCI eligibility required
Travel: Occasional travel to Stennis Space Center, Mississippi
Anticipated Start: September 2026, subject to final task order award

Position Overview

Dark Horse Technologies is seeking an Intermediate Linux System Administrator to support the operational Cross Domain Solution (CDS) environment at the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC) in Monterey, California.

The successful candidate will provide day-to-day administration, monitoring, maintenance, security support, troubleshooting, and operational sustainment for Linux-based CDS infrastructure supporting classified mission environments.

This is a fully on-site position requiring routine work within secure facilities and regular access to SCI-level environments. The selected candidate will receive specialized training on CNMOC CDS systems and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform administration and maintenance of operational Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) systems.
• Monitor system availability, performance, health, and operational status.
• Review system logs and identify anomalies, errors, security events, and performance issues.
• Perform routine system maintenance, patching, configuration updates, and security-related changes.
• Troubleshoot Linux system, application, connectivity, and service issues.
• Support emergency break/fix activities when operational CDS systems experience outages or degradation.
• Administer user accounts, permissions, access controls, and privileged-user functions.
• Support endpoint systems, bridge servers, and CDS data-flow components.
• Implement approved system changes, updates, and operational tasking.
• Assist with configuration and administration of Apache NiFi software components and data flows.
• Support installation, maintenance, and administration of CDS systems connected to classified networks, including JWICS.
• Maintain system documentation, configuration information, operational records, and troubleshooting procedures.
• Coordinate technical issues and maintenance activities with Government personnel, site leadership, engineers, cybersecurity personnel, and other support staff.
• Participate in vendor and site-specific training required to administer CNMOC CDS systems.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science OR CompTIA Security+ certification.
• Formal training or demonstrated technical training in Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience administering Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems.
• Working knowledge of Linux system administration, including:
• System monitoring
• Log review and management
• System configuration and maintenance
• Patch management
• User and account administration
• File permissions and access controls
• Service management
• Troubleshooting and break/fix support
• Knowledge of Apache NiFisoftware components, configuration, and/or data-flow concepts.
• Ability to perform privileged-user system administration within classified environments.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with Government and contractor personnel.
• Ability to work full-time on-site at FNMOC in Monterey, California.
• Ability to travel to Stennis Space Center, Mississippi for training, including up to two one-week training periods.

Security Clearance Requirements

• Active Top Secret clearance required with Tier 5
• Must be eligible for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).

Preferred Qualifications

The following experience is highly desirable but not required:

• Experience administering or supporting Cross Domain Solutions (CDS).
• Experience supporting systems within JWICS, SIPRNet, or other classified DoD/IC environments.
• Experience supporting Red Hat Enterprise Linux in highly controlled or mission-critical environments.
• Experience with Apache NiFi administration, configuration, processors, controller services, and data-flow troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity requirements, DISA STIGs, vulnerability remediation, and system hardening.
• Experience supporting operational systems requiring high availability.
• Experience troubleshooting networking, data-transfer, or application-integration issues in Linux environments.

After-Hours Support Expectations

This position is not a 24/7 on-call role. However, because the systems support operational mission requirements, the administrator should be reasonably available to respond to occasional after-hours or weekend issues when CDS operations experience an outage or significant problem.

Current after-hours support averages approximately four hours per month, and the customer anticipates that this requirement may decrease once consistent Linux administration support is in place.

Periods when the employee is unavailable for after-hours support can be coordinated in advance with the site lead and customer.

Ideal Candidate

The strongest candidate will be a hands-on Linux administrator who is comfortable supporting mission-critical systems in a classified operational environment.

Additional Information

Employment is contingent upon final task order award, verification of required qualifications, and verification of security clearance eligibility.

Dark Horse Technologies LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.