Linux Administrator (Classified Systems) – Active Secret Clearance Required

Viasat; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 191,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat is seeking a highly skilled Linux Administrator to safeguard Linux environments, enforce security, and support engineering teams. You will drive system hardening, RMF alignment, and incident response for both standard and classified systems.

The role requires 6+ years of Linux experience, DoD RMF exposure, and experience with virtualization, AD/IdAM, NetApp, and Veeam. Strong collaboration with DevOps and security teams is essential.

Qualifications

• 6+ years Linux administration experience with RHEL/Ubuntu.
• 4+ years in DoD or industrial security RMF programs.
• 2+ years in virtualized infrastructure (VMware/Hyper‑V/OpenShift).
• Experience with AD/IdAM, GPOs, DNS, DHCP.
• DoD 8140 Certification and Active Secret Clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

Responsibilities

• Configure, maintain Linux-based solutions with security compliance.
• Harden systems and manage vulnerabilities per DISA STIGs/NIST 800‑53.
• Cybersecurity monitoring, incident response for Linux/classified systems.
• Maintain security docs and POAMs with change control logs.
• Manage system accounts, configurations, and breach response.
• Conduct self-assessments to ensure regulatory alignment.
• Collaborate with DevOps to boost ops efficiency and reduce risk.
• Support virtualization and storage (NetApp) implementations.
• Stay current on threats and RMF processes; mentor teammates.

Skills

Linux admin

RMF compliance

DoD programs

Virtualization

VMware

Hyper-V

OpenShift

Trellix ePO

AD/IdAM/GPO

NetApp/Veeam

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity/IT/CS

DoD 8140 Certification

Tools

VMware

Hyper-V

OpenShift

Trellix ePO

NetApp

Veeam

Splunk

Ansible

Puppet

Job description

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

What you’ll do

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Linux Administrator to play a pivotal role in supporting and enhancing engineering functions within Viasat. This individual will focus on safeguarding Linux‑based environments, ensuring compliance with critical security frameworks and policies, and enabling efficient operations to empower engineering teams. The role requires a balance of technical expertise, security diligence, and a proactive dedication to continuous improvement.

The day‑to‑day

• Manage the day‑to‑day activities of configuring, maintaining, and fixing Linux‑based solutions, ensuring security guidelines and compliance.
• Perform system hardening and vulnerability management, aligning with DISA STIGs NIST 800-53, and other security standards.
• Conduct cybersecurity monitoring, incident response, and analysis for Linux environments and classified systems.
• Develop and maintain system security documentation, including change control logs, technical updates to Plan of Action and Milestones (POAMs), etc.
• Complete system and account management activities such as configuration and periodic maintenance, responding to breach incidents as required.
• Perform site self‑assessments to ensure alignment with regulations, standards, and organizational directives.
• Collaborate with DevOps teams to enhance operational efficiencies and minimize security risks.
• Support implementation of virtualized infrastructure (e.g., VMware, Hyper‑V, OpenShift) and centralized storage solutions such as NetApp.
• Stay informed about evolving cybersecurity threats, emerging technologies, and updated RMF processes.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members for the continuity of standard methodologies.

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related technical field; equivalent work experience will also be considered.
• 6+ years of Linux administration experience (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu), emphasizing a solid focus on cybersecurity and administration.
• Over 4 years involved in DoD or industrial security programs, including demonstrated expertise in RMF processes.
• 2+ years of experience in crafting, implementing, and managing virtualized infrastructure solutions such as VMware, Hyper‑V, and OpenShift.
• Administer Trellix for endpoint protection (ePO), signature updates, and alert resolution.
• Proficient in maintaining and administering core environmental services (e.g., Active Directory/IdAM, GPOs, logging, monitoring, DNS, DHCP).
• Experience operating and managing centralized storage platforms (e.g., NetApp) and related backup management services (e.g., Veeam).
• Good attention to detail, skill in critical thinking and research, problem‑solving abilities, and the ability to multitask in fast‑paced environments.
• Outstanding communication and writing skills that enable conveying technical details effectively to diverse collaborators.
• Good ability to collaborate with multi‑functional teams, encouraging a cohesive and productive work atmosphere.
• You must be able to lift equipment (up to 40 lbs) and work within controlled environments.
• DoD 8140.01 Certification (e.g., CISSP, Security+).
• Active Secret Security Clearance required.

What will help you on the job

• Hands‑on experience with container creation and deployment (e.g., Docker, LXD).
• Familiarity with automation/orchestration tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet) for system configuration and deployments.
• Proficiency in security event monitoring tools like Splunk to evaluate risks and verify mitigation efforts.
• Scripting or development skills to automate or update configurations and deployment of software, infrastructure (IaC), updates, etc.
• Experience configuring and maintaining cross‑domain solutions and secure enclaves.
• Relevant certifications such as RHCE, RHCSA, LFCS, or equivalent.
• Experience implementing or supporting AI‑enabled automation, self‑hosted large‑language‑model (LLM), retrieval‑augmented generation (RAG), or AI‑assisted development platforms in enterprise or air‑gapped environments.

Salary range

$121,000.00 – $191,000.00 annually. For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $150,000.00–$225,000.00 annually.

At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat’s comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.

EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this online application, please click here.