Linux Administrator II

CesiumAstro; Westminster (MD); On-site; USD 94,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Benefits package including health, 401

Job summary

CesiumAstro in Westminster, MD is seeking a Linux Administrator II to support Element 1 launch operations. You will administer and maintain Linux-based servers and critical infrastructure, ensuring reliability, uptime, security, and rapid issue resolution in a fast-paced aerospace setting.

This role collaborates with software, network, cybersecurity, and IT teams, participates in operational readiness, and contributes to documentation, configuration records, and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline with 2+ years of Linux systems administration experience.
• Knowledge of Linux systems administration principles and enterprise infrastructure support.
• Understanding of networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, and firewalls.
• Experience troubleshooting Linux operating system and server-related issues.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices and system hardening methodologies.
• Ability to support operational environments requiring high availability and rapid issue resolution.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively across cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Administer, configure, monitor, and maintain Linux-based servers and operational systems supporting Element 1 launch operations.
• Perform provisioning, patching, upgrades, hardening, and performance tuning across dev, test, and production environments.
• Support operational readiness of mission-critical infrastructure with focus on reliability, uptime, and security.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, authentication methods, and system access controls in line with cybersecurity requirements.
• Troubleshoot Linux OS issues, performance concerns, and infrastructure incidents.

Skills

Linux systems administration

Networking fundamentals

Cybersecurity best practices

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional communication

High availability operations

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/IT/IS/Engineering/Cybersecurity

Job description

_ Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro , we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

CesiumAstro is seeking a Linux Administrator II to support the infrastructure, systems administration, and operational readiness activities for the Element 1 launch operations program. This role is responsible for administering and maintaining Linux-based environments that support mission-critical engineering, testing, integration, and launch activities. The ideal candidate is technically strong, detail-oriented, and capable of supporting highly available systems in fast-paced operational environments where reliability, cybersecurity, and responsiveness are critical.

This position partners closely with software engineering, network engineering, mission operations, cybersecurity, and IT teams to ensure stable, secure, and scalable Linux infrastructure supporting launch and ground operations. The role requires strong troubleshooting skills, experience supporting operational systems, and the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative aerospace and defense manufacturing environment.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Linux Systems Administration

• Administer, configure, monitor, and maintain Linux-based servers and operational systems supporting Element 1 launch operations
• Perform system provisioning, patching, upgrades, hardening, and performance tuning activities across development, test, and production environments
• Support operational readiness of mission-critical infrastructure with a focus on reliability, uptime, and security
• Manage user accounts, permissions, authentication methods, and system access controls in accordance with cybersecurity and compliance requirements
• Troubleshoot Linux operating system issues, system performance concerns, and infrastructure-related incidents

Infrastructure & Operational Support

• Support infrastructure activities associated with launch operations, ground systems, integration labs, and operational test environments
• Assist with system monitoring, log analysis, backup management, and disaster recovery processes
• Support virtualization, storage, and server environment maintenance activities
• Collaborate with network, cybersecurity, and software teams to resolve infrastructure and operational issues
• Participate in operational support activities during critical testing and launch windows as required

Documentation & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain technical documentation, standard operating procedures, and system configuration records
• Support implementation of infrastructure automation and operational efficiency improvements
• Assist with system audits, compliance activities, and cybersecurity remediation efforts
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on infrastructure reliability, scalability, and operational excellence
• Perform other duties, responsibilities, and special projects as assigned to support business operations, organizational objectives, and evolving Element 1 program needs

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related technical discipline with 2 years+ experience in Linux systems administration.
• Knowledge of Linux systems administration principles and enterprise infrastructure support
• Understanding of networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, and firewalls
• Experience troubleshooting Linux operating system and server-related issues
• Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices and system hardening methodologies
• Ability to support operational environments requiring high availability and rapid issue resolution
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively across cross-functional teams
• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time
• Ability to occasionally lift and transport IT equipment up to 25 pounds
• Ability to support operational activities in laboratory, manufacturing, or launch support environments as needed
• Ability to maintain attention to detail while managing multiple priorities and deadlines
• Ability to respond effectively during time-sensitive operational support activities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, manufacturing, mission operations, or other highly regulated operational environments.

$94,000 - $112,000 an hour

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard torace, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.