Linux Security Engineer

IBM; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

IBM Consulting is seeking a Linux Security Engineer to maintain and enhance security postures for a progressive Federal agency. You will harden Linux environments, review configurations, and align with STIG/DHS guidance while working across deployments.

Responsibilities include incident analysis, remediation roadmaps, and delivering security consulting to improve client outcomes and resilience in hybrid cloud environments.

Qualifications

• Expertise in installing, configuring, operating, and patching Linux servers and managing Linux-based apps.
• Advanced knowledge of configuration management tools (Ansible, Chef, Puppet, SaltStack) and Linux/Windows admin in medium–large enterprises.
• Strong shell scripting (ssh, scp, rsync, sudo) with hands-on work in containerization/orchestration tools like Docker/Kubernetes.
• Understanding of clustering, load balancing, replication services, and automation with Python (Flask/Django/FastAPI).
• Familiarity with container security tools (Twistlock, Falco, Clair) and an active RHCE or equivalent certification/experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform security hardening and rule creation for Linux environments and review configurations to verify security posture.
• Review existing configurations to identify vulnerabilities and propose secure settings or architectural changes.
• Audit firmware versions and configurations for Linux endpoints to ensure vendor-aligned security and compliance.
• Assess Security Technical Implementations Guides (STIG) and DHS guidance for deployments.
• Analyze security incidents and provide actionable remediation recommendations and roadmaps.
• Deliver consulting to help clients improve security posture and incident management capabilities.
• Create remediation roadmaps addressing identified vulnerabilities and incidents.

Skills

Linux security

Security hardening

Scripting (Python)

Container security

Cloud/DevOps concepts

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Ansible

Chef

Puppet

SaltStack

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Introduction

A career in IBM Consulting is built on long-term client relationships and close collaboration worldwide. You’ll work with leading companies across industries, helping them shape their hybrid cloud and AI journeys. With support from our strategic partners, robust IBM technology, and Red Hat, you’ll have the tools to drive meaningful change and accelerate client impact. At IBM Consulting, curiosity fuels success. You’ll be encouraged to challenge the norm, explore new ideas, and create innovative solutions that deliver real results. Our culture of growth and empathy focuses on your long-term career development while valuing your unique skills and experiences.

Introduction

A career in IBM Consulting is built on long-term client relationships and close collaboration worldwide. You’ll work with leading companies across industries, helping them shape their hybrid cloud and AI journeys. With support from our strategic partners, robust IBM technology, and Red Hat, you’ll have the tools to drive meaningful change and accelerate client impact. At IBM Consulting, curiosity fuels success. You’ll be encouraged to challenge the norm, explore new ideas, and create innovative solutions that deliver real results. Our culture of growth and empathy focuses on your long-term career development while valuing your unique skills and experiences.

Your Role And Responsibilities

As a Linux Security Engineer in Infrastructure Security, you play a crucial role in helping maintain security posture for supporting the mission of a progressive Federal agency.

Your Primary Responsibilities Will Include

• Perform security hardening and rule creation Linux environment. This includes reviewing new and re‑evaluating existing configuration settings and rules to verify USCIS’ security posture and eliminate unnecessary risk.
• Review existing configuration settings to identify potential security vulnerabilities and propose settings or architectural changes to address these vulnerabilities.
• Audit firmware versions and configuration settings for all Linux end points to eliminate vulnerabilities and ensure network devices are deployed in accordance with vendor recommendations, industry best‑practices, DoD
• Security Technical and Implementation Guides (STIG), and DHS configuration guidance.
• Analyze Security Incidents and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Deliver consulting services to help clients achieve a superior security posture and effectively manage security incidents.
• Create remediation recommendations and roadmaps to address identified security vulnerabilities and incidents.

Preferred Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Required Technical And Professional Expertise

• Expertise in installing, configuring, operating, and patching Linux servers and managing Linux-based applications.
• Advanced knowledge of configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Chef, Puppet, SaltStack) and Linux/Windows administration in medium–large enterprises.
• Strong shell scripting experience (ssh, scp, rsync, sudo) with hands‑on work in containerization and orchestration tools (Docker, Podman, Kubernetes, ECS/EKS, Fargate, Singularity).
• Advanced understanding of clustering, load balancing, replication services, and automation using Python with frameworks such as Flask, Django, or FastAPI.
• Familiarity with container security tools (Twistlock, Falco, Clair) and possession of an active RHCE or equivalent certification/experience.

Ability to obtain and maintain Public Trust clearance

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

• Able to perform security hardening, reviewing new and re‑evaluating existing configuration settings and rules to verify organizations security posture and eliminate unnecessary risk in all environments.
• Experience supporting federal agencies.
• Ability to demonstrate and explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Able to clearly communicate with both customers and teammates and provide recommendations for improvements to existing software applications
• Understanding of New Relic, Nagios or similar monitoring.