Linux Support Administrator/Engineer

Elite Technical; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Elite Technical is seeking a Mid-Level Linux Support Administrator/Engineer to design, configure, and maintain Linux-based embedded platforms supporting mission-critical environments. The role emphasizes hands-on system building, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration with software engineering and operations teams.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of Linux experience, Red Hat emphasis, and the ability to obtain a DHS Public Trust clearance.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required due to government contract requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DHS Public Trust clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5 years of professional experience supporting Linux or embedded Linux environments.
• Hands-on experience bringing up Linux systems, preferably Red Hat-based environments.
• Experience with Linux administration, system configuration, diagnostics, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with Ubuntu Linux environments.
• Experience configuring networking and resolving connectivity issues.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to work through complex technical issues independently.
• Curiosity, willingness to learn, and initiative.
• Experience with scripting languages such as Python or Bash is a plus
• Understanding of hardware interfaces and embedded system environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Build, configure, and support Linux-based systems using Red Hat and Ubuntu environments, with a strong Red Hat focus.
• Assemble hardware and software components into development systems.
• Install operating systems, load ISOs, configure environments, and prepare systems for production use.
• Configure networking components and resolve connectivity, performance, and integration issues.
• Troubleshoot hardware/software integration problems across embedded and Linux platforms.
• Document system configurations, troubleshooting procedures, and support processes.
• Provide diagnostics, root cause analysis, and operational support for field and lab environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and act independently when needed.

Skills

Linux system administration

Embedded Linux

Troubleshooting

Networking configuration

Independence

Python/Bash scripting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Computer Engineering / Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Red Hat Linux

Ubuntu Linux

Python

Bash

Job description

Linux Support Administrator/Engineer Our client, a prestigious Federal contractor, is seeking a Mid-Level Linux Support Administrator/Engineer to support the design, development, configuration, and maintenance of Linux-based embedded platforms supporting mission-critical environments. This is a highly hands-on role focused on building, configuring, and troubleshooting Linux systems that support software engineering and operational teams. This opportunity is ideal for an engineer who has moved beyond entry-level support responsibilities and is ready to take ownership of subsystems, solve complex technical challenges, and contribute to system-level design and support activities. The selected candidate will assume much of the day-to-day Linux support work currently handled by the manager, allowing leadership to focus on strategic initiatives.

This role also offers a strong growth path into a future leadership position.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, configure, and support Linux-based systems using Red Hat and Ubuntu environments, with a primary focus on Red Hat.
• Assemble hardware and software components into fully operational development systems.
• Install operating systems, load ISOs, configure environments, and bring systems to a production-ready state for software developers.
• Configure networking components and resolve connectivity, performance, and system integration issues.
• Troubleshoot hardware/software integration problems across embedded and Linux platforms.
• Document system configurations, troubleshooting procedures, and support processes.
• Provide diagnostics, root cause analysis, and operational support for field and lab environments.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional engineering teams while also operating independently when needed.

Required Skills

• U.S. Citizenship required due to government contract requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DHS Public Trust clearance.
• Bachelor-s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3-5 years of professional experience supporting Linux or embedded Linux environments.
• Hands-on experience bringing up Linux systems, preferably Red Hat-based environments.
• Experience with Linux administration, system configuration, diagnostics, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with Ubuntu Linux environments.
• Experience configuring networking and resolving connectivity issues.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to work through complex technical issues independently.
• Naturally curious mindset with a willingness to ask questions, learn new technologies, and take initiative.
• Experience with scripting languages such as Python or Bash is a plus
• Understanding of hardware interfaces and embedded system environments is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting embedded systems or hardware/software integration environments.
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Experience with hardware bring-up and board-level debugging.
• Knowledge of secure or safety-critical systems.
• Previous experience supporting development environments for software engineering teams.