Linux System Administrator

ASEC; Ridgecrest (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee-owned (ESOP)

Medical/dental/vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Tuition assistance

Veteran-friendly employer

Competitive compensation

Job summary

ASEC is seeking a Linux System Administrator to support NAWS China Lake, CA. You will secure, sustain, and optimize DoD Linux environments, applying STIGs and managing ACAS assessments. The role requires DoD Top Secret clearance and on-site work at NAWS China Lake, CA.

You will automate tasks with Ansible, patch RHEL, and help maintain RMF/NIST compliance while coordinating with DevOps and security teams to ensure mission readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or 5 years of related experience in lieu.
• 5+ years of system administration in Linux environments preferred.
• Strong Linux knowledge is required.
• DoD cybersecurity experience is a plus.
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Secure, sustain, and optimize DoD Linux environments.
• Apply DISA STIGs to Linux and VMware ESXi configurations.
• Manage ACAS vulnerability assessments and accreditation artifacts.
• Automate routine tasks with Ansible for consistency.
• Patch and harden RHEL systems on a monthly cadence.
• Maintain RMF/NIST 800-53 compliance documentation.
• Maintain system health via monitoring and logs.
• Collaborate with DevOps and security teams.

Skills

Linux admin

STIGs management

ACAS evaluations

VMware ESXi

Ansible automation

RMF/NIST DoD

Active Directory

Patching & hardening

Education

Bachelor's in IT or related field

5 years DoD sysadmin experience (in lieu of degree)

Tools

ACAS

STIGs

VMware ESXi

Ansible Automation Platform

Windows PowerShell

Job description

Description

Location: NAWS China Lake, CA

Security Clearance Requirement: Top Secret

Telework Eligible? No, work will be performed on site at NAWS China Lake

What You’ll Do:

Support mission-critical Navy training systems at NAWS China Lake, CA!

As a Linux System Administrator, you will secure, sustain, and optimize complex DoD environments that directly enable warfighter readiness. This is a high-impact role for a technically strong professional who thrives in cybersecurity-focused, mission-driven operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensuring secure and compliant Linux operating system configurations by applying Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) to prevent misconfiguration and audit issues.
• Managing vulnerability assessments with Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS) and Evaluate STIG, producing accreditation artifacts to maintain Authorization to Operate (ATO) compliance and demonstrate security assurance.
• Maintaining and securing VMware ESXi hypervisors, including patching and hardening host systems to ensure platform reliability.
• Automating all routine administrative tasks — including provisioning, configuration management, patching, compliance checks, and reporting — using Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform, improving consistency and reducing manual error.
• Applying Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) updates on a monthly basis to maintain a secure, up-to-date environment.
• Refining processes to align with policy, reduce overhead, and collaborating with DevOps and security teams to support modern automation practices.
• Releasing RHEL hardened system templates on a quarterly basis with required documentation and ATO submission, ensuring standardized and compliant deployments.
• Monitoring Linux and ESXi environments for performance, availability, and security issues to sustain system health and resilience.
• Supporting Risk Management Framework (RMF) compliance (FISMA, NIST 800-53, DoD SRG), ensuring alignment with policy and accreditation requirements.
• Maintaining accurate technical documentation in Confluence and using Jira Software for task tracking, ensuring procedural clarity and reducing knowledge gaps.
• Operating and maintaining SolarWinds monitoring and auditing tools to proactively detect anomalies and maintain system integrity.

This description outlines the general nature and scope of the role. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.

Requirements

What You’ll Bring:

• CompTIA Security+ is required. Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related area of study is required. In lieu of a bachelor's degree, 5 years of relevant experience may be accepted. The following certifications are highly desired: CompTIA Linux+, LPI Linux Essentials, Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), etc.
• Candidates who do not currently hold an approved operating system certification must obtain one within 90 days of their hire date.
• 5 years of related system administration experience is preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of Linux is required.
• Experience managing DoD Host Based Security Systems (HBSS) is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing Domain Name System (DNS) performance and reliability.
• Proven experience implementing and maintaining local and group policies.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Active Directory (AD) domain controller servers for managing authentication, authorization, and network resources.
• Knowledge of log aggregation and analysis across multiple sources.
• Familiarity with Windows PowerShell is preferred.

Equally Important:

• Ability to build positive, collaborative relationships across teams and with external partners.
• Effective communicator with strong verbal and written skills.
• Proactive, self-directed work style with the ability to operate independently.
• Analytical thinker with proven problem-solving capabilities.
• Highly organized, with the ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

ASEC is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws.

Security Clearance Requirement:

• This position requires U.S. citizenship and an active DoD Top Secret clearance. Selected candidate will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Salary Range:

• The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $110,000 - $135,000 annually, commensurate with an individual’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. ASEC is committed to providing fair and equitable compensation. The low end of this salary range is accounting for a candidate that meets or exceeds all of the listed requirements.

Who We Are:

ASEC offers meaningful, mission-driven work within a culture that supports your professional and personal growth. We partner with our government customers to deliver innovative solutions across engineering, information technology, training, and logistics. Above all, we are committed to doing what’s right for the Warfighter—plain and simple. Explore what makes ASEC different by visiting our website.

Why work at ASEC?

• 100% employee-owned company. Learn more about our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) here!
• Comprehensive benefits package, including 11 paid holidays, medical/dental/vision coverage, HSA/FSA options, disability insurance, and more!
• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition assistance for undergraduate and graduate education
• Veteran-friendly employer
• Thriving employee culture

ASEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, hire, train, compensate, and promote employees based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), or any other status protected by law.

ASEC also complies with all applicable pay transparency laws and will not discriminate against employees or applicants for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing compensation.