Linux System Administrator (Computing Systems Professional 2/3)

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 88,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks a Computing Systems professional to build, administer, and optimize Linux servers and the software stack for the Theoretical Division. You will lead resource planning for internal and visiting researchers, and ensure security and reliability across production systems.

The role progresses from Computing Systems Professional 2 to 3 with increasing responsibility, including project leadership and technology evaluation. Onsite work in Los Alamos, NM is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 4 years related experience, or an equivalent combination.
• For Computing Systems Professional 3: bachelor's degree and 8 years related experience; vendor certification desirable.
• Experience with Linux, networking, security best practices, and scripting to automate tasks.

Responsibilities

• Establish, administer, and troubleshoot production Linux systems and services.
• Lead and participate in computing research and develop scalable infrastructure.
• Plan, assess, and optimize computing resources for research needs and visitors.

Skills

Ethernet networking

Problem solving

Interpersonal communication

Technical documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

Linux

Apache

nginx

PostgreSQL

MongoDB

Anacron

Bash

Python

Job description

What You Will Do

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

This position will be filled at either the Computing System Professional 2/3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Come join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions! The Theoretical (T) Division is seeking a Computing Systems Professional to support, lead, and expand its hardware and software systems. In this role you will establish and administer servers and the software stack supporting research needs for the division on both internal and external facing networks. You will also take the lead in assessing, planning, and optimizing computer resources for emerging research efforts and visiting researchers in conjunction with evolving needs, and as technology and institutional requirements change and intersect. The successful candidate will also participate in research efforts around novel hardware performance and its software stack requirements.

The Theoretical (T) Division performs world-class theoretical and computational research in support of Los Alamos National Laboratory's national security mission. The division conducts basic and applied research across a broad range of disciplines, including applied mathematics, chemistry, biology, engineering, theoretical physics, data science, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, materials science, energy security, and Earth system modeling. T Division's research advances scientific understanding while enabling cutting-edge modeling, simulation, and computational capabilities that address complex national security challenges. Through a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, the division partners closely with experimental programs across the Laboratory to develop innovative solutions, attract exceptional scientists from diverse backgrounds, and advance mission-critical research.

Computing Systems Professional 2 $87,800 - $143,000

In this Computing Systems Professional 2 role you will have opportunities to facilitate and participate in computing research and development activities. You will apply your knowledge of building, configuring, administering, and troubleshooting production Linux computer/support systems and peripheral devices. The position requires strong command-line Linux operating system skills, working knowledge of, or experience with, hardware and software security best practices, and experience scripting in Bash, Python, or similar languages. These systems will require the installation and administration of production Internet applications using Linux system services and resources such as Apache, nginx, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and Anacron.

Computing Systems Professional 3 $106,400 - $176,000

In addition to the responsibilities of the lower level, you will independently design, implement, and optimize complex computing infrastructure and enterprise systems. You will lead technical projects, evaluate and integrate emerging technologies, and provide technical guidance to customers and staff. You will develop innovative solutions to complex technical challenges while establishing best practices and ensuring compliance with Laboratory policies, cybersecurity requirements, and operational standards.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Experience with Ethernet networking, including administration, and management, and demonstrated experience to configure and manage Ethernet switching and routing hardware.


• Demonstrated experience in formulating and testing hypotheses, evaluating alternative solutions, and recommending solutions to technical problems.


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a service-oriented approach. Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team environment, interact with a diverse set of customers, work independently to complete tasks, and to follow up to ensure customer satisfaction.


• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience with technical documentation and technical writing.

Additional Job Requirements for Computing Systems Professional 3

• Advanced knowledge of software development methodologies, operating systems, heterogeneous computing infrastructures, networking, web technologies, and emerging computing technologies, with demonstrated ability to design, implement, and support complex computing solutions.


• Demonstrated expertise administering Linux systems, applying hardware and software security best practices, and developing automation using scripting languages such as Bash, Perl, Python, or similar languages to improve system reliability, security, and operational efficiency.


• Demonstrated ability to independently evaluate and resolve complex technical issues, lead technical projects, perform risk assessments and infrastructure planning, and develop innovative solutions that support organizational objectives.


• Demonstrated ability to serve as a technical resource by partnering with customers, mentoring less experienced staff, communicating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, and using sound judgment and extensive professional experience to resolve complex technical challenges.

Education / Experience at Computing Systems Professional 2

Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and a minimum of 4 years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Education / Experience at Computing Systems Professional 3

Position requires a bachelor's degree and 8 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level, applicable advanced vendor and/or professional certification is desirable.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with CI/CD software development workflows using git and gitlab runners.


• Experience supporting AI/ML software and hardware technologies.


• Understanding of LANL policies and requirements as they pertain to computing security and compliance.


• Experience with scientific and research computing environments.

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position commitment

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents (\"green card\" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network


• Dental and vision insurance


• Free basic life and disability insurance


• Paid childbirth and parental leave


• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)


• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance


• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)


• Onsite gyms and wellness programs


• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 – Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

No Clearance

Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

New-Employment Drug Test

The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular Position

Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Term Position

Regular-status Laboratory employees applying for term-status positions may retain regular status with approval of the cognizant Principle Associate Director.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.