Linux System Administrator II with Security Clearance

Black Eagle Defense; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Black Eagle Defense is seeking a System Administrator II to design and support system architecture in a hybrid cloud environment. You will join a Linux-focused team responsible for Linux instances across networks, performing hands-on admin to ensure stability, performance, and security.

The role emphasizes automation, collaboration with stakeholders, mentoring juniors, and delivering scalable solutions for DoD contexts.

Qualifications

• Ten years of SA experience in programs/contracts of similar scope and complexity.
• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline required; five more years may substitute.
• Strong Linux administration in multi-environment architectures.
• Experience writing automation scripts (Bash, Python, Puppet, Ansible).

Responsibilities

• Design and support system architecture within a hybrid cloud environment.
• Perform hands-on Linux system administration to ensure stability, performance, and security.
• Develop, implement, and maintain automation scripts to improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to diagnose and resolve system issues.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members.

Skills

Linux system administration

Automation scripting

Bash

Python

Puppet/Ansible

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline

Tools

AWS CLI

boto3

Job description

Job Description

As a successful candidate for the System Administrator II role, you will design and support system architecture while developing solutions to meet organizational needs within a hybrid cloud environment, contribute to a small, highly skilled Linux team responsible for creating, maintaining, and troubleshooting Linux instances across multiple networks and architectures, perform hands-on system administration to ensure system stability, performance, and security, implement automation to streamline operations and improve efficiency, and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to resolve technical challenges and enhance overall system capabilities.

Salary Range

$140,000 - $200,000/year.

Required Skills

• Support system architecture and contribute to the development of scalable and efficient technical solutions
• Perform system administration tasks, including configuration, patching, monitoring, and issue resolution
• Develop, implement, and maintain automation scripts to improve operational efficiency
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to diagnose and resolve system issues
• Monitor system performance and ensure the availability, reliability, and security of the infrastructure
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members as needed
• Communicate technical issues, solutions, and system status effectively with team members and stakeholders
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement innovative solutions

Qualifications

• Ten (10) years of experience as an SA in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity are required. A bachelor's degree in a technical discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of additional SA experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree. Additional Requirements: * Strong hands‑on experience with Linux system administration in complex, multi‑environment architectures
• Proven experience creating, debugging, and implementing automation scripts (e.g., Bash, Python, Puppet, and/or Ansible)
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues
• Experience working in a collaborative, team‑oriented environment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly convey technical concepts
• Self‑motivated with a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies

Certifications

• Compliance with DoD 8570.01-M with a minimum certification of IAT Level II (e.g., Security+, CCNA)

Desired Skills

• Experience with AWS cloud technologies, including EC2 Auto Scaling
• Experience using aws-cli and boto3
• Familiarity with hybrid cloud environments and modern infrastructure practices