Linux System Administrator Level 2 with Security Clearance

DarkStar Intelligence; Maryland; On-site; USD 155,000 - 255,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO and holidays

401(k) retirement plan

Professional development and training

Job summary

DarkStar Intelligence seeks a seasoned Systems Administrator in Maryland to implement, troubleshoot, and maintain complex IT systems across UNIX/Linux and VMware environments.

Responsibilities include Tier 1-2 support, configuration management with Puppet, script automation (Bash/Perl), RHEL, NIFI, and OS clustering; security clearance TS/SCI with Polygraph required.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance is required.
• 10+ years experience as a Systems Administrator on similar programs.
• Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years designing and sustaining Red Hat Linux (RHEL) environments.
• Extensive UNIX/Linux command-line experience in production.
• Experience with NIFI, YUM/RPM, patches in secure environments.
• 5+ years automation scripting (Bash/Perl).
• 5+ years Puppet administration and configuration management.
• 5+ years VMware architecture, VMotion, templates, monitoring.
• 3+ years OS-level clustering implementation.

Responsibilities

• Provide Tier 1 (Help Desk) and Tier 2 escalation support.
• Manage daily configuration and operation of IT systems.
• Assist users in accessing and using IT systems.
• Support client/server/storage/network devices and mobile devices.
• Escalate issues and communicate status to management and customers.
• Optimize system operations and perform capacity planning.
• Troubleshoot IT systems in depth and provide feedback.
• Configure and manage UNIX and Windows OS; install software and enhancements.
• Develop automation scripts for configuration, backup, and restoration.
• Implement Puppet and VMware-based solutions; support VMotion capabilities.

Skills

TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance

UNIX/Linux command line

VMware architecture

Scripting Bash

Perl scripting

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline

Tools

VMware

NIFI

YUM/RPM

Puppet

Bash scripts

Perl scripts

Job description

Responsibilities * Provide support for implementation, troubleshooting and maintenance of IT systems

• Provide Tier 1 (Help Desk) problem identification, diagnosis and resolution of problems
• Manage the daily activities of configuration and operation of IT systems
• Provide assistance to users in accessing and using IT systems
• Provide Tier 1 (Help Desk) and Tier 2 (Escalation) problem identification, diagnosis and resolution of problems
• Provide support to IT systems including day-to-day operations, monitoring and problem resolution for all of the client/server/storage/network devices, mobile devices, etc.
• Provide support for the escalation and communication of status to agency management and internal customers
• Optimize system operations and resource utilization, and perform system capacity analysis and planning
• Provide in-depth experience in trouble-shooting IT systems
• Provide detailed analysis and feedback to agency management and internal customers for escalated tickets
• Provide support for the dispatch system and hardware problems and remains involved in the resolution process
• Configure and manage UNIX and Windows (or other applicable) operating systems and installs/loads operating system software, troubleshoot, maintain integrity of and configure network components, along with implementing operating systems enhancements to improve reliability and performance
• Requirements * Active TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a Systems Administrator supporting programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline from an accredited college or university required; additional five (5) years of Systems Administration experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience designing, planning, installing, configuring, and sustaining Red Hat Linux (RHEL) environments
• Extensive experience using UNIX/Linux command-line operations in production environments
• Experience with NIFI required
• Experience installing and managing software via YUM repositories, RPM packages, tarballs, and source code
• Experience researching, acquiring, and applying IAVA patches in secure environments
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience developing automation scripts for system configuration, backup, and restoration using scripting languages such as Bash and Perl
• Experience performing Puppet system administration and configuration management
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience with VMware architecture, installation, and configuration
• Experience supporting VMware operational capabilities including VMotion-enabled failover, template library management, and system monitoring
• Three (3) years of experience implementing OS-level clustering solutions

Salary Range $155,000 - $255,000 per year This pay range is a general guideline and not a guarantee of specific compensation or salary. When extending an offer, DarkStar Intelligence considers various factors, including (but not limited to) the job's responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, market data alignment, applicable bargaining agreements (if any), and other relevant laws.

Who We Are DarkStar Intelligence delivers mission-critical support to national security operations across intelligence, cybersecurity, technology, and operational support domains. We partner with government customers to strengthen decision advantage, enhance operational readiness, and advance mission success in complex and evolving threat environments.

Why Work at DarkStar? At DarkStar Intelligence, you’ll contribute directly to high-impact national security missions while growing your professional capabilities in a collaborative, performance-driven environment. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for continuous development within a mission-focused team culture.

ADA Accommodations Statement DarkStar Intelligence is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement DarkStar Intelligence is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.

E-Verify Participation DarkStar Intelligence participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees in accordance with applicable law.

Benefits Overview DarkStar Intelligence offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan options
• Professional development and training opportunities