Linux System Administrator Level 2 with Security Clearance

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) retirement plan

Professional development

Paid time off

Job summary

DarkStar Intelligence is seeking a System Administrator Level 2 to support the implementation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of critical IT systems in a mission-focused environment. You will manage IT system infrastructure, monitor performance, and provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 support across multiple platforms.

The role requires an active TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance, 10+ years of Systems Administration experience, and strong Red Hat Linux, VMware, NIFI, Puppet, and scripting skills.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline from an accredited college or university; additional five years of Systems Administration experience may substitute the degree.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience designing, planning, installing, configuring, and sustaining Red Hat Linux (RHEL) environments.
• Experience with UNIX/Linux command-line operations in production environments.
• Experience with VMware architecture, installation, and configuration.
• Experience developing automation scripts using Bash and Perl.
• Experience performing Puppet system administration and configuration management.

Responsibilities

• Provide Tier 1 (Help Desk) and Tier 2 escalation support for IT systems.
• Configure and manage UNIX and Windows operating systems; install/maintain OS software.
• Manage and troubleshoot client/server/storage/network devices and mobile devices.
• Communicate system status updates to agency management and internal customers.
• Implement OS-level clustering solutions and VMware VMotion failover.

Skills

TS/SCI with Polygraph

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline

Tools

VMware

NIFI

RPM/YUM

Puppet

Bash scripting

Perl scripting

Linux (RHEL)

Job description

Apply Description

DarkStar Intelligence is seeking a System Administrator Level 2 to support the implementation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of critical Information Technology (IT) systems in a mission-focused environment. This role is responsible for managing IT system infrastructure and associated processes to ensure reliable, secure, and efficient system performance across the enterprise. The System Administrator provides comprehensive support for day-to-day IT operations, including monitoring, maintenance, and issue resolution across client/server environments, storage systems, network devices, mobile devices, and related technologies. The role delivers Tier 1 (Help Desk) and Tier 2 (Escalation) support, including problem identification, diagnosis, resolution, and escalation coordination as needed. This position plays a key role in maintaining operational continuity by supporting communication of system status updates to agency leadership and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities also include supporting dispatch operations, hardware troubleshooting, and end-to-end involvement in issue resolution processes. The selected candidate will configure and manage UNIX and Windows operating systems, install and maintain operating system software, and ensure system integrity across all environments. Additionally, this role includes configuring network components and implementing system enhancements designed to improve reliability, performance, and overall system resilience.

• 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: * Medical, dental, and vision coverage

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