Linux Systems Administrator

Space Dynamics Laboratory; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking an experienced Linux System Administrator to design, implement, secure, and maintain systems and associated applications, services, and components. This is an on-site, non-remote position in our Albuquerque, NM location.

Key responsibilities include monitoring systems for high availability and security, performing audits and compliance, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to prioritize projects and document configurations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a related technical field or 10+ years of experience in lieu of a degree.
• Experience administering enterprise Linux systems (RHEL 7/8/9, Ubuntu 22/24).
• Experience with virtualization platforms (VMware vSphere, RHV) and LDAP solutions (AD/FreeIPA).
• Strong Linux security including hardening, patch management, and user management.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, secure, and maintain systems and applications.
• Monitor systems for high availability, performance, and security.
• Follow IT policies and perform audits for compliance.
• Document issues in Jira and communicate progress with updates.

Skills

Linux admin

VMware vSphere

RHV

LDAP/AD

Security hardening

Monitoring tools

Package management

Ansible/Puppet/Terraform

Docker/Podman

Communication

Travel

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS/engineering

10+ years experience in lieu of degree

Tools

Elasticsearch

LogRhythm

Prometheus

Grafana

Jira

YUM/DNF/RPM/APT

Ansible

Puppet

Terraform

Docker/Podman

Nessus

SCAP

STIGs

Red Hat OpenShift

PostgreSQL/MySQL

Job description

Job ID: 7819C
Date Posted: July 20, 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking an experienced Linux System Administrator to design, implement, secure, and maintain systems and associated applications, services, and components. This is an on-site, non-remote position in our Albuquerque, NM location.

Key Responsibilities:

• Achieves in-depth knowledge of company processes, systems, and networks
• Proactively monitors assigned systems to ensure high availability, optimum performance, and security
• Follows established IT policies and procedures to perform audits and ensure compliance
• Ensures data integrity by implementing standard software and hardware solutions
• Works with their leaders to prioritize projects, requests, changes, and tasks
• Documents issues in Jira and communicates progress (through updates, workflow status, due dates, etc.)
• Leads/assists in installation and configuration of information systems and components
• Assists in the design and implementation of information systems
• Responsible for documentation of assigned systems and solutions
• Implements and maintains Linux security hardening, patch management, user and permission administration, and compliance with security standards
• Participates in change management processes and documents system configurations, incidents, and resolutions clearly and in a timely manner
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to prioritize tasks, support project implementations, and improve system architecture
• Implements strong problem-solving skills and works in fast-paced environments, independently and as part of a team
• Performs maintenance on systems minimizing downtime and customer impact
• Performs after-hours maintenance and provide on-call support as needed

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related technical field (e.g., IT, computer science, information systems, engineering, or related field) or 10+ years of experience in lieu of a degree
• Experience administering enterprise Linux systems (e.g., RHEL 7/8/9, Ubuntu 22/24)
• Experience administering virtualization platforms such as VMware vSphere, Red Hat Virtualization (RHV), including VM provisioning, resource allocation, and basic performance tuning
• Experience with LDAP solutions such as Microsoft Active Directory and FreeIPA
• Strong Linux security skills including system hardening, patch management, user management, and configuration management
• Familiarity with monitoring and alerting tools (e.g., Elasticsearch, Logrhythm, Prometheus, Grafana) for proactive system management
• Proficiency with package management tools (YUM, DNF, RPM, APT) and maintaining repositories in offline or air-gapped environments
• Experience with automated deployment and infrastructure as code tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Terraform)
• Familiarity with container concepts and basic experience with container tools such as Docker or Podman
• Excellent verbal and written communicationskills with ability to document and collaborate effectively
• Must be willing to travel when required (2-3 times annually)
• Must be a U.S. citizen with an active Top Secret clearance or previously held Top Secret clearance with eligibility to obtain clearance
• Active CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent certification that meets or exceeds DoD 8570 IAT Level II (or be able to obtain within a maximum of 30 days after hire)

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related technical field (e.g., IT, computer science, information systems, engineering, or related field) or 15+ years of experience in lieu of a degree
• Advanced experience with virtualization platforms such as Red Hat Virtualization (RHV), VMware vSphere, including VM provisioning, resource allocation, snapshots, and performance tuning
• Familiarity with databases (e.g., Postgres, MySQL) and Linux web services (e.g., Apache, Nginx)
• Proficiency in one or more scripting language
• Practical experience deploying and supporting Virtual Desktop (VDI) solutions (e.g., Leostream/HP Anyware, VMware Horizon, Citrix) and Trusted Thin Client, including image management and troubleshooting
• Understanding of information systems security best practices, DoD security requirements, and use of security tools such as Nessus, SCAP, and applying STIGs
• RHCSA and Red Hat Certified OpenShift Administrator certifications

Salary

• $90,000 - $150,000
• Salary commensurate on education and relevant experience

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate’s preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

Why Join SDL?

SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.