Linux Systems Administrator

Peraton; Basking Ridge (NJ); On-site; USD 86,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is looking for a Linux Systems Administrator in Basking Ridge, NJ to manage and enhance a mixed enterprise environment of 400 Linux-based endpoints. This role involves administering Linux systems, collaborating with teams, and developing automated solutions using tools like Ansible and Terraform.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience in Linux administration, strong scripting skills, and a bachelor’s degree in a related field. A salary range of $86,000 - $138,000 is offered for this position.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience administering Linux systems in enterprise environments.
• Strong understanding of RHEL/Rocky, Ubuntu, or similar distributions.
• Ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Administer and secure Linux systems across multiple enclaves.
• Collaborate with teams to deploy new infrastructure services.
• Develop automation solutions using Ansible.

Skills

Linux administration

Automation with Ansible

Scripting in Bash

Experience with monitoring tools (Zabbix)

RHEL/Rocky, Ubuntu experience

Virtualization platforms (VMware)

Ability to communicate with customers

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Zabbix

Terraform

Python

Job description

Linux Systems Administrator

The Linux Systems Administrator will support and enhance a mixed enterprise environment consisting of approximately 400 Linux-based endpoints distributed across multiple enclaves, including Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) systems and dynamic research/development lab environments.

This role requires a balance of deep technical capability and strong customer engagement skills. The successful candidate will meet with internal customers to understand mission needs, translate those requirements into technical solutions, and deploy them efficiently. The administrator will help shape and automate new service offerings such as Virtual Machines as a Service (VMaaS), development environments on demand, and other compute provisioning workflows.

The role operates within a highly collaborative, cross‑functional environment that includes cybersecurity, networking, engineering, operations, and program teams. The administrator must be comfortable working independently, adapting quickly, and contributing to an innovation‑focused culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer, monitor, secure, and troubleshoot enterprise Linux systems across ~400 endpoints in multiple enclaves.
• Meet with internal customers to gather requirements, design solution paths, and implement systems rapidly and effectively.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to architect, deploy, and maintain new infrastructure services.
• Develop and maintain automation using Ansible, Terraform, or similar tools to support provisioning, configuration management, and lifecycle operations.
• Design and operate automated workflows supporting VMaaS and ondemand development environments.
• Create and maintain scripting solutions (Bash, Python, etc.) for system automation and operational improvements.
• Configure and maintain enterprise monitoring and observability platforms (e.g., Zabbix, Nautobot).
• Support secure deployment and operation of GPU‑enabled systems and AI/ML toolchains.
• Maintain compliance with CUI and other secure enclave requirements, including patching, auditing, hardening, and security documentation.
• Troubleshoot complex system issues across compute, storage, virtualization, and network layers.
• Evaluate and propose emerging technologies to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience administering Linux systems in medium‑to‑large enterprise environments.
• Strong understanding of RHEL/Rocky, Ubuntu, or similar distributions.
• Experience with automation platforms such as Ansible and infrastructure‑as‑code practices.
• Proficiency in scripting languages such as Bash or Python.
• Experience with enterprise virtualization platforms (VMware, KVM, Proxmox).
• Hands‑on experience with monitoring tools such as Zabbix and familiarity with Nautobot or network source‑of‑truth systems.
• Ability to communicate clearly with customers, gather requirements, and deliver tailored technical solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across functional teams in a fast‑paced environment.
• Understanding of security/compliance frameworks (NIST 800‑171, STIGs, RMF) and CUI enclave operations.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
• US Citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience deploying and supporting GPU‑based compute systems in secure environments.
• Familiarity with AI/ML workflows, containers (Docker, Podman, Singularity), or HPC environments.
• Experience designing dashboards, alerting pipelines, or automation within Zabbix or Nautobot.
• Experience with CI/CD automation for infrastructure.
• Experience supporting multi‑tenant or cross‑domain architectures.
• Linux certifications (RHCSA, RHCE, Linux+).
• Security certifications (Security+, CISSP) depending on enclave requirements.

Target Salary Range

$86,000 - $138,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

EEO

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.