Linux Systems Administrator

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking an experienced Linux Systems Administrator to design, implement, and secure Linux environments supporting classified programs. You will collaborate with program managers and cybersecurity staff to ensure availability, integrity, and compliance in secure lab and development spaces.

Experience with RHEL/Ubuntu, scripting, and cross‑platform integration is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field with three years of relevant experience; a master’s degree with one year of relevant experience; a Ph.D. with no additional experience; or five years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Experience administering Linux systems in secure, lab, development, or similarly complex environments.
• Proficiency with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu, or similar enterprise Linux distributions.
• Experience installing, configuring, securing, patching, and troubleshooting Linux servers, workstations, and applications.
• Understand Linux user and group administration, permissions, services, logging, auditing, package management, and access controls.
• Experience with shell scripting, Python, or another programming or scripting language.
• Understand interoperability between Linux and Windows systems.
• Strong written, verbal, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Active Interim Secret security clearance and pursuit of TS clearance; DoD 8570/8140-aligned certification or ability to obtain within six months.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, configure, and optimize complex Linux environments and infrastructure supporting lab, development, and mission-critical systems.
• Evaluate technical requirements and develop Linux solutions balancing security, performance, reliability, scalability, and operational needs.
• Lead Linux deployments, upgrades, migrations, patching, and modernization across Red Hat and Ubuntu.
• Analyze and resolve OS, network, application, and compatibility issues, including custom RPMs and configurations.
• Implement system-hardening standards, security controls, vulnerability management, and RMF/NIST compliance.
• Evaluate cybersecurity risks and propose mitigation while maintaining availability for mission requirements.
• Install, configure, integrate, and maintain engineering applications such as GitLab and MATLAB in secure/Classified environments.
• Integrate Linux and Windows platforms to support hybrid workflows.
• Develop automation and scripting to improve efficiency, security, and reliability of administration activities.
• Lead root-cause analyses and propose long-term corrective actions.
• Serve as a technical resource to project teams and leadership; maintain documentation and standards.

Skills

Linux systems administration

Shell scripting

Python

Windows interoperability

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering/IT or related field

Tools

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Ubuntu

GitLab

MATLAB

VMware

Job description

Description

Do you have a passion for Linux systems administration?

Do you have experience with systems administration for classified systems?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

The Strategic Missile Defense Program Area (AH1) is seeking a motivated and experienced Linux Systems Administrator to join the Homeland Defense Mission Area (HDMA) Classified Information Systems Section.

As a Linux Systems Administrator, you will work collaboratively with other section staff, the Section Supervisor, Green Team Project Manager, Program Managers (PMs), and Assistant Program Managers (APMs) to design, implement, administer, optimize, and secure Linux computing environments supporting the highly classified program portfolio managed by the Air and Missile Defense Sector Green Team.

As a Linux Systems Administrator you will...

• Design, implement, configure, and optimize complex Linux computing environments and infrastructure supporting laboratory, development, and mission-critical systems.
• Evaluate technical requirements and develop Linux solutions that balance security, performance, reliability, scalability, compatibility, and operational needs.
• Lead Linux system deployments, upgrades, migrations, patching, modernization efforts, and infrastructure improvement initiatives across legacy and modern platforms, including Red Enterprise Linux and Ubuntu.
• Analyze and resolve complex operating system, network, application, performance, hardware, kernel, driver, and software compatibility issues, including managing custom RPMs and other specialized configurations.
• Implement and oversee system-hardening standards, security controls, vulnerability management activities, and remediation efforts in accordance with STIG, RMF, NIST, and other applicable security and compliance requirements.
• Evaluate technical and cybersecurity risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies while maintaining system availability and supporting mission requirements.
• Install, configure, integrate, and maintain engineering, scientific, and development applications, including GitLab and MATLAB, within secure and classified environments.
• Integrate Linux and Windows platforms to support hybrid engineering, development, and simulation workflows.
• Develop scripting, automation solutions, technical standards, and operational improvements that increase the efficiency, consistency, security, and reliability of system administration activities.
• Lead root‑cause analysis activities and recommend long‑term corrective actions for recurring issues.
• Serve as a technical resource and advisor to project teams, engineers, cybersecurity personnel, and leadership.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, standards, procedures, and implementation guidance.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend enhancements that improve organizational capabilities.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced staff.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field with three years of relevant experience; a master’s degree with one year of relevant experience; a Ph.D. with no additional experience; or five years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Have professional experience administering Linux systems in secure, laboratory, development, or similarly complex environments.
• Are proficient with Red Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu, or similar enterprise Linux distributions.
• Have experience installing, configuring, securing, patching, and troubleshooting Linux servers, workstations, and applications.
• Understand Linux user and group administration, permissions, services, logging, auditing, package management, and access controls.
• Have experience with shell scripting, Python, or another programming or scripting language.
• Understand interoperability between Linux and Windows systems.
• Possess strong written, verbal, problem‑solving, and teamwork skills.
• Hold an active Interim Secret level security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
• Hold a current DoD 8570/8140‑aligned certification, such as Security+, CASP+, or CISSP, or can obtain the required certification within six months of employment.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Hold an active DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance.
• Have experience administering Linux systems in classified environments.
• Have experience implementing STIGs and supporting RMF, NIST, vulnerability‑scanning, or compliance activities.
• Have experience with VMware or another virtualization platform.
• Have experience managing patch repositories, endpoint security tools, or backup and restoration solutions.
• Have experience supporting secure software‑development, build, testing, and deployment environments.
• Have experience supporting GitLab, MATLAB, engineering applications, or simulation environments.

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About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually