Linux Systems Administrator

Peraton; Riverdale Park (MD); On-site; USD 112,000 - 179,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton seeks a Linux Systems Administrator IV to maintain highly available, secure enterprise Linux environments supporting a mission‑critical IC customer. You will lead monitoring, patching, and hardening efforts while collaborating with government customers, ISSOs, and vendors to deliver resilient systems.

You will manage IBM Db2 on Linux, document configurations, and drive improvements across security and operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of relevant experience (4 more years accepted in lieu of degree).
• TS/SCI with polygraph clearance or ability to obtain SCI and pass poly.
• 5+ years in systems administration, including 3+ years in Linux administration.
• Strong Unix/Linux command-line experience.
• Experience with Red Hat OpenShift Platform.
• Hands-on AWS Cloud and VMware experience.
• Deep understanding of system hardening, STIG compliance, and patching.
• Active Security+ certification (DoD 8570 IAT Level II).
• Strong teamwork and proactive issue anticipation.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily system monitoring and monthly patching to maintain performance and compliance.
• Troubleshoot network, server, and application performance and identify root causes.
• Manage and resolve customer issues via ticketing system and onsite support as needed.
• Deploy patches and apply system hardening per STIG guidance.
• Support IBM Db2 environments on Linux servers.
• Create and update SOPs, STPs, SIPs, SAGs, SUMs, and ICDs.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to anticipate problems and optimize operations.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Red Hat OpenShift Platform

AWS Cloud

VMware

Bash

PowerShell

SQL Server

Oracle

Apache Tomcat

Security+ certification (DoD 8570 IAT Level II)

Job description

Linux Systems Administrator

Job Locations: US-VA-Herndon | US-DC-Washington | US-MD-Riverdale

Clearance: TS/SCI with ability to pass a polygraph

Responsibilities

Position Overview

Peraton is seeking a Linux Systems Administrator IV to join our team supporting a mission‑critical Intelligence Community customer. In this role, you'll be at the heart of ensuring the reliability, performance, and security of enterprise‑level systems that directly support national security operations.

As a senior systems administrator, you will be responsible for maintaining high‑availability environments, rapidly troubleshooting and resolving complex issues, and working hands‑on with cutting‑edge technologies. You'll partner closely with government customers, contractor leads, ISSOs, application vendors, and end users—making your impact both immediate and highly visible.

This is an opportunity for a proactive professional who thrives in high‑stakes environments and takes pride in delivering resilient, secure systems. If you have a passion for Linux, cloud, and security, and you're ready to make a difference, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

• Lead daily system monitoring and monthly patching activities to maintain performance, stability, and compliance.
• Troubleshoot network, server, and application performance issues, quickly identifying root causes and delivering solutions.
• Manage and resolve customer issues through a ticketing system, with flexibility to respond onsite during off‑hours when required.
• Deploy software patches and apply system hardening in alignment with Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).
• Support and maintain IBM Db2 environments on Linux servers.
• Create and update technical documentation including SOPs, STPs, SIPs, SAGs, SUMs, and ICDs, translating complex system configurations into clear and actionable guidance.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to anticipate problems, recommend improvements, and ensure secure, optimized operations.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and 8+ years of relevant experience (An additional 4 years of experience in lieu degree).
• TS/SCI with polygraph clearance adjudication or ability to obtain SCI and pass a poly.
• Minimum 5 years in systems administration, including at least 3 years in Linux administration.
• Strong expertise with Unix/Linux operating systems; skilled in command‑line administration.
• Experience with Red Hat OpenShift Platform.
• Hands‑on experience with AWS Cloud and VMWare.
• Deep understanding of system hardening, STIG compliance, and patching.
• Active Security+ certification (DoD 8570 IAT Level II baseline).
• Strong teamwork skills, with the ability to anticipate issues and take decisive action.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with IBM Db2 database environments.
• Familiarity with Java Open JDK/JRE 11+.
• Experience supporting applications built on SQL Server and Oracle databases.
• Scripting expertise (Bash, PowerShell) for system monitoring, log mining, and automation.
• Ability to write SQL/PL‑SQL queries for reporting and data management.
• Experience administering Apache Tomcat middleware.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in technical environments.

Peraton offers enhanced benefits to employees working on this critical National Security program, which include heavily subsidized employee benefits coverage for you and your dependents, 25 days of PTO accrued annually up to a generous PTO cap and participation in an attractive bonus plan.

Target Salary Range

$112,000 – $179,000. 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.