Linux Systems Administrator

Roka Security, LLC; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 206,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Ongoing technical training and certs

Job summary

Nightwing is seeking a qualified Linux Systems Administrator to support globally distributed, highly secure networks. You will manage Linux servers (Debian/Ubuntu), configure critical services (OpenVPN, DNS, LDAP, mail, Apache/Nginx), and perform performance tuning and disaster recovery tasks.

A security-minded, data-driven professional with TS/SCI and CI Poly is preferred. Responsibilities include monitoring, log analysis, patch management, and cross-team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with CI Polygraph.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field; OR equivalent combination of technical training and hands-on experience.
• Proven experience managing and maintaining Linux servers (Debian, Ubuntu).
• Experience troubleshooting hardware and software issues in production environments.

Responsibilities

• Operate day-to-day Linux server installations and maintenance.
• Configure and maintain Linux services (OpenVPN, DNS, LDAP, mail, Apache/Nginx) and file systems.
• Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and optimize resources for maximum uptime.
• Implement security hardening and patch management on Linux servers.

Skills

Linux administration

Networking concepts

Security concepts

CLI proficiency

Documentation

Problem solving

Communication

Team player

Fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT

Tools

SaltStack

Ansible

Nagios

Zabbix

Prometheus

Docker

Kubernetes

RHCSA/RHCE

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Roka Security is seeking a qualified Linux Systems Administrator to work with a close-knit team in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This position will be responsible for IT administration for servers and systems all over the world supporting highly secure complex networks, system and network performance tuning, physical server deployments, and disaster recovery. The ideal candidate can work across the Linux, networking, and security worlds with strong experience in OSPF and Linux routing. This role requires a security-minded individual who is detail-oriented, skilled at making data-driven decisions to proactively address issues before they impact end users and always thinking about how to improve current technology and systems.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

System Administration:

• Conduct day-to-day operations of customer networks including installation, configuration, and maintenance of Linux operating systems (e.g., Debian, Ubuntu)
• Manage and maintain Linux servers ensuring optimal performance and availability
• Configure and maintain Linux file systems, permissions, and security settings
• Setup and operation of Linux services (e.g., OpenVPN, DNS, LDAP, e-mail, file services, Apache/NGINX)

Performance Monitoring and Optimization:

• Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and optimize system resources to ensure maximum uptime and efficiency
• Analyze system logs, performance metrics, and resource utilization to identify root causes
• Conduct preventive maintenance and health checks on deployed systems
• Validate and test system performance and connectivity

Security Management:

• Implement and maintain security measures to protect systems from vulnerabilities, unauthorized access, and malware threats
• Manage the patching process for Linux servers
• Ensure compliance with patch management policies and procedures
• Perform security hardening on Linux systems

Technical Support:

• Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to internal users and teams regarding Linux-related issues
• Diagnose problems in a timely manner to minimize downtime and disruptions

Collaboration and Documentation:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support project initiatives and resolve technical issues
• Document system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting steps for knowledge sharing and training purposes
• Document all service activities, configurations, and resolutions in ticketing systems
• Contribute to knowledge base articles and best practices documentation

REQUIREMENTS

• Active TS/SCI with ability to pass CI Polygraph

Education:

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field; OR equivalent combination of technical training and hands‑on experience

Experience:

• Proven experience in managing and maintaining Linux servers (e.g., Debian, Ubuntu)
• Experience troubleshooting hardware and software issues in production environments

Technical Skills:

• Linux: Proficiency in managing and maintaining Linux servers (Debian, Ubuntu, etc.)
• Strong understanding of Linux file systems, permissions, and security
• Command line proficiency, system administration, log analysis, package management
• Networking: Strong knowledge of networking concepts and protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, VPN, etc.)
• Understanding of network security concepts and best practices
• Configuration management experience (e.g., SaltStack, Ansible)

Professional Skills:

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Self‑motivated with ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Detail‑oriented with strong documentation habits
• Team player with positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Comfortable working in fast‑paced environments with competing priorities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certifications: Linux+ | RHCSA/RHCE | CompTIA Security+ | Network+
• Experience with shell scripting (Bash, Python, etc.) for automation and task management
• Familiarity with monitoring tools (Nagios, Zabbix, Prometheus, etc.)
• Experience with configuration management tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef, Salt)
• Knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions
• Familiarity with virtualization technologies (VMware, KVM, or similar)
• Previous experience supporting government or DoD customers
• Experience in managed service provider environments

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• PTO and paid holidays
• Ongoing technical training and certification support

The salary associated with this position ($99,000-$206,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.

Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

Previously part of a leading Fortune 100 company and headquartered in Dulles, VA; Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation’s most mission impactful initiatives. When we formed Nightwing, we brought a deep set of credentials and an unfaltering commitment to the mission. For over four decades, our team has been providing some of the world’s most technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence support services to the U.S. government on its most important missions.

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.