Linux Systems Administrator (5325)

SMX; Lexington Park (MD); On-site; USD 78,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SMX is seeking an Embedded Linux System Administrator to support a lab environment on-site at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. This contract position runs through April 30, 2027, with a focus on keeping lab systems compliant, secure, and operational through patching, scanning, and backups.

The successful candidate will have strong Linux experience, solid troubleshooting, and the ability to support RDT&E builds and day-to-day lab sustainment, including hardware support, OS configuration, and

Qualifications

• 3+ years of related experience.
• Secret clearance (must be able to obtain and maintain)
• On-site work at NAS Patuxent River
• Proficiency with Linux (RHEL/Ubuntu/Solaris/CentOS)
• Foundational troubleshooting, critical thinking and planning
• Basic familiarity with compliance practices including STIGs, patching, and vulnerability scanning
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Provide hardware support for deployed lab systems
• Support installation, configuration, and sustainment of operating systems and application software
• Perform compliance assurance activities, including applying STIGs, patching, backups, and scans on all lab devices once deployed
• Build, configure, and support RDT&E environments for testing and evaluation
• Troubleshoot technical issues across hardware, OS, applications, and network connectivity
• Collaborate with other system administrators and engineers to resolve issues and implement solutions
• Follow established processes for system changes, configuration, and compliance documentation

Skills

Linux

Troubleshooting

Patching

STIGs

Vulnerability scanning

On-site work

Communication

Ansible

Windows

VMware

Tools

Ansible

VMware

Job description

SMX is seeking an Embedded Linux System Administrator to support a lab environment on-site at NAS Patuxent River.

This position is expected to last through April 30, 2027.

This role focuses on hands-on support of hardware and operating systems within an embedded environment. The Linux System Administrator will be responsible for ensuring deployed lab systems remain compliant, secure, and operational through proper patching, scanning, and backup practices.

The ideal candidate will bring strong Linux experience, foundational troubleshooting skills, and the ability to support a mix of RDT&E builds and day-to-day lab sustainment efforts.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide hardware support for deployed lab systems
• Support installation, configuration, and sustainment of operating systems and application software
• Perform compliance assurance activities, including applying STIGs, patching, backups, and scans on all lab devices once deployed
• Build, configure, and support RDT&E environments for testing and evaluation
• Troubleshoot technical issues across hardware, OS, applications, and network connectivity
• Collaborate with other system administrators and engineers to resolve issues and implement solutions
• Follow established processes for system changes, configuration, and compliance documentation

Required Skills & Experience

• Clearance Required: Secret
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain Top Secret
• 3+ years of related experience
• Ability to work onsite at NAS Patuxent River
• Proficiency with Linux (RHEL/Ubuntu/Solaris/CentOS)
• Foundational knowledge in troubleshooting, critical thinking, and planning
• Basic familiarity with compliance practices including STIGs, patching, and vulnerability scanning
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Desired Skills & Experience

• Windows experience
• Experience with Ansible
• Exposure and familiarity with networking concepts (routing, switching, firewalls)
• Familiarity with VMware virtualization technologies
• Exposure to storage administration
• Prior lab environment or RDT&E support experience

#cjpost

The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.

The proposed salary for this position is:: $78,200 USD - $130,300 USD

At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.

We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.

SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.

Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).