Linux Systems Administrator (Dream Chaser Mission Systems, Systems Engineer)

Sierra Space; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Account

Life and AD&D Insurance

Disability Insurance

401K with Employer Match

Employee Assistance Program

Educational Reimbursement

Job summary

Sierra Space is seeking a Linux Systems Administrator to support mission-critical IT systems and real-time spacecraft ground operations. You will administer Linux servers (RHEL/CentOS), harden them per STIGs, and manage VMware and Docker environments for mission support.

Role requires Bash/Python scripting for automation, collaboration with NASA, and on-site work at Louisville, CO. A background in aerospace/defense and security clearance considerations are valued.

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related discipline; 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with Linux-based servers and real-time mission support.
• Familiarity with ground systems, telemetry software, and NASA collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Administer, configure, and maintain Linux-based servers and workstations (RHEL/CentOS).
• Patch, harden (STIG compliance), tune performance, and troubleshoot Linux systems.
• Manage virtualized Linux environments (VMware) and containerized applications (Docker).
• Write and maintain Bash/Python scripts for automation, monitoring, and administration.
• Collaborate with NASA during mission preparation and planning.

Skills

Linux administration

VMware

Docker

Python scripting

Security hardening (STIGs)

Jira/Confluence

Ground systems knowledge

RF knowledge

Cisco switches

Palo Alto firewalls

Education

BS in Computer Science or related discipline

Tools

Ansible

Puppet

InControl

Amergint

ARKA

Job description

• Sierra Space is seeking a Linux Systems Administrator to support mission-critical IT systems, networks, and infrastructure in a space flight mission critical environment
• This role focuses on Linux administration of real-time spacecraft ground systems and applications as well as certifying as a Ground Control (GC) flight controller
• Administer, configure, and maintain Linux-based servers and workstations (RHEL/CentOS)
• Patch, harden (STIG compliance), tune performance, and troubleshoot Linux systems
• Manage virtualized Linux environments (VMware) and containerized applications (Docker)
• Write and maintain Bash/Python scripts for automation, monitoring, and administration
• Provide end-to-end support of mission-critical IT systems, infrastructure, and networks
• Configure and support networking components (Cisco switches, Palo Alto firewalls)
• Administer command and telemetry software (InControl & Amergint | ARKA)
• Support real-time missions and pre-mission simulations
• Provide Flight & Test Operations end-user support
• Develop documentation for system design, operations, and training
• Refine operational concepts and processes
• Perform general systems engineering and integration tasks
• Collaborate closely with NASA during all phases of mission preparation and planning

Benefits

• Medical Coverage: We offer two comprehensive medical plans, a PPO and an HDHP, designed to prioritize the well-being of our team members
• Dental Coverage: HMO and PPO dental plans are aimed at promoting optimal oral health and reducing costs
• Vision Coverage: Our vision plan offers access to a wide range of in-network and out-of-network providers
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Maximize savings and use pre-tax dollars to pay for medical and dependent care expenses
• Health Savings Account: This tax-advantaged savings account allows team members to set aside pre-tax funds to cover qualified medical expenses
• Life and AD&D Insurance: Comprehensive Basic and Supplemental Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance offers financial protection to your family
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability insurance provides wage replacement should you suffer a disability that prevents you from working
• 401K Profit Sharing Plan: Employees may contribute 1% to 100% of base salary up to the annual IRS maximum. Employer match provided with a 5-year vesting schedule
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential service available 24/7 that provides assessment, counseling, resources and referrals to employees
• Professional Development / Educational Reimbursement Plan: Reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate tuition, books and fees.

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission

• Experience in IT system & network administration, data management, software configuration, and real-time mission support
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams
• Experience with command and telemetry software (InControl & Amergint | ARKA)
• BS in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related discipline + typically 5 or more years of relevant experience (relevant experience may count toward degree; relevant advanced degree may count toward experience)
• This role requires you to work on-site at our Louisville, CO location
• Ability to obtain/maintain Secret or higher U.S. Security Clearance may be required
• Experience with VMware, Docker, Python, RF, Cisco switches, and Palo Alto firewalls
• Knowledge of requirements management, functional requirements parsing/derivation/allocation, systems design/integration, technical risk identification and management, and V&V principles
• Must pass NASA background check and maintain NASA clearance
• Practical knowledge of engineering principles and practices
• Proficient with Linux and Windows operating systems (Linux depth required)
• Linux certification (RHCSA, RHCE, LFCS, or equivalent)
• Security hardening experience (DISA STIGs, CIS Benchmarks)
• Python Scripting experience
• Configuration management/automation tools (Ansible, Puppet, or similar)
• Real-time operations, spacecraft ground systems, or control center operations experience
• Experience managing enterprise IT applications, systems, and networking at scale
• Knowledge of ground-to-space communication systems and control center development
• Proficiency in Jira and Confluence
• INCOSE certification or equivalent experience
• Background in Aerospace and Defense industry
• Experience with baseline definition/maturation in complex development settings, including trade studies
• Exposure to establishing and tracking Technical Performance Measurements (TPMs)