Linux Systems Administrator - Dream Chaser Mission Systems (Systems Engineer III)

Protingent; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 119,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

Protingent Staffing seeks a Linux Systems Administrator for Dream Chaser Mission Systems in Louisville, CO. This role involves managing Linux servers, VMware, Docker, and automation scripts to support mission-critical IT operations.

You will work closely with NASA during mission preparation and planning, configure networks, and maintain telemetry software like InControl and Amergint ARKA. Requires BS plus 5+ years.

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related discipline with 5+ years of relevant experience
• Experience with VMware, Docker, Python, RF, Cisco switches, and Palo Alto firewalls
• Experience with command and telemetry software (InControl & Amergint | ARKA)
• Proficient with Linux and Windows operating systems (Linux depth required)
• Experience in IT system & network administration, data management, software configuration, and real-time mission support
• Knowledge of requirements management, functional requirements parsing/derivation/allocation, systems design/integration, technical risk identification and management, and V&V principles
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Linux depth

VMware

Python

RF

Cisco switches

Palo Alto firewalls

InControl ARKA

Education

BS in Computer Science or Systems Engineering

Tools

Docker

VMware

InControl

Amergint ARKA

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Job Title: Linux Systems Administrator – Dream Chaser Mission Systems (Systems Engineer III) Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct hire Linux Systems Administrator – Dream Chaser Mission Systems (Systems Engineer III) with our client located in Louisville, CO.

Linux Systems Administration

• 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

Mission & Network Support

• 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

Documentation & Process

• 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

Job Qualifications

• 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)
• Experience with VMware, Docker, Python, RF, Cisco switches, and Palo Alto firewalls
• Experience with command and telemetry software (InControl & Amergint | ARKA)
• Proficient with Linux and Windows operating systems (Linux depth required)
• Experience in IT system & network administration, data management, software configuration, and real-time mission support
• Practical knowledge of engineering principles and practices
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams
• Knowledge of requirements management, functional requirements parsing/derivation/allocation, systems design/integration, technical risk identification and management, and V&V principles

Nice To Have

• Linux certification (RHCSA, RHCE, LFCS, or equivalent)
• Python Scripting experience
• Security hardening experience (DISA STIGs, CIS Benchmarks)
• 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)

Job Details

• Job Type: Direct Hire
• Salary Rate Range: $119,064-$163,713
• Location: Louisville, CO
• Required US Citizenship: May be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the appropriate level.

About Protingent

Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation — from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We’re passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.