Linux Systems Administrator (SDN / Cisco ACI)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental benefits

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Peraton Labs is seeking a poly-cleared Linux Systems Administrator in College Park, MD. This full-time role involves administration of complex research infrastructure, securing systems, and developing automation solutions. Key responsibilities include managing server environments, troubleshooting infrastructure issues, and working closely with subcontractors and clients. Candidates must possess strong experience in Linux and SDN operations, as well as an active TS/SCI clearance. Comprehensive benefits and a competitive salary range from $112,000 - $179,000 are offered.

Qualifications

• Min 6 years' experience in Linux server administration.
• Strong hands-on experience with patching and troubleshooting.
• Ability to build automation using Ansible and Python.

Responsibilities

• Administer and secure Linux and Windows server environments.
• Maintain and enhance security posture of research infrastructure.
• Develop automation for provisioning and configuration.

Skills

Linux administration

Automation (Ansible, Python)

Networking fundamentals

SDN/Cisco ACI operations

Education

BS in Computer Science or IT

MS and 4+ years of experience

Tools

Ansible

Python

Bash

Job description

About Peraton

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extends to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees solve the most daunting challenges that our customers face.

About The Role

Peraton Labs is seeking a poly‑cleared Linux Systems Administrator who can own day‑to‑day administration and security posture of complex research infrastructure in classified and unclassified environments, while also bringing strong software‑defined networking (SDN) capabilities and exceptional automation skills. You will work closely with Peraton team members, sub‑contractors, and directly with our Maryland‑based customer in a fast‑paced environment.

This role supports mission‑critical systems by implementing secure configurations, maintaining baseline images, troubleshooting infrastructure issues end‑to‑end (compute, network, and storage), and building repeatable automation to reduce toil and ensure compliance.

This position requires full‑time on‑site work at a customer site near College Park, MD.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer and harden Linux and Windows server environments (installation, configuration, patching, performance tuning, account management, services, kernel/package management)
• Maintain and enhance the security posture of research infrastructure systems in accordance with program security plans and operational requirements
• Build, maintain, and update images/baselines for Linux systems; apply STIF‑aligned secure configurations and document as required
• Perform incident triage and troubleshooting across OS, services, network, and storage layers; drive issues to resolution and capture lessons learned/runbooks
• Develop automation to standardize provisioning, configuration enforcement, and sustainment (e.g., Ansible, Bash, Python, PowerShell)
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot IT and networking hardware/software in classified and unclassified spaces
• Support virtualization and underlying platform operations (hypervisor administration, VM provisioning, capacity planning)
• Implement/maintain storage solutions and data management practices; ensure reliable backup/restore operations aligned to program requirements
• Perform hands‑on physical tasks: rack/stack, cabling, power, patching ports, and coordinating activations as needed
• Support and/or administer SDN/Cisco ACI fabrics: understanding tenants, VRFs, bridge domains, EPGs, contracts, L4‑L7 service integration, and operational troubleshooting
• Interface effectively with Peraton and customer stakeholders; communicate system status, risks, and recommended actions clearly
• Coordinate and monitor subcontractor tasking as required; ensure deliverables meet technical and security expectations

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 6+ years of experience and a BS in computer science, IT, or related technical discipline, MS and 4+ years of experience, or a Ph.D. Four years of additional experience may be used in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree for a total of 10 years of experience
• Strong hands‑on experience administering Linux servers in production (baseline builds, patching, hardening, troubleshooting)
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain automation using Ansible and/or Python/Bash
• Working experience supporting SDN / Cisco ACI operations and troubleshooting in an enterprise or mission environment
• Practical knowledge of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, routing/switching operations, DNS/DHCP, firewalls/segmentation), virtualization and storage technologies, and security best practices
• Ability to operate as a senior contributor on complex projects with integrated customer/subcontractor teams
• This position requires an active/current TS/SCI with Polygraph

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting secure environments and compliance efforts (RMF, NIST‑aligned controls, STIG/SRG implementation, SCAP tooling and remediation workflows)
• Experience integrating GOTS/COTS/open‑source solutions into governed environments
• Experience building “compliance‑as‑code” style automation (continuous configuration validation, drift detection, audit artifact generation)
• Strong communication skills and customer‑facing experience in high‑tempo operational environments
• Experience leading or coordinating small technical efforts and directing subcontractor tasks

Details

Target Salary Range: $112,000 - $179,000. 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.

Benefits Statement: Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at https://www.careers.peraton.com/benefits.

EEO Statement

Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.