Linux Systems Engineer

mcfa; Middle River (MD); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Support for required professional cert

Travel 2–3 times per year

Job summary

MCFA is partnering with a defense research organization to support intelligent robotics research. The Linux Systems Engineer will focus on software/hardware integration for proof-of-concept demonstrations and performance evaluation on robots and ground/aerial platforms.

You will administer Linux systems, configure HPC capabilities, and collaborate with researchers to ensure secure, scalable environments for simulation and experimentation in a hybrid on-site setting in Middle River, MD.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field.
• 3–5 years of Linux systems administration or systems engineering experience.
• U.S. citizenship with an active U.S. SECRET clearance, or ability to obtain one.
• DoD 8140-aligned certification (minimum Security+ CE or equivalent) or ability to obtain within 3 months of start.
• Hands-on Linux administration (Ubuntu and/or RHEL) with Docker/Podman and Kubernetes experience.

Responsibilities

• Administer Linux servers, services, and research systems (ROS Enclave, VPG computing, lab/field platforms).
• Build, configure, patch, monitor, and troubleshoot Linux hosts for simulation and HWIL experiments.
• Manage researcher and partner access to prototype environments and data management.
• Integrate Linux systems with network infrastructure and test networks.
• Support HPC access, data movement, and software transitions into LVC toolkit.
• Define computing and HPC capabilities for integration through requirements gathering and design.
• Develop SOPs, operating policies, and system diagrams.
• Provide onsite and remote support for reviews, demonstrations, and experiments.

Skills

Linux systems administration

Shell scripting

Networking knowledge

HPC/AI development support

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, Systems Administration, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Docker/Podman

Kubernetes

Ansible

Puppet

Chef

Job description

Job Title: Linux Systems Engineer (Mid-Level)

Location: Middle River, MD (Hybrid)

Employment Type: Full-Time (Hybrid). 3 days per week on-site, plus on-site presence for projects, experimentation, and testing events. Includes occasional outdoor work in varying terrain and weather, and travel 2–3 times per year for up to two weeks.

Salary: $110K – $135K

Position Overview

MCFA is partnering with a defense research organization and leading their search for a Robotics Engineer to support intelligent robotics research. You’ll focus on software and hardware integration for proof-of-concept demonstrations and performance evaluation of autonomous behaviors on individual robots and teams of ground and aerial platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer Linux servers, services, and research systems supporting the ROS Enclave, VPG computing environment, virtual test range, and lab and field platforms (Ubuntu and/or RHEL derivatives)
• Build, configure, patch, monitor, and troubleshoot Linux hosts used for simulation, data handling, robotics integration, and LVC / hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) experimentation
• Manage researcher and partner access to prototype environments, including accounts, permissions, storage, and secure data-management processes
• Partner with the Network Engineer and ARL researchers to integrate Linux systems with wired, wireless, tactical, and campus test networks
• Support HPC access, data movement, and software transition into the LVC toolkit, including command-line transfer tools, live analytics, and modeling workflows
• Help define the computing and HPC capabilities for VPG integration through requirements gathering, trade-space evaluation, and architecture design. The systems aren’t predetermined, so you’ll help shape them.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, operating policies, user guides, system diagrams, and usage/performance reports
• Provide onsite and remote support for architecture reviews, integration events, demonstrations, and experimentation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, Systems Administration, Computer Science, or a related technical field
• 3–5 years of Linux systems administration or systems engineering experience
• U.S. citizenship and an active U.S. SECRET clearance, or the ability to obtain one
• DoD 8140-aligned certification (minimum CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent; legacy DoD 8570 IAT II acceptable), or the ability to obtain one within 3 months of start
• Hands-on Linux administration (Ubuntu and/or RHEL): package, user, and service management, storage, shell scripting, and troubleshooting
• Experience deploying software with Docker/Podman containers and orchestrating with Kubernetes
• Familiarity with configuration management and automation tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef)
• Experience supporting HPC access or high-end simulation / AI development systems
• Working knowledge of networked Linux systems (TCP/IP, VLANs, VPN/remote access, DNS, firewalls) and troubleshooting tools (SSH, rsync, journalctl, tcpdump, Wireshark)
• Working understanding of system security standards (STIGs, CIS benchmarks, patch and configuration management)

Bonus Points

• Experience with ROS / ROS 2 environments or Linux hosts used with robotic platforms
• Experience supporting autonomous vehicles, robotic platforms, or field experimentation environments
• Linux+ or RHCSA certification
• Network administration experience
• Strong communication, documentation, and customer-service skills

Total Rewards

• Competitive base salary
• Hybrid schedule
• Support for required professional certifications
• Hands-on work shaping HPC and simulation architecture at one of the nation’s premier DoD research sites

About MCFA

MCFA is a trusted talent acquisition and advisory firm supporting construction, real estate, infrastructure, and public sector clients nationwide. We specialize in helping our partners attract high-impact talent to achieve operational excellence and long-term growth.