Linux Systems Engineer

Nightwing; Sterling (VA); Hybrid; USD 122,000 - 253,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Holidays

Job summary

Nightwing is seeking a Linux Systems Engineer to design, deploy, and optimize large-scale Linux infrastructure for secure networking and remote access. The role emphasizes Debian/Ubuntu, VPN technologies, automation, and strong collaboration with engineering teams.

You will contribute to standardized configurations, patch management, and secure baseline builds while supporting mission-critical environments with robust troubleshooting and clear documentation.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent practical experience in CS/IT.
• Strong Linux experience with Debian/Ubuntu.
• VPN design/operation (WireGuard/OpenVPN/IPSec).
• Proficient Bash scripting, Git, and CI/CD workflows.
• Excellent troubleshooting and documentation in teams.
• Security-first approach for mission-critical systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, administer, and maintain enterprise Linux environments.
• Configure and manage VPNs (WireGuard/OpenVPN/IPSec) and cryptography.
• Automate provisioning, config deployment, and baseline security.
• Collaborate with engineers and platform teams to resolve issues.
• Document configurations and procedures for knowledge sharing.

Skills

Debian / Ubuntu

Networking

VPN technologies

Automation & Scripting

Git & CI/CD

Troubleshooting

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / IT

Tools

SaltStack

Docker

Kubernetes

tcpdump/Wireshark

Job description

## Linux Systems EngineerApply: Onsite Nightwing: VA543: 22270 Pacific Blvd, Dulles 22270 Pacific Boulevard Building CC5, Sterling, VA, 20166-6924 USA: Full time: Posted Today: JR102182Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets. Roka Security is seeking a highly skilled Linux Systems Engineer to design, deploy, optimize, automate, and support large-scale Linux infrastructure supporting secure networking and remote-access services. This role is ideal for an engineer with deep expertise in Linux networking, policy-based routing, infrastructure automation, and modern VPN technologies including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPSec. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with engineering, systems administration, and platform engineering teams to deliver highly available, secure, and scalable infrastructure solutions in mission-critical environments.**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**Linux Infrastructure Engineering:• Design, deploy, administer, and maintain enterprise Linux environments• Develop standardized operating system configurations and hardened baseline builds• Perform operating system upgrades, patch management, lifecycle maintenance, and performance optimization• Troubleshoot complex operating system, networking, and application issuesNetwork Engineering:• Configure and troubleshoot OSPF and static routing, VLANs, LACP, 802.1Q trunking, network namespaces, VRFs, NAT and firewall policies• Analyze and troubleshoot network traffic using tcpdump, Wireshark, iproute2, nftables, and iptables• Design, deploy, and support secure VPN infrastructures using OpenVPN 2.6+, WireGuard, and IPSec• Troubleshoot encryption, routing, MTU, and performance issues while implementing modern cryptographic standards and VPN hardening best practicesConfiguration Management & Automation:• Automate system provisioning, configuration deployment, compliance enforcement, VPN deployments, and security baseline management• Integrate SaltStack with CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure monitoring platformsCollaboration and Documentation:• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support project initiatives and resolve technical issues• Document system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting steps for knowledge sharing and training purposes• Contribute to knowledge base articles and best practices documentation**REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS**Education:• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field; OR equivalent combination of technical training and hands-on experienceTechnical Skills:• Operating Systems: Strong hands-on experience with Debian and Ubuntu Linux• Networking: Experience with dynamic and static routing, VLANs, trunking, NAT and firewall policies• VPN: Experience with WireGuard, OpenVPN 2.6+, IPSec, PKI and certificate management.• Automation & Scripting: Experience with Bash, Git, and CI/CD workflowsProfessional Skills:• Exceptional troubleshooting and root-cause analysis capabilities• Strong documentation and technical writing skills• Ability to operate independently in mission-critical environments• Security-first mindset with strong infrastructure design principles• Excellent collaboration and communication skills**PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS**• Experience supporting cloud platforms including Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft Azure• Experience with container technologies including Docker and Kubernetes• Experience supporting confidential computing environments• Industry certifications such as RHCE, LFCE, CCNP, or equivalent advanced certifications**COMPENSATION & BENEFITS**• Competitive salary• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance• 401(k) with company match• PTO and paid holidays• Ongoing technical training and certification support**Salary & Benefits**The salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.*Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.*