Linux Systems Engineer (Cybersecurity Technical Staff 1)
Los Alamos National Laboratory
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Job summary
Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM, is seeking an entry-level Linux Systems Engineer to join the Linux Services Team. You will administer Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments, assist with deployment, maintenance, security compliance, and automation under guidance from senior staff.
You will develop hands-on skills in enterprise Linux, patch management, and system hardening while supporting national security programs in a highly secure environment, with opportunities to contribute
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a technical field and at least 2 years' related experience.
- Foundational knowledge of Linux operating systems (RHEL preferred).
- Experience with scripting/automation and version control.
- Willingness to learn enterprise technologies and security practices.
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and in a team.
Responsibilities
- Assist with administration, configuration, deployment, and maintenance of Red Hat Enterprise Linux servers and workstations.
- Support patching and lifecycle management using Red Hat Satellite and local repositories.
- Develop and maintain automation workflows using Ansible, Bash, GitLab, or similar tools.
- Document configurations, technical documentation, and standard operating procedures.
- Support cybersecurity compliance with NIST-based security controls.
- Monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and resolve routine Linux problems.
- Assist with vulnerability remediation, system hardening, and security monitoring.
- Participate in system upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and lifecycle management.
- Support enterprise storage systems (NFS, NAS, NetApp).
- Evaluate new technologies and automation tools to improve efficiency.
- Collaborate with Linux engineers, cybersecurity personnel, and customers.
- Document work and communicate findings; contribute to deliverables.
- Follow safety, security, and quality requirements.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
The Special Security Operations IT & Cyber Group (SSO-3) is seeking a motivated Linux Systems Engineer to join our Linux Services Team. This team supports, deploys, and maintains secure Linux environments across multiple TS/SCI networks, providing mission-critical computing capabilities for national security programs.
The Special Security Operations IT & Cyber Group (SSO-3) is seeking a motivated Linux Systems Engineer to join our Linux Services Team. This team supports, deploys, and maintains secure Linux environments across multiple TS/SCI networks, providing mission-critical computing capabilities for national security programs.
In this entry-level role, you will work alongside experienced Linux engineers and cybersecurity professionals to administer Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems while developing your technical expertise. You will assist with system deployment, maintenance, security compliance, troubleshooting, and automation efforts while gaining experience supporting enterprise Linux infrastructure in a highly secure environment.
The ideal candidate has a solid foundation in Linux administration, enjoys solving technical problems, and is eager to learn enterprise technologies while contributing to secure, reliable computing environments.
As a member of the Special Security Cyber Operations Team, your responsibilities will include:
- Assist with the administration, configuration, deployment, and maintenance of Red Hat Enterprise Linux servers and workstations.
- Support system patching and lifecycle management using Red Hat Satellite and local repositories.
- Assist with developing and maintaining automation workflows using Ansible Automation Platform, Bash, GitLab, or similar tools.
- Help develop, document, and maintain system configurations, technical documentation, and standard operating procedures.
- Support cybersecurity compliance by assisting with implementation and maintenance of NIST-based security controls and Laboratory security requirements.
- Monitor system performance, troubleshoot hardware and software issues, and resolve routine Linux system problems under the guidance of senior staff.
- Assist with vulnerability remediation, system hardening, and security monitoring activities.
- Participate in system upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and lifecycle management activities.
- Support enterprise storage systems, including NFS, NAS, and related technologies.
- Assist with evaluating new technologies and automation tools to improve system administration and operational efficiency.
- Collaborate with Linux engineers, cybersecurity personnel, and customers to support secure and reliable computing environments.
- Document technical work, communicate findings, and contribute to project deliverables.
- Follow Laboratory safety, security, and quality requirements while fostering a respectful and collaborative work environment.
- Foundational knowledge of Linux operating systems, preferably Red Hat Enterprise Linux or similar distributions.
- Basic understanding of Linux system administration, networking concepts, and troubleshooting techniques.
- Basic understanding of cybersecurity principles, system security, access control, and security best practices.
- Familiarity with scripting or automation using Bash, Python, Ansible, or similar technologies.
- Familiarity with Git, GitLab, or other version control systems.
- Ability to learn new technologies, follow established procedures, and apply technical guidance to assigned work.
- Problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative technical team.
- Demonstrated commitment to customer service and continuous learning.
Education/Experience:
Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a technical field and a minimum of 2 years' related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux administration.
- Familiarity with Red Hat Satellite or enterprise patch management tools.
- Experience using Ansible, Bash, Python, or other automation tools.
- Familiarity with GitLab or similar version control platforms.
- Basic understanding of NIST 800-53, CIS Benchmarks, or DoD STIGs.
- Familiarity with Linux authentication using Microsoft Active Directory.
- Experience troubleshooting Linux networking and performance issues.
- Exposure to enterprise storage technologies such as NFS, NAS, or NetApp.
- Familiarity with virtualization, containers (Podman or Docker), Kubernetes, or OpenShift.
- Exposure to GPU-enabled computing environments is a plus.
- Active DOE Q or DoD TS/SCI clearance is desirable.
Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) certification or the ability to obtain within 12 months of hire.
Additional Red Hat or Linux certifications are desirable.
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
- PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
- Dental and vision insurance
- Free basic life and disability insurance
- Paid childbirth and parental leave
- Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
- Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
- Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
- Onsite gyms and wellness programs
- Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Position will be cleared to this level. Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
- Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.
Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
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