Principal Linux System Administrator

SciTec Incorporated; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 149,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with 4% match

Company-paid health insurance options

Generous PTO and holidays

Discretionary performance bonus

Flexible work hours

Job summary

SciTec, a key defense contractor, seeks a Linux System Administrator to lead the System Administrator team and manage secure Linux/Windows infrastructure in a mission-focused environment. You will install, configure, and harden systems, manage patches, and ensure high availability while collaborating with security and operations teams.

The role requires hands-on expertise with RHEL, virtualization, and modern container tooling, plus TS clearance.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of Linux system administration experience.
• Active Top Secret clearance.
• Experience with RHEL 8/9/10 and security controls (STIG).

Responsibilities

• Lead the System Administrator team ensuring operational excellence.
• Install, configure, and maintain RHEL workstations/servers per baselines.
• Implement security hardening, backups, auditing.
• Manage patching and third-party software (IDEs, PyPI, Docker registry).
• Monitor performance and troubleshoot hardware/software issues.
• Support virtualized/workstation environments (VMware).
• Configure networking in mixed Linux/Windows environments.
• Document configurations and changes per policy.
• Collaborate with security and operations teams.
• Provide technical support and resolve operational issues.
• Participate in automation and modernization efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Linux system admin

Security hardening

System monitoring

Team mentorship

Communication

Secret clearance

Scripting: Python/Bash

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT/related field

Tools

Docker

VMware vSphere

Kubernetes

Podman

Ansible

Git/GitLab

Job description

SciTec, a wholly owned subsidiary of Firefly Aerospace, is a dynamic non-traditional defense contractor that delivers advanced technologies in support of U.S. National Security and Defense. For the past forty-five plus years, we have supported Department of Defense customers by developing innovative remote sensing algorithms, tools, and techniques to deliver world-class data exploitation capabilities supporting missile defense; intelligence, surveillance, & reconnaissance; space domain awareness; and aircraft survivability missions.

Important Notice: SciTec exclusively works on U.S. government contracts that require U.S. citizenship for all employees. Applicants that do not meet this requirement will not be considered.

SciTec has an immediate opportunity for a talented engineer to support our programs delivering Next-Generation Missile Warning software. This is a unique opportunity to join a business delivering core capabilities for National defense. You will work within a fast-paced team delivering end-to-end software processing of Overhead Persistent InfraRed (OPIR) sensor data for Missile Warning, Missile Defense, Battlespace Awareness, and Technical Intelligence.

We are seeking a skilled Linux System Administrator to support the installation, configuration, security, and ongoing operation of Linux- and Windows-based systems in a secure, mission-focused environment. The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, and comfortable working across infrastructure, security, and operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical team lead for the System Administrator group, providing mentorship, guidance, and oversight to ensure consistent operational excellence
• Install, configure, and maintain Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) workstations and servers in accordance with defined baselines
• Implement and maintain system security, hardening, integrity monitoring, backups, and auditing i.e. STIG, SCAP
• Perform patch and package management, including installation and maintenance of third-party software i.e. IDEs, Pypi, Docker registry,
• Monitor system performance, availability, and health; troubleshoot and resolve hardware and software issues,
• Support and maintain virtualized and workstation environments (e.g., VMware)
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot servers, switches, and storage systems
• Configure and support networking in mixed Linux and Windows environments
• Document system configurations, procedures, and changes in accordance with policies and requirements
Collaborate effectively with team members, security personnel, and end users
• Provide technical support and respond to operational issues through resolution
• Participate in continuous improvement, automation, and modernization efforts
• Perform other duties as assigned

• 8+ years of professional experience administering Linux systems (RHEL preferred)
• Active Top Secret clearance
• Experience with:
• Installation and configuration of RHEL 8 servers and workstations
• System security, hardening (STIG), auditing, and backup strategies
• Patch and package management
• Virtualization technologies including VMware, Podman, Docker, Image registries, Red Hat Openshift/Kubernetes
• Hardware and software troubleshooting
• Networking in heterogeneous (Linux/Windows) environments
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Detail oriented
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to own issues through completion
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance

Candidates who have any of the following skills will be preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Network Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
• Experience with:
• Dell servers, switches, and SAN solutions
• VMware vSphere
• Root Cause Analysis and documenting findings
• DISA SCAP Compliance Checker and DISA STIG implementation
• RHEL 8/9/10
• NAS and/or SAN configuration and maintenance
• Configuration management, Automation, Scripting (Ansible, Bash, Python)
• Git/GitLab and CI/CD pipelines
• Containers and orchestration (Podman/Docker, RHOCP/Kubernetes, minikube, image registries)
• Relevant certifications are preferred but not required i.e.
• Security+
• RHCSA / RHCE / LPIC-1

*Resumes, Cover Letters, and Applications which are generated by AI will not be considered for employment.

Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information

SciTec offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• 4% Safe Harbor 401(k) match
• 100% company paid HSA Medical insurance, with a choice of 2 buy-up options
• 80% company paid Dental insurance
• 100% company paid Vision insurance
• 100% company paid Life insurance
• 100% company paid Long-term Disability insurance
• Short-term Disability insurance
• Annual Profit-Sharing Plan
• Discretionary Performance Bonus
• Paid Parental Leave
• Generous Paid Time Off, including Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Pay
• Flexible work hours

The pay range for this position is $149,000 - $184,000 / year.SciTec considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. This is not a guarantee of compensation.

SciTec is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. VET/Disabled.