Secure Classified Linux Systems Administrator

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

Laurel (MD)

On-site

USD 100,000 - 245,000

Full time

14 days+

Get a reply from this employer

Your resume and cover letter, tailored to exactly what they’re hiring for.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking an experienced Linux Systems Administrator to design, implement, and secure Linux environments supporting classified programs. You will collaborate with program managers and cybersecurity staff to ensure availability, integrity, and compliance in secure lab and development spaces.

Experience with RHEL/Ubuntu, scripting, and cross‑platform integration is required.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field with three years of relevant experience; a master’s degree with one year of relevant experience; a Ph.D. with no additional experience; or five years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
Experience administering Linux systems in secure, lab, development, or similarly complex environments.
Proficiency with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu, or similar enterprise Linux distributions.
Experience installing, configuring, securing, patching, and troubleshooting Linux servers, workstations, and applications.
Understand Linux user and group administration, permissions, services, logging, auditing, package management, and access controls.
Experience with shell scripting, Python, or another programming or scripting language.
Understand interoperability between Linux and Windows systems.
Strong written, verbal, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
Active Interim Secret security clearance and pursuit of TS clearance; DoD 8570/8140-aligned certification or ability to obtain within six months.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, configure, and optimize complex Linux environments and infrastructure supporting lab, development, and mission-critical systems.
Evaluate technical requirements and develop Linux solutions balancing security, performance, reliability, scalability, and operational needs.
Lead Linux deployments, upgrades, migrations, patching, and modernization across Red Hat and Ubuntu.
Analyze and resolve OS, network, application, and compatibility issues, including custom RPMs and configurations.
Implement system-hardening standards, security controls, vulnerability management, and RMF/NIST compliance.
Evaluate cybersecurity risks and propose mitigation while maintaining availability for mission requirements.
Install, configure, integrate, and maintain engineering applications such as GitLab and MATLAB in secure/Classified environments.
Integrate Linux and Windows platforms to support hybrid workflows.
Develop automation and scripting to improve efficiency, security, and reliability of administration activities.
Lead root-cause analyses and propose long-term corrective actions.
Serve as a technical resource to project teams and leadership; maintain documentation and standards.