Senior Cybersecurity Engineer

Nightwing; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 99,000 - 206,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision & dental

401k plan

PTO & holidays

Job summary

Nightwing seeks a Senior Linux Administrator to shape and execute a threat intelligence platform. You will standardize processes, automate tasks, and strengthen security across multi‑cloud environments in a mission‑critical program.

You will engineer Linux architectures, perform OS hardening and patching, and coordinate with sponsors to enhance resilience and scalability. A strong background in PostgreSQL and cloud integration is essential.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance required for the role.
• US citizen eligible for DHS suitability.
• Minimum 5+ years Linux systems administration experience.
• Strong Linux engineering background with RHEL 8/9/10 experience.
• Experience with PostgreSQL databases and tuning.
• Experience with performance optimization across compute, network and storage.
• Experience with general networking concepts or AWS networking and security.
• Desired: SELinux, multilevel security or Cross Domain Solutions.
• Familiarity with HTTP APIs and OAuth tokens is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Standardize processes across multiple CISA environments.
• Integrate automation to reduce manual tasks and improve efficiency.
• Engineer Linux system architectures (RHEL 8/9/10, AWS/Linux).
• Manage backup, recovery and documentation for system integrity.
• Implement patching methodologies across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud.
• Collaborate with sponsors, ESS teams and tenants to align objectives.

Skills

US Citizenship

TS/SCI clearance

DHS Suitability

Linux administration

Linux engineering

PostgreSQL

Performance tuning

Networking concepts

AWS networking

HTTP APIs & OAuth

Education

BS in CS / CE / CIS / Systems Engineering

HS diploma + 7+ years lab management or systems administration

Tools

PostgreSQL

RHCSA

SELinux

DoD 8570.1 IAT II

Job description

Arlington, VA

Full time

JR102136

Nightwing 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.

Nightwing supports a U.S. Government customer on a mission‑critical program to design, build, deliver, and operate a next‑generation network operations environment. As part of CISA IT’s broader consolidation and modernization vision, this role contributes directly to the establishment of team dedicated to maintaining a Cyber Threat Intelligence Database. This role will also contribute to the creation, maintenance, and expansion of such a system across multiple domains. We are seeking a Senior Linux Administrator with strong database, automation, and cloud integration experience to help shape and execute this forward‑leaning effort. This position plays a key role in enhancing cybersecurity posture, improving operational efficiency, and working with key external partners to support a highly complex Threat Intelligence platform.

Job Responsibilities:

• Standardize processes across multiple CISA environments

• Prioritize critical updates aligned with CISA IT cybersecurity objectives

• Integrate automation and intelligent systems to reduce manual effort

• Strengthen collaboration between CISA teams, government sponsors, and tenants

• Improve transparency, metrics, and operational agility

• Leverage deep technical expertise to automate tasks and optimize system performance

• Support cloud environments while contributing to the development of enterprise‑wide patching standards and best practices

• Engineer and maintain Linux system architectures (primarily RHEL 8/9/10 and AWS Linux)

• Perform OS security hardening, patching, and lifecycle maintenance

• Manage backup, recovery, and configuration documentation to ensure system integrity

• Engineer the design and implementation of standardized patching methodologies across AWS, AZURE, Google Cloud environments

• Prioritize and execute critical updates in alignment with CISA IT Patch Management Guidelines

• Participate in efforts to refine workflows, metrics, and operational processes.

• Integrate AWS, AZURE and Google native services to enhance performance, resilience, and scalability of patching and DevOps infrastructure

• Evaluate and implement AI capabilities into the Threat Intelligence Platform.

• Contribute to enterprise cloud and DevOps standards, guidelines, and best practices

• Serve as a central conduit between ESS teams, government sponsors, and tenants.

• Establish and track metrics such as patch compliance, deployment timelines, and automation achievements

• Support iterative improvements based on stakeholder feedback and operational data.

• Follow established testing and implementation methods to ensure stability and interoperability of vendor provided patches and code.

• Recreate unique circumstances within a database to reproduce issues experienced by users and analyze database behavior for potential solutions.

• Coordinate and work with external experts from multiple vendors simultaneously to troubleshoot complex issues in a highly integrated environment supporting both a complex database as well as multiple dependent applications.

Required Skills:

• Must be a US Citizen

• Must have an active TS/SCI clearance

• Must be able to obtain DHS Suitability

• 5+ years of Linux systems administration experience (RHEL 8/9/10 preferred)

• Strong background in Linux Engineering

• Experience with PostgreSQL databases

• Experience with performance tuning and troubleshooting across compute, network, and storage layers

• Experience with general networking concepts or AWS specific networking and security.

• Desired Skills: Experience in development environmentsExperience in Classified EnvironmentsExperience with SELinux, multilevel security systems, or Cross Domain SolutionsExperience coordinating with external vendors to communicate customer needs and feature requests.Experience with HTTP API’s and authentication using API keys and OAuth Tokens
• Required Education: BS Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Computer Systems Engineering or related degree or HS Diploma and 7+ years lab management or systems administration experience.
• Desired Certifications: DoD 8570.1 IAT Level IICompTIA Linux+Red Hat Certified Systems Administrator (RHCSA)

Syndeo: ESS-3663

Salary & Benefits

The salary associated with this position ($99,000-$206,000) 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.

Previously part of a leading Fortune 100 company and headquartered in Dulles, VA; Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation’s most mission impactful initiatives.

When we formed Nightwing, we brought a deep set of credentials and an unfaltering commitment to the mission. For over four decades, our team has been providing some of the world’s most technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence support services to the U.S. government on its most important missions.

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.