Senior Linux Engineer

Cyber Security Jobs; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Senior Linux Engineer for on-site work at Langley AFB, VA. The role focuses on designing and implementing infrastructure as code for diverse deployments, managing servers, and upgrading Red Hat Linux environments.

On-site responsibilities include building automation with Ansible, Terraform, and Packer, plus security hardening and patch management. The candidate must have a TS/SCI clearance, 6–8+ years of Linux experience, and DoD 8570/8140 compliance at IAT II level.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus 8+ years of experience or Master’s with 6+ years.
• Active DoD TS/SCI clearance is required.
• DoD 8570/8140 IAT II cert (CompTIA Security+ CE) required.
• 6+ years of Linux administration.
• Experience with containerization: Podman, Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift, or Rancher.
• Experience with configuration management: Puppet, Ansible, or Salt.
• Hands-on virtualization experience.
• Shell scripting in at least one language (sh, sed, awk, Perl, Python).
• Understanding of LDAP and SSO technologies.
• Strong automation and IaC experience.
• Ability to work strategically and learn quickly.

Responsibilities

• Administer and deploy server hardware, RHEL 9 OSs and critical apps; develop Ansible playbooks/roles for automation.
• Implement and manage configuration management across RHEL systems using Ansible.
• Automate deployments using Ansible, Terraform, and Packer.
• Troubleshoot Ansible deployments and RHEL environments.
• Optimize Ansible code and RHEL configs for performance and efficiency.
• Integrate Ansible automation into CI/CD pipelines with other teams.
• Maintain RHEL systems including patching, upgrades, and security hardening.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior team members.
• Stay current with trends in Ansible, RHEL, and related tech.

Skills

Linux administration

Ansible

Terraform

Packer

Shell scripting

IaC

LDAP/SSO

Automation

RHEL admin

Scripting (Python/Perl)

CI/CD

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Ansible Tower

OpenShift

Satellite

Terraform

Packer

Docker

Kubernetes

QEMU/KVM

Job description

Senior Linux Engineer

Langley AFB, VA

TS/SCI Required

The Defense Sector at Leidos is looking for a TS/SCI cleared Senior Linux Engineer to design and implement Infrastructure as Code for various deployments and to manage servers, and related services. The Senior Linux Engineer will be responsible for implementing, managing, installing and upgrading our Red Hat Linux environments. The job duties will be performed on site at Langley Air Force base, VA.

Responsibilities include:

• Responsible for the administration, and deployment of server hardware, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 Operating Systems, and critical applications. Design, develop, and maintain Ansible playbooks and roles for infrastructure automation.
• Implement and manage configuration management using Ansible across our RHEL systems.
• Automating deployments using Ansible Automation Platform (AAP), Terraform, and Packer.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues in Ansible deployments and RHEL environments.
• Optimize existing Ansible code and RHEL configurations for improved performance and efficiency.
• Collaborate with other teams to integrate Ansible automation into CI/CD pipelines.
• Manage and Maintain RHEL systems, including patch management, upgrades, and security hardening.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior team members.
• Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and developments in Ansible, RHEL, and related technologies.
• Research emerging tools and technologies that help improve automation, security and performance.
• Ensure compliance with current security policies and remediations.
• Proactively monitor and measure systems performance to detect trends and catch problems before users are impacted.
• Work closely with other support teams to ensure incident events are handled in a timely manner.
• Administer and maintain Satellite/Capsule management systems.
• Routinely apply security and application patches to systems and container images, ensuring that vulnerabilities are mitigated, and software operates effectively.
• Handle incoming technical escalations from Service Desk, Network Security Operations Center, Tier II, and other support teams.
• Document and map architecture of the current RHEL environment and support the development of an Infrastructure Automation roadmap.
• Assist with retrospective related activities and support various efforts related to operational improvements.
• Contribute to documentation in the Knowledge Base, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), work instructions, and job aids.
• Continuously cross-train to also support other technical tasks and responsibilities.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of experience or a Master’s degree with 6+ years of experience. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Must have an active and current DoD TS/SCI Clearance.
• DoD 8570/8140-compliant certification at IAT Level II - CompTIA Security+ CE required.
• 6+ years of Linux Administration.
• Experience with containerization products such as Podman, Docker, Kubernetes, RedHat OpenShift, or Rancher.
• Experience with configuration management systems like Puppet, Ansible, or Salt.
• Hands-on experience with virtualization technologies.
• Shell scripting experience with at least one scripting language: Bourne shell, sed, awk, Perl, or python.
• Understanding of LDAP and SSO technologies.
• Strong focus on automation.
• Familiar with writing Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
• Strong commitment to customer service and customer satisfaction.
• Ability to think strategically and proactively (rather than reactionary).
• Ability to work in a fast passed, highly dynamic environment and “learn on the job”.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep understanding of QEMU/KVM and RHEL networking.
• Expert in the Administration of Red Hat Satellite.
• Expert in the Administration and use of Ansible Automation Platform / Ansible Tower.
• Linux+ certification

Original Posting

October 23, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range

Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system - never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at [e-mail].

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.