Senior Linux System Administrator

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, medical, dental, vision, and education assistance.

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a Linux System Administrator to join the RF Engineering group. In this role, you will manage and secure Linux systems within classified environments. Your responsibilities will include maintaining infrastructure, implementing security standards, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure operational excellence.

Applicants should have a relevant bachelor's degree, 7+ years of experience, and hold current DoD 8570 certification. A comprehensive benefits package is provided.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional experience as a Linux systems administrator in secure environments.
• Proficient in Linux operating systems and Windows systems interoperability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, deploy, maintain, and upgrade computing and networking infrastructure.
• Design, implement, and enforce system security hardening standards.
• Support installation and management of engineering applications in secure environments.

Skills

Linux operating systems (RHEL5, RHEL6, RHEL7, RHEL8, RHEL9, Ubuntu)

Real-time Linux computing systems

Collaboration

Programming/scripting languages

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about shaping secure, IT systems in classified environments?

Do you want to influence system improvements, implementation decisions, and the overall security posture of advanced technology systems?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking a Linux System Administrator to join the RF Engineering group to support Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) facilities. In this role, you will apply Risk Management Framework (RMF) principles, develop new IT security capabilities, and provide advanced system administration across complex, classified infrastructures, helping drive innovation, security, and operational excellence. This role combines technical execution, collaborating with a team of system administrators, and establishing Linux standards. As a Linux system administrator, you will recommend and implement changes that align with security protocols, the overall mission, and engineering team capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Plan, deploy, maintain, and upgrade computing and networking infrastructure supporting HiL operations. Specifically, via system administration of Linux-based HiL computer systems, including legacy platforms, modern platforms, and real-time computing systems.
• Design, implement, and enforce system security hardening standards (STIG) in accordance with established compliance frameworks (RMF, NIST, etc.)
• Support installation and management of engineering, scientific, and analysis applications in secure, classified environments such as GitLab and MATLAB.
• Solve complex technical issues that impact system availability, performance, or security.
• Integrate Linux systems with Windows platforms to support hybrid workflows in RF and simulation environments.
• Manage a lab/test environment to validate new applications, configurations, and upgrades before deployment to production systems.
• Collaborate with engineers, cybersecurity staff, and program managers to ensure mission success.

Qualifications

• Have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, or have equivalent experience.
• Possess 7+ years of professional experience as a Linux systems administrator in secure or complex environments.
• Are a strong teammate with a focus on exchanging information and collaboration.
• Are proficient in various operating systems, including some of the following: Linux operating systems (RHEL5, RHEL6, RHEL7, RHEL8, RHEL9, Ubuntu), Real-time Linux computing systems (Concurrent platforms)
• Have knowledge of interoperability between Linux and Windows systems.
• Have experience administering systems in classified environments, with an understanding of secure operations, auditing, and following compliance frameworks (RMF, NIST, etc.)
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering, program, and security teams.
• Are proactive, self‑motivated, and comfortable owning technical decisions.
• Have some experience with programming/scripting languages.
• Hold a current DoD 8570 certification (Security+, CASP, CISSP) or have the ability to obtain one within 6 months of employment.
• Hold an Interim Secret level security clearance and can ultimately obtain a Top‑Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Benefits

APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually