Senior Linux System Administrator

ASEC, Inc; Naval Air Station Patuxent River (MD); On-site; USD 135,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

11 paid holidays

Medical/dental/vision coverage

HSA/FSA options

401(k) with company match

Tuition assistance

Veteran-friendly employer

Job summary

ASEC, Inc. is seeking a Senior Linux System Administrator to ensure secure configurations, generate accreditation artifacts, and maintain hardened baselines.

You will emphasize reliability and long-term system assurance across DoD-classified networks at NAS Patuxent River, MD. The role requires DoD Top Secret clearance, with OCONUS-like collaboration internally, and a focus on automated, repeatable processes using Ansible, RMF/NIST, and industry-standard tooling.

Qualifications

• 7 years of DoD classified networks experience required or equivalent.
• Deep knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) required.
• Experience with Confluence and Jira required.
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance preferred or required.

Responsibilities

• Apply DISA STIGs to secure Linux configurations and avoid audits.
• Run ACAS and EvaluateSTIG for accreditation artifacts and ATO readiness.
• Maintain and harden VMware ESXi hosts and patch levels.
• Automate tasks using Red Helm Ansible Automation Platform.
• Apply monthly RHEL updates to keep the environment secure.
• Collaborate with DevOps and security teams to improve automation.
• Release quarterly RHEL hardened templates with documentation and ATO.
• Monitor Linux/ESXi for performance, availability, security.
• Support RMF/NIST 800-53/DoD SRG compliance efforts.
• Document in Confluence and track work in Jira.

Skills

RHEL expertise

Confluence & Jira

VMware ESXi

Ansible Automation

ACAS EvaluateSTIG

RMF NIST 800-53

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

MS in Engineering or related field (preferred)

Tools

SolarWinds

Ansible Automation Platform

Job description

Description

Location: NAS Patuxent River, MD

Security Clearance Requirement: Active Top Secret

Telework Eligible? No

What You'll Do:

As the Senior Linux System Administrator, you will be responsible for ensuring secure configurations, producing accreditation artifacts, and maintaining hardened baselines, all with a focus on reliability and long-term system assurance. The ideal candidate is not only technically strong, but also thoughtful, process-oriented, and one who takes a careful, methodical approach to systems management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensuring secure and compliant Linux operating system configurations by applying Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) to prevent misconfiguration and audit issues.
• Managing vulnerability assessments with Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS) and EvaluateSTIG, producing accreditation artifacts to maintain Authorization to Operate (ATO) compliance and demonstrate security assurance.
• Maintaining and securing VMware ESXi hypervisors, including patching and hardening host systems to ensure platform reliability.
• Automating all routine administrative tasks — including provisioning, configuration management, patching, compliance checks, and reporting — using Red Helm Ansible Automation Platform, improving consistency and reducing manual error.
• Applying Red Helm Enterprise Linux (RHEL) updates on a monthly basis to maintain a secure, up-to-date environment.
• Refining processes to align with policy, reduce overhead, and collaborating with DevOps and security teams to support modern automation practices.
• Releasing RHEL hardened system templates on a quarterly basis with required documentation and ATO submission, ensuring standardized and compliant deployments.
• Monitoring Linux and ESXi environments for performance, availability, and security issues to sustain system health and resilience.
• Supporting Risk Management Framework (RMF) compliance (FISMA, NIST 800-53, DoD SRG), ensuring alignment with policy and accreditation requirements.
• Maintaining accurate technical documentation in Confluence and using Jira Software for task tracking, ensuring procedural clarity and reducing knowledge gaps.
• Operating and maintaining SolarWinds monitoring and auditing tools to proactively detect anomalies and maintain system integrity.

Requirements

What You'll Bring:

• 7 years of experience as a system administrator/IT technician supporting DoD classified networks is required. A bachelor's degree in a STEM related area of study may be considered in lieu of the full 7 years of experience.
• Must have a deep level of knowledge and experience with Red Helm Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
• Demonstrated experience with Confluence and Jira, required.
• Familiarity with SolarWinds monitoring and auditing tools, preferred.
• Familiarity with the Red Helm Ansible Automation Platform, preferred.

Certification Requirements:

• Qualified candidates will have the MS Certified Solutions Associate (Windows Server 2016 or later), Red Helm Certified System Administrator, or VMware Certified Professional and one of the following industry certifications: SecurityX/CASP+, CCNA, CCNP Security, CCSP, GCED, GCIA, GCLD, GDSA, GFACT.
• A master's degree or Ph.D. in Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Systems or Information Technology, or Software Engineering may be considered in lieu of one of the listed certifications, however Security+ will be required.

Equally Important:

• Ability to build positive, collaborative relationships across teams and with external partners.
• Effective communicator with strong verbal and written skills.
• Proactive, self-directed work style with the ability to operate independently.
• Analytical thinker with proven problem-solving capabilities.
• Highly organized, with the ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

ASEC is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws.

Security Clearance Requirement:

• This position requires U.S. citizenship and an active DoD Top Secret clearance. Selected candidate will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Salary Range:

• The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $135,000 - $155,000, commensurate with an individual’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. ASEC is committed to providing fair and equitable compensation.

Who We Are:

ASEC offers meaningful, mission-driven work within a culture that supports your professional and personal growth. We partner with our government customers to deliver innovative solutions across engineering, information technology, training, and logistics. Above all, we are committed to doing what's right for the Warfighter-plain and simple. Explore what makes ASEC different by visiting our website.

Why work at ASEC?

• 100% employee-owned company. Learn more about our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) here!
• Comprehensive benefits package, including 11 paid holidays, medical/dental/vision coverage, HSA/FSA options, disability insurance, and more!
• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition assistance for undergraduate and graduate education
• Veteran-friendly employer
• Thriving employee culture

ASEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, hire, train, compensate, and promote employees based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), or any other status protected by law.

ASEC also complies with all applicable pay transparency laws and will not discriminate against employees or applicants for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing compensation.