Senior Linux Systems Engineer – DoD Cyber Ops (RH, Ansible)

ValidaTek, Inc.; Pensacola (FL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ValidaTek, Inc. in Pensacola, FL is seeking a Senior Linux Administrator to manage Red Hat Linux systems within a secure DoD environment. The role covers architecture, day-to-day operations, and security of enterprise Linux infrastructure on-site.

The ideal candidate has deep RH-based experience, Ansible automation, Red Hat Satellite, RMF/STIG compliance, and strong scripting abilities. Collaboration with cybersecurity, network, and data teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field OR equivalent hands-on experience.
• 5+ years of experience in systems administration in a DoD or large enterprise environment.
• Extensive experience with Linux systems administration, with a heavy focus on RH-based environments.
• Strong, hands-on experience with Ansible for configuration management, automation, and orchestration.
• Demonstrated experience managing Red Hat Satellite for provisioning, patch management, and subscription management.
• Familiarity with virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware vSphere).
• Working knowledge of STIG compliance, RMF, and security best practices for Linux.
• Proficiency in Linux scripting (Bash, Python).
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to work independently or lead initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Administer, maintain, and troubleshoot Red Hat Linux servers for performance, security, and availability.
• Manage Linux services (DNS, DHCP, NFS, Identity Management/FreeIPA).
• Lead OS patching, updates, and antivirus deployments using Red Hat Satellite per DoD STIGs/IAVM directives.
• Develop, maintain, and run Ansible playbooks to automate configurations and security tasks.
• Implement security controls per RMF framework and contribute to compliance efforts.
• Contribute to eMASS documentation and ATO/IATT sustainment efforts.
• Perform system monitoring, log analysis, and advanced troubleshooting for Linux and network issues.
• Create and maintain accurate documentation of configurations and infrastructure changes.
• Oversee backup and recovery operations to ensure data protection and mission continuity.
• Provide operational support and collaborate with network, data engineering, cybersecurity, and help desk teams; mentor junior admins.
• Support hosted data brokering and event streaming apps (NiFi, Kafka) as part of the Linux infrastructure.

Skills

Linux administration

Ansible

Red Hat Satellite

Bash scripting

Python scripting

RMF/STIG compliance

DoD security

VMware vSphere

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/IT

Tools

Red Hat Satellite

VMware vSphere

Podman/Docker

Kubernetes/OpenShift

Job description

ValidaTek, Inc. in Pensacola, FL is seeking a Senior Linux Administrator to manage Red Hat Linux systems within a secure DoD environment. The role covers architecture, day-to-day operations, and security of enterprise Linux infrastructure on-site.

The ideal candidate has deep RH-based experience, Ansible automation, Red Hat Satellite, RMF/STIG compliance, and strong scripting abilities. Collaboration with cybersecurity, network, and data teams is essential.