Senior Staff Linux System Administrator

SciTec; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4% Safe Harbor 401(k) match

Company-paid HSA medical insurance

Dental insurance (80% covered)

Vision insurance (100% covered)

Life insurance (100% covered)

Long-term disability insurance (100%)

Discretionary performance bonus

Paid parental leave

Generous PTO and holidays

Flexible work hours

Job summary

SciTec, a Firefly Aerospace subsidiary, is seeking a Linux System Administrator to install, secure, and operate Linux/Windows systems in a mission-focused environment. You will work with VMware, Docker/Podman, and Kubernetes within a fast-paced team delivering critical DoD-grade software infrastructure.

Requirements include 4–6 years on Linux, RHEL expertise, and strong networking skills. The role offers robust benefits and a competitive salary in Colorado.

Qualifications

• 4-6 years of professional Linux administration experience (RHEL preferred).
• Experience installing and configuring RHEL 8+ servers/workstations.
• Security hardening, STIG, auditing, and backups.
• Patch and package management; vulnerability remediation.
• Virtualization and containerization (VMware, Podman/Docker, OpenShift/Kubernetes).
• Networking in mixed Linux/Windows environments.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain RHEL workstations and servers per baselines.
• Implement system security, integrity monitoring, and backups; perform auditing.
• Manage patches and third-party software installation (IDEs, PyPI, registries).
• Monitor performance and troubleshoot hardware/software issues.
• Support virtualized/workstation environments (VMware).
• Setup and troubleshoot servers, switches, and storage.
• Configure networking across Linux/Windows environments.
• Document configurations and changes per policy.
• Collaborate with security personnel and end users.
• Contribute to automation and modernization efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Linux

RHEL

Security hardening

VMware

Docker

Kubernetes

Networking

Scripting (Python/Bash)

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS/Engineering

Tools

VMware vSphere

Podman

Docker

Kubernetes

OpenShift

Image registries

Ansible

GitLab CI/CD

Python

Bash

Puppet/Automation tools

Job description

SciTec, a wholly owned subsidiary of Firefly Aerospace, is a dynamic non-traditional defense contractor that delivers advanced technologies in support of U.S. National Security and Defense. For the past forty-five plus years, we have supported Department of Defense customers by developing innovative remote sensing algorithms, tools, and techniques to deliver world-class data exploitation capabilities supporting missile defense; intelligence, surveillance, & reconnaissance; space domain awareness; and aircraft survivability missions.

Important Notice

SciTec exclusively works on U.S. government contracts that require U.S. citizenship for all employees. Applicants that do not meet this requirement will not be considered.

SciTec has an immediate opportunity for a talented engineer to support our programs delivering Next-Generation Missile Warning software. This is a unique opportunity to join a business delivering core capabilities for National defense. You will work within a fast-paced team delivering end-to-end software processing of Overhead Persistent InfraRed (OPIR) sensor data for Missile Warning, Missile Defense, Battlespace Awareness, and Technical Intelligence.

We are seeking a skilled Linux System Administrator to support the installation, configuration, security, and ongoing operation of Linux- and Windows-based systems in a secure, mission-focused environment. The ideal candidate is hands‑on, detail‑oriented, and comfortable working across infrastructure, security, and operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) workstations and servers in accordance with defined baselines
• Implement and maintain system security, hardening, integrity monitoring, backups, and auditing i.e. STIG, SCAP
• Perform patch and package management, including installation and maintenance of third‑party software i.e. IDEs, Pypi, Docker registry,
• Monitor system performance, availability, and health; troubleshoot and resolve hardware and software issues,
• Support and maintain virtualized and workstation environments (e.g., VMware)
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot servers, switches, and storage systems
• Configure and support networking in mixed Linux and Windows environments
• Document system configurations, procedures, and changes in accordance with policies and requirements
• Collaborate effectively with team members, security personnel, and end users
• Provide technical support and respond to operational issues through resolution
• Participate in continuous improvement, automation, and modernization efforts
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• 4-6 years of professional experience administering Linux systems (RHEL preferred)
• Experience with:
• Installation and configuration of RHEL 8 servers and workstations
• System security, hardening (STIG), auditing, and backup strategies
• Patch and package management
• Virtualization technologies including VMware, Podman, Docker, Image registries, Red Hat Openshift/Kubernetes
• Hardware and software troubleshooting
• Networking in heterogeneous (Linux/Windows) environments
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Detail oriented
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and able to own issues through completion
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance

Candidates who have any of the following skills will be preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Network Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
• Experience with:
• Dell servers, switches, and SAN solutions
• VMware vSphere
• Root Cause Analysis and documenting findings
• DISA SCAP Compliance Checker and DISA STIG implementation
• RHEL 8/9/10
• NAS and/or SAN configuration and maintenance
• Configuration management, Automation, Scripting (Ansible, Bash, Python)
• Git/GitLab and CI/CD pipelines
• Containers and orchestration (Podman/Docker, RHOCP/Kubernetes, minikube, image registries)
• Relevant certifications are preferred but not required i.e.
• Security+
• RHCSA / RHCE / LPIC-1
• Resumes, Cover Letters, and Applications which are generated by AI will not be considered for employment.

Colorado Residents

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Benefits

• 4% Safe Harbor 401(k) match
• 100% company paid HSA Medical insurance, with a choice of 2 buy-up options
• 80% company paid Dental insurance
• 100% company paid Vision insurance
• 100% company paid Life insurance
• 100% company paid Long-term Disability insurance
• Short-term Disability insurance
• Annual Profit-Sharing Plan
• Discretionary Performance Bonus
• Paid Parental Leave
• Generous Paid Time Off, including Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Pay
• Flexible work hours

The pay range for this position is $120,000 - $146,000 / year. SciTec considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. This is not a guarantee of compensation.

SciTec is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. VET/Disabled.