Senior Systems Admin - Linux/Ansible/Kubernetes (Onsite VA)

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University in Reston, VA is seeking a Systems Administrator to maintain HPC systems, Linux environments, and CI/CD tooling. You will install, configure, and troubleshoot software, perform maintenance, and help implement upgrades while ensuring backups and system reliability.

This onsite role supports high‑performance computing and cloud tooling. Ideal candidates have strong Red Hat Linux, Ansible scripting, GitLab pipelines, Kubernetes experience,

Qualifications

• Strong experience installing, configuring, maintaining Linux systems and scripting.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve server, workstation, and A/V issues during business hours.
• Experience testing upgrades/patches for Linux, Kubernetes, and M&S applications.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, maintain, upgrade, and support systems and software with focus on Linux, Ansible, and GitLab pipelines.
• Develop deployment plans, schedules, and requirements for systems.
• Create scripts and tooling to aid in systems management.
• Diagnose outages and issues across servers, workstations, and A/V equipment.
• Test and implement patches and upgrades for OS, Kubernetes, and M&S apps.
• Maintain system reliability through monitoring, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Monitor backups and automation/CI-CD pipelines.
• Document processes, configurations, and plans.
• May supervise staff, including hiring and performance management.

Skills

Linux (Red Hat)

Ansible scripting

GitLab pipelines

Tools

Kubernetes

Job description

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University in Reston, VA is seeking a Systems Administrator to maintain HPC systems, Linux environments, and CI/CD tooling. You will install, configure, and troubleshoot software, perform maintenance, and help implement upgrades while ensuring backups and system reliability.

This onsite role supports high‑performance computing and cloud tooling. Ideal candidates have strong Red Hat Linux, Ansible scripting, GitLab pipelines, Kubernetes experience,