Senior Systems Administrator (Linux/Cloud)

The Pennsylvania State University; United States; On-site; USD 96,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory in Reston, VA is seeking a Systems Administrator to maintain HPC systems, Linux (RedHat), Ansible, Kubernetes, and CI/CD tooling. You will troubleshoot outages, upgrade software, monitor backups, and help implement automation across cloud and on‑prem systems.

You will work onsite in Reston, join a DoD SkillBridge friendly team, and may supervise staff.

Qualifications

• Ability to install, configure, maintain, upgrade, and support systems and software, with a strong focus on Linux (RedHat), Ansible scripting, and GitLab pipelines.
• Skilled in diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving server, workstation, and audio‑visual (A/V) issues, including responding to system outages during normal business hours.
• Proficiency in testing and implementing upgrades and patches for operating systems, Kubernetes based container orchestration platforms, and modeling and simulation (M&S) applications.
• Clearance eligibility for Secret level or higher; background investigation may be required.
• Working location onsite in Reston, VA.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, maintain, upgrade, and support systems and software with focus on Linux (RedHat), Ansible scripting, and GitLab pipelines.
• Develop plans, schedules, and requirements for deployment of systems.
• Create or improve existing scripts and tooling to aid in systems management.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve server, workstation, and A/V issues and respond to outages.
• Test and implement upgrades and patches to installed operating systems, Kubernetes, and M&S applications.
• Monitor backups and plans for installed systems.
• Monitor, maintain, and execute automation processes and CI/CD pipelines.
• Evaluate and recommend new or existing system improvements.
• Create and maintain system documentation.
• May supervise staff, including hiring, development, and performance management.

Skills

Linux RedHat

Ansible scripting

GitLab pipelines

Kubernetes

CI/CD pipelines

System diagnostics

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

GitLab

Kubernetes

RedHat Linux

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a Systems Administrator to join the Reston, VA location of the Digital Engineering Department in the Cyber, Modeling, and Simulation Division of the Information Advantage Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will maintain the integrity of various high-performance computing (HPC) systems including operating systems, physical servers/workstations, and applications; administer, install, and troubleshoot a variety of Cloud tooling and applications, perform systems maintenance tasks such as troubleshooting and performance evaluation as well as backup and recovery; perform configuration changes to address customer needs; schedule, install, and test system software upgrades; monitor and maintain software licensing. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

• Install, configure, maintain, upgrade, and support systems and software with a focus on Linux (RedHat), Ansible scripting, and GitLab pipelines.
• Develop plans, schedules, and requirements for deployment of systems.
• Create or improve existing scripts and tooling to aid in systems management.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve server, workstation, and audio‑visual (A/V) issues and/or respond to outages during normal working hours.
• Resolve service‑related issues; determine immediate economic and financial consequences of an incident.
• Test and implement upgrades and patches to installed operating systems, software container orchestration platforms (Kubernetes), and modeling &simulation (M&S) applications.
• Maintain reliability of systems by monitoring, running tests, and troubleshooting.
• Monitor backups and plans for installed systems.
• Monitor, maintain, and execute automation processes and CI/CD pipelines.
• Evaluate and recommend new or existing system improvements and/or solutions.
• Create and maintain system documentation of our processes, procedures, plans, and configurations.
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management.

REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE AREAS TO INCLUDE

• Ability to install, configure, maintain, upgrade, and support systems and software, with a strong focus on Linux (RedHat), Ansible scripting, and GitLab pipelines.
• Skilled in diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving server, workstation, and audio‑visual (A/V) issues, including responding to system outages during normal business hours.
• Proficiency in testing and implementing upgrades and patches for operating systems, Kubernetes based container orchestration platforms, and modeling and simulation (M&S) applications.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.
• Your working location will be fully onsite, located in Reston, VA.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as IT Platform Administrator (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None.

If filled as IT Platform Administrator (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARNESSES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $96,120.00 - $182,400.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.

Salary Structure – Information on Penn State's salary structure. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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