Senior Systems Engineer

Ridgeline International, LLC; Tysons (VA); Remote; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO and holidays

Generous 401k match benefit

Medical (HSA & PPO Plans Available)

Learning & Development opportunities

Free daily snacks & drinks

Snacks & beverages

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Virginia seeks a Senior Systems Engineer to join their infrastructure team. This role involves engineering, deploying, and maintaining Linux-based systems while collaborating with DevOps and Network Security. Candidates should have an Active Top Secret Clearance, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently. The firm offers competitive benefits including flexible PTO, medical coverage, and a generous 401k match.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret Clearance is required.
• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals including the OSI model and TCP/IP.
• Knowledge of secure tunneling protocols such as IPSec and WireGuard.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Solid networking understanding (OSI model, TCP/IP)
• Knowledge of IPSec, OpenVPN, WireGuard
• Experience with automation tools like Ansible/Jenkins

Responsibilities

• Engineer, deploy, and maintain Linux-based systems.
• Work closely with DevOps and Network Security teams.
• Deliver documentation to improve knowledge sharing.
• Create clear system documentation and diagrams
• Produce hardened Linux deployments in production within six months

Skills

Technical aptitude

Curiosity

Problem-solving skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Active Top Secret Clearance

Tools

Ansible

Jenkins

Docker

VMware ESXi

Cisco IOS

Job description

Company Description

At Ridgeline, we are pioneers in the fight against ubiquitous technical surveillance, helping government and enterprise organizations protect what matters most in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. We are a company built for people who thrive on curiosity, creativity, and solving challenges no one else has cracked yet. Our culture rewards initiative, values collaboration over ego, and gives you the freedom to experiment and innovate. We offer meaningful work, flexible remote options, a balanced work‑life rhythm, and a team of talented engineers and experts who support and inspire one another. Joining Ridgeline means contributing to technology that has real impact while growing your career in a place where your ideas and expertise genuinely matter.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and cleared Senior Systems Engineer to join our infrastructure team. This position is ideal for someone with a bias for action, strong technical ability, and a desire to keep learning. You will engineer, deploy, and maintain Linux‑based systems and supporting infrastructure in a collaborative and mission‑focused environment. If you enjoy building reliable systems, solving problems across the stack, and improving how technology operates, this role will give you the space and responsibility to make an immediate impact.

What you will do:

• Linux‑based systems including Red Hat, Ubuntu, and CentOS along with a small number of Windows hosts
• Networking equipment including switches, routers, and firewalls
• Virtualization platforms including VMware ESXi, vSphere, vCenter, and VSAN
• Clear and concise system documentation with useful diagrams and summaries

You will work closely with DevOps and Network Security teams to automate tasks, harden systems, and improve operational visibility.

What you will accomplish within the first six months

• Deploy hardened Linux systems and bring them into production
• Identify opportunities for improvement across assigned systems and projects
• Partner with DevOps to automate tasks that are performed repeatedly
• Improve system monitoring and visibility in cooperation with Network and Security Operations
• Deliver documentation that improves knowledge sharing and reduces troubleshooting time

Technologies in Our Stack

• Operating systems: Ubuntu & Windows
• Automation tools: Ansible and Jenkins
• Virtualization technologies: VMware ESXi, vCenter, vSphere, VSAN, and Docker
• Networking platforms: Cisco IOS and NX‑OS, Juniper, and Fortigate
• Security technologies: IPSec, WireGuard, MACsec, and TLS
• Routing protocols: OSPF, VRF, and MPLS

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Active Top Secret Clearance
• Strong technical aptitude and curiosity
• A consistent bias for action
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Solid understanding of networking fundamentals including the OSI model and TCP/IP
• Knowledge of secure tunneling protocols such as IPSec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently

Nice to haves

• Experience with automation tools including Ansible and Jenkins
• Familiarity with container technologies such as Docker or Kubernetes
• Experience with Cisco IOS and NX‑OS as well as Juniper and Fortigate platforms
• Understanding of protocols including TLS, MACsec, OSPF, VRF, and MPLS
• Experience working in secure or classified environments

Additional Information

Perks of being a Ridgeliner

• Flexible PTO + holidays
• Generous 401k match benefit up to 10%, with an automatic 3% safe harbor contribution and additional matching based on employee contributions
• Medical (HSA & PPO Plans Available), dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Employer Contribution to Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Professional coaching services
• Get the technology you want to do your job
• Free daily snacks & drinks

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with Ridgeline International through its online applicant system, please contact Ridgeline's Talent Management Department at [phone] or contact us through e‑mail at [e-mail].