Sr Systems Engineer (Linux/Automation)

Leidos Inc; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a cleared Senior Systems Engineer to design, deploy, and maintain a secure Linux infrastructure in DoD networks, with end-to-end automation of the provisioning pipeline using Kickstart, PXE, and Ansible.

Based in Orlando, FL, this on-site role requires 8+ years of enterprise Linux experience, DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II or III, and an active Top Secret/SCI clearance. Strong scripting in Python and Bash, plus RMF and STIG compliance, are essential.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; 8+ years of Linux administration.
• DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II or III certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CISSP).
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance (US citizen).
• Expert Python and Bash scripting for system administration.
• Hands-on Ansible (playbooks, vault, inventories) and automation experience.
• Familiarity with RMF, STIGs, and DoD compliance.

Responsibilities

• Automate provisioning: attended/unattended RHEL installs using Kickstart and PXE.
• Write and optimize idempotent Ansible playbooks, roles, and inventories.
• Create Bash automation scripts for initialization tasks and diagnostics.
• Enforce DISA STIGs and RMF using automated remediation scripts.
• Troubleshoot OS performance, manage patches, and update runbooks.

Skills

Python

Bash

Automation

Scripting

Education

BS degree

Tools

Ansible

Kickstart

PXE boot

RHEL

Git/GitLab CI

OpenShift

Docker

Red Hat Satellite

Job description

Description

Position: Senior Systems Engineer (Linux / Automation)

Location: Orlando, FL (On-site)

Mission Overview

Leidos is seeking a cleared Senior Systems Engineer to design, deploy, and maintain secure Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) infrastructure within Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of the Navy/Air Force/Army (DoW) networks. This individual will own the automated provisioning pipeline end to end - from bare-metal and virtual machine Kickstart configurations through enterprise-wide configuration management using Ansible and Bash - ensuring systems are deployed consistently, securely, and in compliance with DoD standards.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Automated Provisioning: Develop and maintain attended/unattended RHEL OS installations using advanced Kickstart configuration files and PXE boot environments.

• Configuration Management: Write and optimize idempotent Ansible playbooks, roles, and collections to manage server infrastructure at scale.

• Scripting & Tooling: Build robust Bash automation scripts for custom initialization tasks, local system diagnostics, and integration glue.

• Security & Compliance: Enforce Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and Risk Management Framework (RMF) standards using automated remediation scripts.

• System Lifecycle Support: Troubleshoot complex OS-level performance issues, manage package/patch lifecycles, and update technical documentation and operational runbooks.

REQUIRED Skills, Education, and Experience:

• Education/Experience: BS degree and 8+ years of enterprise Linux system administration and engineering experience. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

• Certifications: DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level II or III certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CISSP).

• Clearance: US Citizen; Currently possessing an Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

• Technical Stack:

  • Expert proficiency in Python and Bash shell scripting for system administration.

  • Deep hands-on experience with Ansible (Playbooks, Vault, and large-scale inventories).

  • Proven capability in designing and troubleshooting automated Kickstart installation profiles.

• Compliance Knowledge:

  • Strong familiarity with NIST controls, RMF, and automated STIG validation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Red Hat Certifications: Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) or Red Hat Certified Specialist in Ansible Automation; Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) a plus.

• Enterprise Content Management: Experience administering Red Hat Satellite for patch, content, and subscription lifecycle management across large RHEL fleets.

• Extended Scripting: Working knowledge of Python in addition to Bash for automation and tooling beyond shell-level scripting.

• Containerization: Familiarity with Red Hat OpenShift, Kubernetes, or Docker in DoD/DoW environments.

• CI/CD & Version Control: Experience with Git/GitLab and CI/CD pipelines to support infrastructure-as-code workflows.

• Cloud Environments: Exposure to automating RHEL workloads in AWS GovCloud or Azure Government.

• Compliance Automation: Hands-on experience with SCAP Compliance Checker or Evaluate-STIG for automated hardening and assessment.

• Advanced Certification: DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level III (CASP+, CISSP, or GCIH) in lieu of Level II.

Original Posting: August 31, 2026

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.