System Engineer

TECHEAD; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

TECHEAD is seeking a seasoned Linux/OpenShift engineer to lead end-to-end administration and architectural optimization of on-premises OpenShift clusters in support of U.S. Government projects.

The role emphasizes high-availability, automation, security, and documentation across mission-critical systems. Ideal candidates bring 7+ years of Linux admin experience, 3+ years OpenShift, active Secret clearance, and DoD IAT Level II certification, plus Bash/Python/Ansible expertise to automate

Qualifications

• 7+ years of Linux systems administration experience.
• 3+ years deploying and managing enterprise Red Hat OpenShift environments.
• Active Secret security clearance.
• Active DoD IAT Level II certification (one of Security+ CE, CySA+, CCNA-Security, GICSP, GSEC, or SSCP).
• Scripting proficiency with Bash, Python, or Ansible.
• Enterprise Linux (Red Hat) administration experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end administration, scaling, and architectural optimization of on-premises OpenShift clusters.
• Monitor cluster health, node performance, and workload availability; diagnose and resolve failures.
• Troubleshoot complex infrastructure and cluster issues using logs and diagnostics.
• Configure security controls, network policies, and RBAC; implement DISA STIG requirements.
• Execute routine updates, patches, and backups to preserve resilience.
• Develop automation scripts to streamline workflows and document SOPs.

Skills

Linux systems administration

Bash scripting

Python

Ansible

Security clearance

RHEL administration

Tools

Red Hat OpenShift

SUSE Rancher

DISA STIGs

Kubernetes basics

Job description

TECHEAD is celebrating over thirty-five years of incredible heritage, talent, and accomplishments! To learn more about TECHEAD, visit us at TECHEAD.com or on Glassdoor.

In this role, you will lead the end-to-end administration and architectural optimization of our OpenShift infrastructure while supporting an agile team delivering custom applications for the U.S. Government. The position exercises significant autonomy to ensure high-availability enterprise services, automate cluster operations, configure security policies, and maintain stable containerized environments across mission-critical systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end administration, scaling, and architectural optimization of on-premises Red Hat OpenShift clusters to maintain secure, high-availability infrastructure.
• Actively monitor cluster health, node performance, and workload availability; diagnose and resolve node failures, application errors, and cluster disruptions.
• Investigate and troubleshoot complex infrastructure and cluster issues using system logs, event viewers, and platform diagnostic utilities.
• Configure cluster security controls, network policies, and role-based user access rules; implement and validate Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) STIG requirements.
• Execute routine platform updates, software patches, and comprehensive system backups to preserve cluster resilience and business continuity.
• Develop automation and scripting routines to streamline operational workflows while authoring standard operating procedures and technical documentation.

Must Have Qualifications

• 7+ years of dedicated Linux systems administration experience, alongside 3+ years of proven hands-on experience deploying and managing enterprise Red Hat OpenShift environments.
• Active Secret security clearance.
• Active DoD IAT Level II certification required (one of the following: Security+ CE, CySA+, CCNA-Security, GICSP, GSEC, or SSCP).
• Demonstrated proficiency using scripting tools such as Bash, Python, or Ansible for systems automation.
• Strong background administering enterprise Linux distributions (specifically Red Hat Enterprise Linux / RHEL).

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience deploying and managing SUSE Rancher environments.
• Deep understanding of core Kubernetes fundamentals, networking, and storage primitives.
• Direct experience applying and maintaining Security Technical Implementation Guides (DISA STIGs) within containerized and OS environments.

TECHEAD's mission is to make our associates successful by placing them in the right environment so they can grow and prosper. How we treat and respond to our clients and employees is a reflection of who we are and makes us stand out from the rest. Keeping our business focused on building and maintaining relationships with our employees and clients is the key to our success. We won't strive for anything less.

TECHEAD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

For more information on TECHEAD please visit www.techead.com.