Systems Administrator- Linux / Social Media Services Administrator

Cornerstone Defense LLC; Columbia (MD); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornerstone Defense LLC is seeking a Systems Administrator (SA2) to join a small Linux team supporting Social Media Services in a hybrid cloud environment near Annapolis Junction, MD. The role emphasizes hands-on Linux administration, scripting, and automation with strong collaboration across networks and stakeholders.

The ideal candidate has extensive Linux background, experience deploying COTS/FOSS on Linux, and familiarity with AWS tools.

Qualifications

• Extensive Linux administration experience required.
• Experience deploying COTS/FOSS on Linux.
• Strong scripting in Bash/Python; automation tooling.
• Clear communication with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Build, configure, monitor, and troubleshoot Linux systems.
• Deploy COTS and FOSS services on Linux.
• Develop automation with Bash, Python, Puppet, Ansible.
• Contribute to architecture discussions and design.
• Mentor junior team members and improve efficiency.
• Communicate issues with team and service owners.
• Support and maintain system stability.
• Identify opportunities to automate tasks.

Skills

Linux administration

Automation scripting

COTS/FOSS deployment

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline

Tools

AWS

aws-cli

boto3

Puppet

Ansible

Job description

Position: Systems Administrator-Linux / Social Media Services Administrator
Location: Annapolis Junction, MD
Clearance: TS/SCI w/ Polygraph
Pay Range: $170K – $200K

Company Overview:
Cornerstone Defense, in partnership with our military, intelligence, and civil government customers, supports U.S. operations worldwide through advanced intelligence, satellite, and cyber technologies. Our Intelligence Sector provides support and solutions for information collection, operations, exploitation, dissemination, and research activities. Our specialists focus on software development, cloud architecture, systems engineering, and network engineering across key DoD and Intelligence Community organizations.

Position Description:
We are seeking an innovative and motivated Systems Administrator (SA2) to join a small, talented Linux team supporting Social Media Services in a hybrid cloud environment. This role provides the opportunity to design architectures, develop solutions, and contribute to mission‑critical systems across multiple networks and infrastructures.

The Linux team builds, maintains, secures, and troubleshoots Linux systems across diverse environments. The ideal candidate brings hands‑on Linux administration expertise, strong scripting and automation abilities, and an eagerness to streamline processes. Experience with AWS technologies is highly desirable. The role requires creative problem‑solving, collaboration in a small team, and the ability to communicate clearly with technical stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities

• Build, configure, monitor, and troubleshoot Linux systems across multiple networks and architectures.
• Deploy and maintain COTS and FOSS services on Linux environments.
• Develop, debug, and implement automation solutions using Bash, Python, Puppet, Ansible, or similar tools.
• Contribute to system architecture discussions and solution design.
• Work within a small technical team to resolve issues and maintain system stability.
• Identify opportunities to automate tasks and improve efficiency.
• Communicate system issues effectively with team members and service owners.
• Support and mentor junior team members as needed.

Required Skills

• Strong Linux administration experience (configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting, lifecycle management).
• Experience deploying COTS/FOSS applications and services on Linux systems.
• Experience creating and debugging automation scripts using Bash, Python, Puppet, and/or Ansible.
• Experience collaborating with diverse technical teams to troubleshoot issues.
• Self‑motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn new technologies.
• Strong communication skills for coordination with team members and service owners.

Desired Skills

• Experience with AWS (EC2 Auto Scaling, cloud automation, cloud integrations).
• Experience using aws‑cli and boto3.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment and mentor junior staff.

LCAT Requirements

• Ten (10) years of experience as a Systems Administrator supporting programs of similar scope, type, and complexity.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline from an accredited university.
• Substitution: Five (5) additional years of experience may replace the bachelor's degree.
• Must comply with DoD 8570.01‑M requirements with a minimum IAT Level II certification (Security+, CCNA).

Position: Systems Administrator (SA2) – Linux / Social Media Services Administrator
Location: Annapolis Junction, MD
Clearance: TS/SCI w/ Full Scope Polygraph
Pay Range: $170K – $195K

Company Overview:
Cornerstone Defense, in partnership with our military, intelligence, and civil government customers, supports U.S. operations worldwide through advanced intelligence, satellite, and cyber technologies. Our Intelligence Sector provides support and solutions for information collection, operations, exploitation, dissemination, and research activities. Our specialists focus on software development, cloud architecture, systems engineering, and network engineering across key DoD and Intelligence Community organizations.

Position Description:
We are seeking an innovative and motivated Systems Administrator (SA2) to join a small, talented Linux team supporting Social Media Services in a hybrid cloud environment. This role provides the opportunity to design architectures, develop solutions, and contribute to mission‑critical systems across multiple networks and infrastructures.

The Linux team builds, maintains, secures, and troubleshoots Linux systems across diverse environments. The ideal candidate brings hands‑on Linux administration expertise, strong scripting and automation abilities, and an eagerness to streamline processes. Experience with AWS technologies is highly desirable. The role requires creative problem‑solving, collaboration in a small team, and the ability to communicate clearly with technical stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities

• Build, configure, monitor, and troubleshoot Linux systems across multiple networks and architectures.
• Deploy and maintain COTS and FOSS services on Linux environments.
• Develop, debug, and implement automation solutions using Bash, Python, Puppet, Ansible, or similar tools.
• Contribute to system architecture discussions and solution design.
• Work within a small technical team to resolve issues and maintain system stability.
• Identify opportunities to automate tasks and improve efficiency.
• Communicate system issues effectively with team members and service owners.
• Support and mentor junior team members as needed.

Required Skills

• Strong Linux administration experience (configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting, lifecycle management).
• Experience deploying COTS/FOSS applications and services on Linux systems.
• Experience creating and debugging automation scripts using Bash, Python, Puppet, and/or Ansible.
• Experience collaborating with diverse technical teams to troubleshoot issues.
• Self‑motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn new technologies.
• Strong communication skills for coordination with team members and service owners.

Desired Skills

• Experience with AWS (EC2 Auto Scaling, cloud automation, cloud integrations).
• Experience using aws‑cli and boto3.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment and mentor junior staff.

LCAT Requirements

• Ten (10) years of experience as a Systems Administrator supporting programs of similar scope, type, and complexity.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline from an accredited university.
• Substitution: Five (5) additional years of experience may replace the bachelor's degree.
• Must comply with DoD 8570.01‑M requirements with a minimum IAT Level II certification (Security+, CCNA).