Systems Engineer – Linux Closed-Network Operations

Ctrl +; Corridor North (MD); On-site; USD 135,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10% employer 401(k) non-electiveconrib

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Employee Assistance Program

Certification reimbursement

Equipment reimbursement

Referral and retention bonuses

Team events

Job summary

Ctrl+ is seeking an experienced Linux systems engineer for on-site work in Annapolis Junction, MD. Applicants must hold an active TS/SCI with polygraph; no sponsorship.

You will administer Linux across multiple sites, automate tasks with Bash and Python, and ensure compliance with government security requirements. This role also covers basic Cisco switch configuration, container services, and clear technical documentation.

Qualifications

• 7 years of relevant experience with a degree in CS or related field.
• Proficient with Linux CLI and Linux system administration.
• Bash and Python automation scripting.
• Experience with security compliance for government systems.
• Familiar with basic Cisco switch configuration.
• Experience with container technologies: Docker, Podman or containerd.
• Strong technical documentation skills.
• Preferred: Windows system administration, NetApp storage, vSphere/vCenter, Jira and Confluence.

Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain Linux systems across multiple sites.
• Automate operational and maintenance tasks with Bash and Python.
• Ensure systems meet established security compliance policies.
• Support basic network switch configuration.
• Support containerized services and tooling.
• Create and maintain clear technical documentation.

Skills

Linux administration

Bash scripting

Python automation

Security compliance

Technical documentation

Cisco switch basics

Docker/Podman

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related discipline

Tools

Docker

Podman

containerd

Jira

Confluence

vSphere/vCenter

NetApp storage

Job description

Work location: Annapolis Junction, MD

Work arrangement: On-site

Required Clearance: TS/SCI with polygraph

Applicants must currently hold an active TS/SCI with polygraph. Ctrl+ does not sponsor new security clearances or clearance upgrades. Applicants who do not meet this requirement cannot be considered.

Location & In-Person Requirement

All positions require in-person work. Applicants must live within commuting distance of the listed work location to be considered. Some roles may allow limited telework, but regular on-site attendance is required. These are not fully remote positions.

Your next challenge

Keep a closed, multi-site mission system secure, stable and well documented. Partner directly with customer stakeholders across capabilities and operations teams.

The mission

Support a closed enterprise system that spans multiple locations, helping mission teams rely on secure, compliant and well-maintained infrastructure.

What you’ll do

• Administer and maintain Linux systems across multiple sites
• Automate operational and maintenance tasks with Bash and Python
• Ensure systems meet established security compliance policies
• Support basic network switch configuration
• Support containerized services and tooling
• Create and maintain clear technical documentation

What you’ll bring

• 7 years of relevant experience. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related discipline from an accredited college or university.
• Linux command-line tools and Linux system administration
• Bash and Python automation scripting
• Security compliance requirements for government systems
• Basic Cisco switch configuration
• Docker, Podman or containerd
• Technical documentation

Preferred qualifications

• Windows system administration
• NetApp storage
• vSphere/vCenter virtualization
• Jira and Confluence

Compensation and flexibility

$98.02–$108.23 per hour in approximate pay; employer 401(k) contribution is additional.

Compensation: The listed range reflects approximate hourly pay across our compensation models and excludes Ctrl+’s employer 401(k) contribution. Your hourly pay will vary based on qualifications, experience, and the compensation model you select. The lower end reflects a no-bonus option with five weeks of PTO; the upper end reflects the Max Rate option without bonus or PTO.

Choose from three compensation models: Max Rate, With Bonus, or With Bonus and PTO. Offers include a projected five-year compensation comparison and a package comparison sheet. PTO and bonuses depend on the selected model and role eligibility.

Why Ctrl+?

Ctrl+ is a software engineering and staffing firm based in Elkridge, Maryland, supporting Department of Defense missions in the Fort Meade area and other listed locations. Founded by two college roommates, Brad and Bhavin, Ctrl+ brings a close-knit team approach, with founders who work on contracts alongside employees.

Benefits include:

• 10% employer 401(k) non-elective contribution
• Employer-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability insurance
• Medical, dental and vision coverage options
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development and certification reimbursement
• Technology and ergonomic equipment reimbursement, subject to eligibility
• Referral and retention bonus programs, subject to eligibility
• Paid social and team events

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ctrl+ is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and job requirements. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process.