Systems Engineers SME – TS

VMD Corp; Quantico (VA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Xcelerate Solutions is seeking a Systems Engineer SME for Quantico, VA, hybrid work, with a Secret clearance. Responsibilities include administering Linux/Windows servers, designing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines, and managing SUSE Rancher Prime and RKE2 Kubernetes clusters to support containerized apps.

You will implement IaC, enhance security, and collaborate across DevSecOps teams. The role demands 5+ years of enterprise server experience, strong scripting skills, and deep knowledge of

Qualifications

• Active Top Security Clearance.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in a technical field.
• 5+ years of experience administering Linux and Windows enterprise server environments.
• Hands-on experience building, deploying, and maintaining CI/CD pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Administer, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux/Windows servers on‑premise and cloud.
• Design, implement, and maintain secure, automated CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, Ansible, Git.
• Deploy, configure, operate, and maintain Kubernetes clusters (SUSE Rancher Prime, RKE2).
• Monitor performance, availability and security; resolve infrastructure issues.
• Automate provisioning and configuration with IaC (Terraform, Ansible).
• Collaborate with developers and cybersecurity teams to embed DevSecOps practices.
• Implement security controls, remediation, and compliance across environments.
• Support Kubernetes workloads, networking, storage, and cluster lifecycle management.
• Perform patching, backups, DR, and configuration management.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and system architecture documentation.
• Troubleshoot complex infrastructure and deployment issues; participate in incident response.

Skills

CI/CD pipelines

Linux administration

Scripting (Bash/PowerShell/Python)

DevSecOps collaboration

Troubleshooting and analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/IT/Engineering

Tools

Jenkins

Ansible

Git/GitLab/GitHub

Maven/Gradle

SUSE Rancher Prime

RKE2

Helm

Terraform

Docker

Job description

Xcelerate Solutions is currently seeking Systems Engineers SME with experience building, deploying CI/CD pipelines as well as managing Kubernetes environments. Come join our award-winning organization and work with some of the most talented and brightest minds in the GovCon industry.

Location

Quantico, VA (Hybrid)

Clearance

Secret

Responsibilities

• Administer, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux and Windows server environments in both on-premises and cloud infrastructures.
• Design, implement, and maintain secure, automated CI/CD pipelines using tools such as Jenkins, Ansible, Git, and other DevOps automation technologies.
• Deploy, configure, operate, and maintain SUSE Rancher Prime RKE2 Kubernetes clusters to support containerized applications.
• Monitor system performance, availability, and security while proactively identifying and resolving infrastructure issues.
• Automate infrastructure provisioning, configuration management, and application deployments using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles.
• Collaborate with software developers, cybersecurity teams, and systems engineers to integrate DevSecOps practices throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Implement security controls, vulnerability remediation, and compliance requirements across enterprise environments.
• Support Kubernetes workloads, container orchestration, networking, storage, and cluster lifecycle management.
• Perform system patching, upgrades, backup, disaster recovery, and configuration management activities.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and system architecture documentation.
• Troubleshoot complex infrastructure, application deployment, and containerization issues across multiple environments.
• Participate in incident response, root cause analysis, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Ensure high availability, scalability, and reliability of infrastructure supporting mission-critical applications.
• Support Agile development teams by enabling continuous integration, continuous delivery, and automated testing capabilities.
• Maintain compliance with organizational cybersecurity policies, federal security standards, and best practices.

Minimum Requirement

• Active Top Security Clearance
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent professional experience).
• 5+ years of experience administering Linux and Windows enterprise server environments.
• Sec+ (or IAT Level II certification equivalent)
• Hands-on experience building, deploying, and maintaining CI/CD pipelines using:
  • Jenkins
  • Ansible
  • Git/GitLab/GitHub
  • Maven, Gradle, or similar build automation tools
• Experience deploying and managing Kubernetes environments, specifically:
  • SUSE Rancher Prime
  • RKE2 (Rancher Kubernetes Engine 2)
  • Helm
  • Kubernetes networking and storage
• Experience with container technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Knowledge of Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Ansible, or similar automation frameworks).
• Experience with scripting languages including Bash, PowerShell, or Python.
• Strong understanding of Linux system administration (RHEL, Ubuntu, SUSE, etc.).
• Experience administering Microsoft Windows Server environments, including Active Directory and Group Policy.
• Familiarity with DevSecOps methodologies and integrating security into CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience with vulnerability scanning, security hardening, STIG implementation, and compliance frameworks.
• Knowledge of version control systems such as Git.
• Experience monitoring infrastructure using enterprise monitoring and logging platforms.
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

About Xcelerate Solutions

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in McLean, VA, Xcelerate Solutions (www.xceleratesolutions.com) is one of America's fastest-growing companies. Xcelerate’s culture is defined by our diversified workforce of dynamic and versatile professionals, supported with growth and development opportunities that contribute to individual and company growth. This strong commitment to our employees has been recognized by our inclusion on the Washington Business Journal’s “50 Best Places to Work” list as well as being a “Great Place to Work” certified company with a 4.6 star, and a 99% CEO approval Glassdoor rating. Come find out why Xcelerate Solutions is one of the top DC Metro employers!

Xcelerate Solutions is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, equal pay, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or expression of another protected characteristic. As part of this commitment to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals, Xcelerate provides reasonable accommodations if needed because of an applicant's or an employee's disability.

Pay Transparency Notice: Xcelerate Solutions will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.