Tactical System Administrator

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 58,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid basic medical cover

Retirement contributions

Paid vacation and sick time

Paid holidays

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin's Applied Research Laboratories is seeking a Tactical System Administrator to set up and maintain tactical computing solutions on Red Hat Linux in a security-hardened environment at the Pickle Research Campus. You will configure systems for performance and security and support sponsors on-site.

This exempt role requires two years of system administration experience, Linux scripting skills, and the ability to obtain DoD security clearance.

Qualifications

• Two years of system administration experience.
• Willing to obtain DoD 8570.01 (Security+) certification or acquire within 6 months of hire.
• Proficiency with Linux (Red Hat, CentOS), scripting (Bash, Python), data analysis, VMware administration, AWS or equivalents.
• Must be willing to obtain and maintain an active security clearance; higher-level clearances may be required.
• Equivalent education/experience substitutions accepted.

Responsibilities

• Set up and maintain tactical computing solutions on Red Hat Linux in a security-hardened environment.
• Ensure systems are configured for performance and security per standards.
• Test and evaluate software and analytical tools (MATLAB) for sponsor projects.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate functionality and security.
• Automate tasks with scripting and configuration management (Bash, Python, Ansible).
• Provide on-site deployment and sponsor support, with after-hours availability as needed.
• Maintain system and security documentation.

Skills

System administration

Linux

Scripting (Bash, Python)

Security clearance willingness

Communication skills

Education

HS/GED

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Ansible

Git

Nessus

VMware

AWS

C/C++

MATLAB

Job description

• Possible interstate/intrastate travel

Job Posting Title

Tactical System Administrator

Hiring Department

Applied Research Laboratories

Position Open To

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours

40

FLSA Status

Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date

Immediately

Position Duration

Expected to Continue

Location

PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

Job Details

Purpose

Responsibilities

• Set up and maintain tactical computing solutions, primarily using Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems, in a security-hardened environment.
• Ensure systems are configured for optimal performance and security, adhering to best practices and organizational standards.
• Conduct testing and evaluation of tactical system software, engineering solutions, and scientific studies using analytical applications such as MATLAB.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate system functionality and security, ensuring all components meet the required specifications.
• Perform system configuration tasks using scripting languages such as Bash and compiled languages like C/C++.
• Develop and maintain scripts to automate routine tasks and improve system efficiency, ensuring data processing methods are robust and reliable.
• Knowledge of configuration management and version control such as ansible and git.
• Implement and manage information assurance tasks, including system hardening and routine vulnerability assessments using tools such as Nessus.
• Identify and remediate system vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance with security policies and best practices.
• Deploy systems on-site for sponsors and provide reach-back support from the ESL.
• Offer frequent telephone troubleshooting support during business hours and occasionally during non-business hours or weekends to ensure continuous system availability and performance.
• Conduct research to identify and evaluate currently available and emerging technologies that can meet or exceed sponsor technical requirements.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in systems administration and information security to enhance the laboratory's capabilities.
• Perform administrative duties such as conducting physical inventories, managing custodianship of classified holdings, handling classified mailings, and maintaining system and security documentation.
• Ensure all administrative tasks are completed accurately and efficiently to support the smooth operation of the laboratory.
• Deployment and support of systems at sponsor sites
• Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• HS/GED
• Two years of system administration experience.
• Candidate will need to obtain a DoD 8570.01 (CompTIA Security+) approved certification or acquire within 6 months of hire.
• Entry-level skills or knowledge of Linux (e.g. Red Hat, CentOS), scripting (e.g. Bash, Python), data analysis (e.g. evaluating charts, plots), VMware administration, AWS, or respective equivalents.
• The candidate must be willing to obtain and maintain an active security clearance. Additionally, the role may require the candidate to obtain and maintain higher-level or additional security clearances as needed.
• Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Applicant must have a dynamic skill set, willing to work with new technologies, be highly organized and capable of planning and coordinating multiple tasks and managing their time. The position will require attention to detail, effective problem solving skills and excellent judgment. Ability to work independently with sensitive and confidential information, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member without daily supervision and effectively communicate with all groups of clients. Able to work under pressure and accept supervision. Regular and punctual attendance.

US Citizen. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Computer Science, Information Technology or related field.
• Two or more years of combined systems, analysis, coding, and information assurance experience.
• Ability to obtain a forklift license.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Windows operating systems.
• Knowledge of scripting languages such as yaml, Shell/Python and compiled languages such as C/C++ or Java.
• Experience with MATLAB and skills to graph and evaluate analytical data.
• Ability to assess information assurance posture and utilize vulnerability scanners such as Nessus.
• Knowledge of data encryption.
• Experience in deploying and supporting DoD tactical systems.
• Experience supporting ATO compliance implementation and maintenance.
• Experience with process automation using tools such as Ansible, etc. in hybrid and air gapped environments.
• Two or more years providing technical support to project sponsors via various channels of communication (email, phone, etc.).
• An active security clearance, or recently archived security clearance.
• Eligibility for immediate access to classified information.

Driving Required

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.

General Notes

An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.

Visit our website (www.arlut.utexas.edu) for additional information about Applied Research Laboratories.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays

Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.

Salary Range

$58,000-$70,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity
• Possible weekend, evening and holiday work
• Possible interstate/intrastate travel

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin 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. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.