Linux Systems Administrator / Engineer - active Secret

Program Overview

Supports the U. S. Air Force by providing processes and tools to enable the enterprise division and its customers to acquire, develop, manage, transform, inspect, store, distribute, and maintain technical data. Recognized as the authority in technical data management, the program sustains two Air Force Enterprise systems.

About The Role

Peraton is seeking a Linux Systems Administrator / Engineer with a strong background in RHEL administration, enterprise operations, and DoD security/compliance standards for its' PDSS program. This role is responsible for the health, stability, and performance of a large and growing Red Hat Enterprise Linux environment while also serving as one of the primary contributors to security hardening, vulnerability remediation, and RMF compliance activities.

The ideal candidate is an experienced Linux engineer who enjoys owning full-stack system operations—builds, patching, automation, monitoring, troubleshooting—while also driving strong security outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the lifecycle of a 150+ node RHEL environment including provisioning, patching, configuration management, and system optimization.

• Perform troubleshooting across OS, application, network, and storage layers in collaboration with other engineering teams.

• Maintain system availability, performance, and reliability through proactive monitoring, tuning, and root-cause analysis.

• Support deployments, upgrades, modernization initiatives, migrations, and infrastructure expansion projects.

• Develop and enhance automation for common operational tasks using Ansible, Bash, and Python.

• Administer core services (e.g., SSH, systemd, logging, networking, NFS/SMB, web services, SELinux).

• Apply and maintain DISA STIGs and DoD security baselines across Linux systems.

• Conduct vulnerability scanning (ACAS/Nessus/OpenSCAP), evaluate CVEs, and drive remediation efforts.

• Participate in RMF/ATO documentation, evidence collection, audit support, and POA&M maintenance.

• Ensure consistent application of security controls, patch standards, and system compliance requirements.

• Integrate Linux logs and events into enterprise security and monitoring platforms (Splunk, syslog, etc.).

• Support implementation of authentication, MFA, certificate-based access, and secure communications.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5 years of relevant expereince with a BS/BA; 3 years with an MS/MA.
• Experience maintaining and administering medium-to-large Linux fleets (100+ systems preferred).
• ​Experience with kernel hardening, filesystem security, and cryptographic standards (FIPS 140-2).
• Hands-on experience with DISA STIGs, RMF processes, ACAS/Nessus, and vulnerability remediation.
• Proficiency with automation and configuration tools (Ansible, Satellite, YUM/DNF, Bash, Python).
• Experience with VMware vSphere/ESXi and virtualized server deployments.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Active DoD Secret clearance.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with containers (Docker, Podman, Kubernetes).
• Experience with Splunk, Nagios, or similar log and monitoring tools.
• Experience supporting web application stacks (Java/Tomcat/JBoss/Apache).
• Experience securing Apache, Tomcat, or JBOSS in DoD environments.
  
• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE).

SCA / Union / Intern Rate or Range

Details

Target Salary Range: $86,000 - $138,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.