The Linux System Administrator position is responsible for providing Linux system administration and technical support services to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), RDL Division, under the Phillips Research Site Information Systems Management (PRsISM) contract.
Working with minimal supervision and in coordination with enterprise IT services, the Linux System Administrator will install, configure, secure, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux-based servers, scientific workstations, and associated hardware and software within a specialized research and development environment. Responsibilities include operating system administration, system security and compliance, storage and backup management, scientific application support, and integration with enterprise and research networks.
The position supports systems operating across unclassified and authorized classified environments, including the Defense Research and Engineering Network (DREN), associated enclaves, and standalone systems. The Linux System Administrator will collaborate with Linux and Windows support technicians, cybersecurity personnel, enterprise administrators, and government scientists and engineers to ensure reliable, secure, and effective computing services in support of the RDL research mission.
Since 1976, SMS has specialized in modernizing legacy IT and sustaining complex enterprise environments for federal agencies. With the goal of building long-term partnerships with our customers, we invest in our employees by providing the training, tools, and support they need to keep critical missions operational, improve performance, and reduce risk. SMS is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with offices and on-site operations at customer locations throughout the United States. For additional information on SMS, visit www.sms.com.
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Job Responsibilities
Linux Systems Administration
- Install, configure, administer, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux-based servers, scientific workstations, and associated hardware and software within the AFRL/RDL computing environment.
- Perform operating system lifecycle management, including system deployment, configuration, patching, upgrades, performance monitoring, and preventive maintenance.
- Administer Linux system services, user accounts, groups, file permissions (POSIX/ACLs), and network file services (NFS/SMB).
- Diagnose and resolve complex operating system, hardware, application, and performance issues, coordinating with enterprise administrators and vendors as necessary.
- Develop and maintain Linux shell scripts and automated processes to support system configuration, maintenance, monitoring, and routine administrative tasks.
Cybersecurity and Compliance
- Maintain system security configurations in accordance with applicable DoD, DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), Air Force, and AFRL cybersecurity requirements.
- Perform security patching, system hardening, vulnerability remediation, access control management, and system logging and auditing for assigned Linux systems.
- Support Risk Management Framework (RMF), Authorization to Operate (ATO), and related cybersecurity accreditation activities through technical documentation, configuration management, and compliance assessments.
Scientific Computing and Application Support
- Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot scientific and engineering applications, development tools, compilers, and associated software licensing services used by AFRL/RDL researchers.
- Support specialized computing environments, laboratory systems, and research workflows, coordinating with scientists and engineers to resolve technical issues and maintain system functionality.
- Evaluate and recommend hardware, operating system, software, and infrastructure improvements to support evolving research requirements.
Storage, Backup, and Disaster Recovery
- Administer and maintain storage resources, including local and network storage, RAID configurations, SAN/NAS systems, and associated file-sharing services.
- Manage and monitor system backups, perform data restoration and recovery operations, and support disaster recovery and continuity of operations planning and testing.
Network and Systems Integration
- Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux system connectivity across authorized enterprise, research, and isolated computing environments, including DREN, designated enclaves, and standalone systems.
- Coordinate with Windows, network, and cybersecurity administrators to support cross-platform integration, network services, secure connectivity, and resolution of complex infrastructure issues.
- Provide Linux system administration and operational support for authorized classified computing environments in accordance with applicable security requirements and system access authorizations.
Documentation, Coordination, and Technical Support
- Create, maintain, and update system documentation, configuration baselines, operating procedures, maintenance records, and technical information supporting cybersecurity compliance and continuity of operations.
- Provide advanced technical troubleshooting and escalation support for Linux-related incidents and service requests, collaborating with the RDL Linux Technician and other support personnel to ensure timely resolution.
- Coordinate with enterprise support organizations, government personnel, and other technical teams to support system maintenance, planned changes, integration activities, and continued availability of mission-critical computing resources.
Required Qualifications
- Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance, with the ability to meet all security and access requirements associated with assigned systems.
- Must possess a current DoD-approved Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level II certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+ CE) by the first day of work and maintain certification throughout employment.
- Minimum of 3 years of hands-on Linux system administration experience in an enterprise, government, or similarly complex computing environment.
- Demonstrated experience installing, configuring, administering, and troubleshooting RPM-based Linux distributions, particularly Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Rocky Linux, or equivalent distributions.
- Working knowledge of Linux operating system administration, including user and group management, file permissions, system services, package management, patching, and system performance troubleshooting.
- Experience with Linux networking and storage technologies, including TCP/IP, DNS, NFS/SMB, RAID, and local or network-attached storage.
- Experience with Linux shell scripting (Bash or equivalent) for system administration, troubleshooting, and task automation.
- Working knowledge of system security practices, including operating system hardening, vulnerability remediation, access controls, and security patch management.
- Ability to independently troubleshoot complex technical problems and effectively communicate with technical personnel and end users.
Desired Qualifications
- Current Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE), or other relevant Linux administration certification.
- Experience supporting Linux-based scientific computing environments, research laboratories, or engineering organizations.
- Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity requirements, DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), Risk Management Framework (RMF), and system accreditation processes.
- Experience with configuration management and automation tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or similar technologies.
- Experience administering virtualization technologies, storage systems (SAN/NAS), enterprise backup solutions, and disaster recovery processes.
- Experience installing, configuring, and troubleshooting scientific and engineering applications, compilers, and software licensing services.
- Experience supporting systems connected to classified enclaves and/or other specialized government networks.
- Familiarity with Windows operating systems and integration between Linux and Windows environments.
- Previous experience supporting Department of Defense, federal government, or classified research computing environments.
SMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
REQ # 2026-5612