Systems Administrator

Job Summary:

We are seeking a versatile and experienced Lab Manager/System Administrator to oversee and support both our Linux-based IT infrastructure and our lab operations. This role requires a strong Linux background alongside skills in documentation and Authorization to Operate (ATO) management. The candidate will work closely with development, operations, and security teams to ensure the lab environments are compliant, secure, and operationally efficient.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform system administration duties in a Linux environment, including installation, configuration, patch management, and advanced troubleshooting.
• Oversee and manage lab environments, including hardware, networks, virtualized environments, and custom deployments.
• Ensure compliance with relevant security guidelines, including Linux system hardening and adherence to government standards (e.g., STIGs, NIST 800-53, or RMF requirements).
• Collaborate across teams to ensure systems meet requirements for documentation and Authorization to Operate (ATO) processes.
• Maintain detailed and accurate technical documentation, including system configurations, operational guides, and security compliance documents.
• Research, review, and apply compliance-driven solutions for security vulnerabilities (e.g., vendor security bulletins, CVEs).
• Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot IT infrastructure, including servers, network equipment, and storage systems in the lab.
• Develop and implement automation scripts (e.g., shell scripting, Python) to streamline administrative tasks, compliance checks, and backup processes.
• Support lab users by resolving hardware, software, and custom application issues quickly and effectively.
• Manage/maintain classified lab user accounts.
• Perform routine audits of lab security and compliance and prepare detailed reports for leadership and external stakeholders.

Key Collaboration Areas:

• Partner with development and operations teams to ensure seamless integration of new software or hardware into both the lab and production environments.
• Work with security teams to harden systems and maintain compliance with government frameworks for risk management.
• Liaise with government managers and stakeholders to ensure systems meet ATO compliance standards.
• Provide regular updates and technical guidance to both non-technical and technical stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience supporting Linux-based environments (e.g., Red Hat, CentOS, or similar distributions).
• BS and 5-7 Years experience, MS and 3-5 years experience, or PhD and 0-2 years experience.
• Strong knowledge of Linux system hardening principles and mitigation of security vulnerabilities.
• Hands-on experience with Authorization to Operate (ATO) processes and compliance frameworks such as NIST, RMF, and STIGs.
• Proficiency in writing and maintaining documentation for compliance purposes (system configurations, use cases, baseline security settings, etc.).
• Fluency in version control systems (Git/Bitbucket) and familiarity with branching/merging strategies.
• Working knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python) for automation and performance optimization.
• Experience configuring and maintaining virtualized environments and physical hardware in a lab setting.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and communication skills with a focus on customer service.

Additional Requirements:

• Active U.S. Government Secret clearance.
• CompTIA Security+

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Systems Engineering, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Government or military IT system support experience.
• Significant hands-on experience in managing ATO-related submissions and tracking through government approval processes.
• Familiarity with compliance frameworks like CMMC, FedRAMP, or FISMA.
• Knowledge of networking protocols, VPNs, and firewall configurations.
• Experience with cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, etc.) and hybrid environments is a plus.
• Experience configuring and maintaining DevOps pipeline tooling such as Bamboo, Jenkins, GitLab, Travis, etc.

Preferred Certifications:

• Linux+ or similar certifications.
• Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) or similar Linux certifications.
• Certifications related to risk management and information security, e.g., CISSP, CISM, or CAP.

We are an equal opportunity employer and federal government contractor. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment as protected by law.