Lead Patch Management Engineer

Peraton is seeking a skilled Lead Patch Management Engineer to lead and coordinate the deployment of monthly operating system patches across Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and Windows Server environments. This role plays a key part in maintaining the security, stability, and compliance of enterprise systems by ensuring patching is performed in alignment with organizational policies and industry best practices.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with patch management tools and processes, including DNF/YUM for RHEL and WSUS for Windows. Strong proficiency in automation, scripting, and compliance validation is essential for success in this position.

Work Environment & Schedule:

• Availability to work after-hours or weekends as required during scheduled patch deployment windows.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, deployment, and validation of monthly security patches and updates for RHEL and Windows Server systems using DNF/YUM and WSUS.
• Develop and maintain patching schedules that minimize operational impact while ensuring adherence to security policies and compliance requirements.
• Automate patch deployment, validation, and reporting workflows through scripting languages such as Ansible, PowerShell, and Bash.
• Monitor patch deployments to identify and resolve issues, including failed updates and system reboot challenges.
• Ensure all patching activities align with DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), NIST frameworks, and organizational security policies.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to evaluate vulnerabilities, prioritize patch remediation based on risk assessments, and improve overall system security posture.
• Generate comprehensive patch compliance and status reports using tools such as Nessus, Splunk, and other relevant security platforms.
• Maintain detailed documentation of patching procedures, schedules, and post-deployment validation processes.
• Work closely with system administrators and security teams to resolve any compatibility or operational challenges resulting from patch deployments.
• Stay current with emerging vulnerabilities, industry standards, and patch management best practices to continually enhance the patch management program.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to junior engineers and cross-functional teams involved in patch management activities.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree and 5 years of experience or a Masters degree and 3 years of experience or a High School diploma and 9 years of experience. 
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain security clearance.
• Experience in patch management within RHEL and/or Windows Server environments.
• Relevant certification such as Security+ or an equivalent credential is required.
• Proficiency with DNF/YUM package managers and/or Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), or comparable tools.
• Practical experience automating patch management using Ansible for RHEL and/or PowerShell scripting for Windows environments.
• Solid background in security hardening and vulnerability management practices.
• Experience working with vulnerability scanning and patch management tools such as Nessus, AWS Systems Manager (SSM), and/or Azure Update Manager (AUM).
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot patch failures and remediate issues in complex enterprise environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proven experience leading and mentoring junior team members within a high-performance team setting.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in government or other highly regulated environments.
• Familiarity with ITIL best practices, including service request and change management processes.
• Working knowledge of tools such as GitLab, Splunk, CrowdStrike, or CyberArk.
• Experience using ServiceNow and/or JIRA platforms.

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.