Patch Management Engineer

Peraton is seeking a skilled Patch Management Engineer to lead the planning, deployment, and validation of monthly operating system patches across Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and Windows Server environments. This role is critical to maintaining enterprise system security, compliance, and operational stability. The ideal candidate will possess hands-on experience with DNF/YUM, WSUS, and automation tools such as Ansible, PowerShell, and Bash. A strong understanding of compliance frameworks such as DoD STIGs and NIST standards is essential.

Work Environment & Schedule:
Position requires flexibility to work after hours or on weekends during scheduled patch windows.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the end-to-end deployment of security patches and system updates for RHEL and/or Windows server platforms.
• Ensure systems remain compliant with internal security policies and external regulatory standards through timely and accurate patching.
• Develop and maintain patching schedules to minimize system downtime and business disruption.
• Automate patch management tasks—including deployment, testing, and reporting—using tools such as Ansible, PowerShell, and Bash.
• Troubleshoot patch-related issues, including installation failures and system reboots, and coordinate resolution across teams.
• Validate patch compliance and security posture using tools such as Nessus, Splunk, and other vulnerability assessment platforms.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to assess risk, prioritize patching efforts, and respond to emerging threats or zero-day vulnerabilities.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of patching procedures, schedules, and validation steps to support audits and operational continuity.
• Coordinate with system administrators and IT stakeholders to resolve compatibility or performance issues resulting from patch deployment.
• Stay informed on emerging security trends, vulnerabilities, and best practices to continuously improve patch management strategies.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree or a High School diploma and 4 years of experience
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance
• Proven experience in patch management within Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and/or Windows Server environments.
• Proficiency in using package management tools such as DNF/YUM and/or Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or comparable solutions.
• Practical experience with automation tools, including Ansible for RHEL patching and/or PowerShell scripting for Windows automation.
• Solid understanding of security hardening principles and vulnerability management practices.
• Familiarity 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 resolve issues in complex enterprise environments.
• Strong analytical capabilities coupled with excellent problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Security+ certification or an equivalent industry credential.
• Experience working within government agencies or other highly regulated sectors.
• Knowledge of ITIL best practices, including service request and change management processes.
• Familiarity with tools such as GitLab, Splunk, CrowdStrike, and CyberArk.
• Experience with 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.