Linux Systems Administrator / Engineer - active Secret

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.

 

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).

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.

$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.