Senior Systems Administrator (Linux)

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Systems Administrator – Linux to design, deploy, and maintain enterprise‑grade Linux environments. This role is responsible for ensuring system stability, security, and performance across mission‑critical workloads. The ideal candidate has deep Linux expertise, strong automation skills, and thrives in fast‑paced, highly secure environments.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

Linux Engineering & Administration

• Administer and maintain Linux servers (Red Hat, CentOS, Ubuntu, or similar) across production, staging, and development environments.
• Perform system tuning, kernel configuration, and performance optimization for servers and applications.
• Conduct capacity planning and proactively address resource constraints.

 

Virtualization, Containers & Infrastructure Automation

• Manage virtualization platforms (VMware, KVM, Hyper‑V) and containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Automate system administration tasks using Bash, Python, and configuration management tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef).
• Implement infrastructure‑as‑code practices using tools such as Terraform.

 

Security, Hardening & Compliance

• Design, implement, and maintain system security measures including firewalls, SELinux/AppArmor, access controls, and intrusion detection.
• Apply OS hardening standards and ensure compliance with organizational and DoD security requirements.
• Support vulnerability remediation and patch management for Linux systems.

 

High Availability, Backup & Disaster Recovery

• Plan and execute backup strategies, disaster recovery procedures, and high‑availability solutions.
• Support clustering technologies, replication, and failover configurations.

 

Collaboration & Cross‑Functional Support

• Work closely with development, network, and security teams to support applications, databases, and enterprise services.
• Troubleshoot complex issues involving networking, storage, authentication, and application dependencies.

 

Documentation, Standards & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain detailed documentation of system architecture, processes, procedures, and incidents.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies, tools, and best practices to improve reliability, performance, and operational efficiency.
• Contribute to standardization and modernization of Linux platform operations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology or a related field, and 8 years of experience. 4 years of additional equivalent experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
• 5 years of hands‑on Linux systems administration experience in enterprise environments.
• Strong experience with virtualization platforms (VMware ESXi, vSphere, Hyper‑V).
• Proficiency with automation and configuration management tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef).
• Strong scripting skills (Bash, Python).
• DoD 8140 IAT Level II certification (e.g., Security+).
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform).
• Certifications such as RHCE, AWS SysOps Administrator, or similar.
• Experience with Kubernetes, container orchestration, or CI/CD pipelines.

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.

$112,000 - $179,000. 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.