Classified Linux Systems Administrator at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)

Do you thrive in and love a fast-paced, dynamic classified environment?

Do you want to be empowered to take ownership and stake in the overall engineering and operations of the IT infrastructure?

Are you interested in learning new technologies and creating new IT capabilities?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to apply and join our team at APL!

We are ranked as one of Computerworld 's Top Places to Work in IT for 6 years running, and we are seeking a Linux Systems Administrator to help us protect APL's information technology infrastructure. We are seeking an experienced Linux System Administrator with a background in classified environments to join our team. As a Linux System Administrator, you will play a vital role in maintaining and supporting our classified systems and infrastructure.

As a Linux Systems Administrator you will...

• Manage, configure, and maintain Linux-based systems in a classified environment. This includes installation, configuration, patching, and ongoing system administration/monitoring to ensure optimal performance, security, and availability.
• Implement security measures to protect classified information, following relevant policies, guidelines, and regulatory requirements. Perform regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and implement necessary security patches and updates.
• Provide technical support to end-users in a classified environment, assisting with system access, software installations, troubleshooting user issues, and responding to user inquiries. Maintain user accounts, permissions, and access controls in compliance with security protocols.
• Respond to and resolve system-related incidents and issues promptly, ensuring minimal downtime and disruption to operations. Troubleshoot and diagnose complex system problems, working closely with other IT teams and external resources as needed.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), system configurations, troubleshooting guides, and knowledge base articles. Continuously improve processes and procedures to enhance system reliability, efficiency, and security.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...

• Possess a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Hands-on experience administering/maintaining classified computer networks
• Have 4+ years experience in Linux systems administration
• Have in-depth knowledge of Linux operating systems (Red Hat, CentOS, or similar) and their administration, including system installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Have familiarity with virtualization technologies (VMware, KVM, or similar) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience scripting to automating manual efforts.
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting layer 2 networks
• Experience applying STIGs to operating systems, applications and network peripherals.
• Superb communication and collaboration skills effectively working and interacting with a diverse team.
• Current DoD 8570 certification (Security+ or CISSP), or ability to obtain DoD 8570 certification within 6 months of employment required.
• Have an active Top Secret SCI w/poly security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You 'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have...

• A Master’s degree in Information Systems/Technology, Cybersecurity or Computer Science or related field.
• Relevant certifications such as Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA).
• Experience working with configuration management tools such as Puppet, Ansible, or Chef
• Experience working with Windows Servers and Server functions such as Group Policy, Active Directory, DNS etc.

Why work at APL?

While the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory brings world-class expertise to a broad range of challenges, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, innovation ecosystem where you can feel safe to share ideas and to continue to grow personally and professionally. At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas and have earned Best Places to Work accolades in outlets such as Fast Companies and Glassdoor.

Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For part-time salaried employees, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, part-time study and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.