Senior Linux System Administrator

Description

The company is a global technology and professional services firm serving US government, defense and intelligence agencies, with 26,000 staff and operations in more than 50 countries. Its work covers AI, cloud, cyber and software development.

This role keeps the servers running that process data from a worldwide buoy network run by the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC). The job is based at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

Responsibilities

• Take a turn in an around-the-clock on-call rotation, every day of the year, for the primary mission-critical data processing, applications and functions that keep NDBC running.
• Help improve IT architecture so essential functions and the data flow continue without interruption.
• Support the yearly NDBC IT Assessment and Authorization (A&A) audits by applying security patches and security-focused configuration changes, and by acting on Plan of Action & Milestones (POAM) items to help NDBC keep its Authority to Operate (ATO).
• Maintain Linux servers and clients on premises and in AWS cloud, following system administration best practices.
• Patch and configure systems to meet NOAA security requirements.
• Upgrade operating systems before they reach end of support.
• Support software development work.
• Deploy updates to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and internal applications.
• Plan and carry out moving local systems to the cloud where it makes sense on cost.
• Keep system and data backups reliable.
• Manage server certificates.
• Maintain Red Hat Enterprise Linux subscriptions.
• Tune performance, upgrade hardware and optimize resources as needed.
• Tell stakeholders about upcoming maintenance and its expected impact.
• Build automation to handle routine administration tasks.
• Maintain and monitor data center environmental equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems or an equivalent field. Relevant experience may count as the equivalent.
• At least 8 years of related experience in IT infrastructure, Linux and system administration.
• Advanced, demonstrated experience supporting Red Hat Linux, Apache, Tomcat, drivers, applications, vulnerabilities, security requirements and postures, and quarterly STIG updates.
• Understanding of programming languages such as Java, Python, PHP and Perl.
• Experience installing and maintaining hardware, operating systems, software, network systems and security systems.
• Regular experience applying OS patches and upgrades, upgrading admin tools and utilities, and adding or removing services as needed.
• Able to work independently, spot areas for improvement and propose solutions.
• Able to communicate clearly with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Must pass a NOAA (Stennis Space Center)/NASA background investigation for site and system access.
• Must obtain and keep facility credentials/authorization. These credentials at this location require US citizenship or a valid Green Card. US citizenship is not otherwise required for the role.
• Preferred: 8 or more years installing, configuring, operating and maintaining IT system hardware, software and infrastructure.
• A plus: knowledge of AWS solutions and migrating Linux systems.
• Highly preferred: experience automating recurring system administration tasks, including scripting languages.
• Desirable: experience with AWS Lambda, containers and EC2 instances.

Conditions

Onsite at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, USA. No remote option.

Full-time schedule of 40 hours per week. No travel required.

Likely salary range of $90,950 to $123,050. This is not a guarantee. Pay is set by experience, geographic location and possibly contract terms, and may fall outside this range.

Hiring includes an identity check using biometrics and AI. Virtual interviews require you to be on camera, your picture may be taken, and proceeding authorizes use of your biometric data for verification and security.

Equal opportunity employer that welcomes individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Benefits

• Medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, plus dental and vision plans.
• 401(k) with pre-tax and post-tax contributions up to IRS annual limits and a company match.
• Full flex work weeks where possible.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave.
• Short- and long-term disability, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness, and business travel and accident insurance, provided or available.