Principal Linux System Administrator

SciTec, a wholly owned subsidiary of Firefly Aerospace, is a dynamic non-traditional defense contractor that delivers advanced technologies in support of U.S. National Security and Defense. For the past forty-five plus years, we have supported Department of Defense customers by developing innovative remote sensing algorithms, tools, and techniques to deliver world-class data exploitation capabilities supporting missile defense; intelligence, surveillance, & reconnaissance; space domain awareness; and aircraft survivability missions. Important Notice: SciTec exclusively works on U.S. government contracts that require U.S. citizenship for all employees. Applicants that do not meet this requirement will not be considered. SciTec has an immediate opportunity for a talented engineer to support our programs delivering Next-Generation Missile Warning software. This is a unique opportunity to join a business delivering core capabilities for National defense. You will work within a fast-paced team delivering end-to-end software processing of Overhead Persistent InfraRed (OPIR) sensor data for Missile Warning, Missile Defense, Battlespace Awareness, and Technical Intelligence. We are seeking a skilled Linux System Administrator to support the installation, configuration, security, and ongoing operation of Linux- and Windows-based systems in a secure, mission-focused environment. The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, and comfortable working across infrastructure, security, and operations teams. Responsibilities Serve as the technical team lead for the System Administrator group, providing mentorship, guidance, and oversight to ensure consistent operational excellence Install, configure, and maintain Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) workstations and servers in accordance with defined baselines Implement and maintain system security, hardening, integrity monitoring, backups, and auditing i.e. STIG, SCAP Perform patch and package management, including installation and maintenance of third-party software i.e. IDEs, Pypi, Docker registry, Monitor system performance, availability, and health; troubleshoot and resolve hardware and software issues, Support and maintain virtualized and workstation environments (e.g., VMware) Install, configure, and troubleshoot servers, switches, and storage systems Configure and support networking in mixed Linux and Windows environments Document system configurations, procedures, and changes in accordance with policies and requirements Collaborate effectively with team members, security personnel, and end users Provide technical support and respond to operational issues through resolution Participate in continuous improvement, automation, and modernization efforts Perform other duties as assigned Requirements 8+ years of professional experience administering Linux systems (RHEL preferred) Experience with: Installation and configuration of RHEL 8 servers and workstations System security, hardening (STIG), auditing, and backup strategies Patch and package management Virtualization technologies including VMware, Podman, Docker, Image registries, Red Hat Openshift/Kubernetes Hardware and software troubleshooting Networking in heterogeneous (Linux/Windows) environments Strong oral and written communication skills Detail oriented Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to own issues through completion Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance Candidates who have any of the following skills will be preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Network Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field Experience with: Dell servers, switches, and SAN solutions VMware vSphere Root Cause Analysis and documenting findings DISA SCAP Compliance Checker and DISA STIG implementation RHEL 8/9/10 NAS and/or SAN configuration and maintenance Configuration management, Automation, Scripting (Ansible, Bash, Python) Git/GitLab and CI/CD pipelines Containers and orchestration (Podman/Docker, RHOCP/Kubernetes, minikube, image registries) Relevant certifications are preferred but not required i.e. Security+ RHCSA / RHCE / LPIC-1 Resumes, Cover Letters, and Applications which are generated by AI will not be considered for employment. Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information Benefits SciTec offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including: 4% Safe Harbor 401(k) match 100% company paid HSA Medical insurance, with a choice of 2 buy-up options 80% company paid Dental insurance 100% company paid Vision insurance 100% company paid Life insurance 100% company paid Long-term Disability insurance Short-term Disability insurance Annual Profit-Sharing Plan Discretionary Performance Bonus Paid Parental Leave Generous Paid Time Off, including Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Pay Flexible work hours The pay range for this position is $149,000 - $184,000 / year. SciTec considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. This is not a guarantee of compensation. SciTec is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. VET/Disabled.