Senior Systems Engineer (Linux)

Alexandria, Virginia

Secret

Hybrid schedule

Information Technology

Overview

GovCIO is currently hiring a highly experienced Senior Systems Engineer to support critical infrastructure modernization and platform engineering activities for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). This highly technical role focuses on designing, engineering, and maintaining secure, high-availability Linux enterprise architectures. This position will be located in Alexandria, VA, and will be a hybrid position.

Responsibilities

The Senior Systems / Linux Engineer will serve as the core technical authority for enterprise Linux infrastructure and operating system security. Core responsibilities include:

• Lead the comprehensive engineering, technical planning, and execution of modernizing legacy infrastructure into scalable Linux-based enterprise architectures.

• Configure, optimize, and manage enterprise-grade Linux distributions, specifically Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), across hybrid cloud environments.

• Analyze and address all operating system performance, resource optimization, storage allocation, and kernel tuning implications.

• Architect and implement robust, high-availability Linux clusters, failover mechanisms, and automated backup strategies.

• Design and deploy automated configuration management scripts and infrastructure as code (IaC) to eliminate manual deployment steps.

• Develop the foundational infrastructure and secure pipelines required for seamless integration into enterprise data tools.

• Conduct technical root cause analysis, performance monitoring, and security hardening on active Linux systems and servers.

• Proactively identify architectural vulnerabilities during system migrations and design targeted engineering workarounds.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, deployment guides, and infrastructure topology diagrams.

Qualifications

High School with 9+ years (or commensurate experience)

Required Skills & Experience

• Certifications: DoD 8570 IAT Level II or higher (e.g., Security+ CE, CySA+) and a recognized Linux certification (e.g., RHCE, RHCSA).

• Deep technical proficiency in administrative engineering, configuration, and advanced troubleshooting of RHEL or similar enterprise Linux platforms.

• Hands-on engineering experience using advanced automation scripts (e.g., Ansible, Bash, Python, or Puppet) for systems orchestration.

• Proven experience implementing DISA STIGs and hardening enterprise Linux operating systems to meet federal security baselines.

Clearance Level: Must have an active Secret clearance

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Prior experience supporting U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) software modernization programs.

• Direct experience utilizing or developing custom integrations and data connectors for the Collibra data governance platform.

• Familiarity with hosting, connecting, or optimizing Linux-based server environments that support the Collibra data governance platform.

• Advanced knowledge of Linux storage management (LVM, SAN, NAS) and network configuration (TCP/IP, routing, firewalls).

• Experience engineering virtualized environments (VMware vSphere) or cloud-hosted infrastructure (AWS, Azure).

Posted Salary Range

USD $115,000.00 - USD $140,000.00 /Yr.

Company Overview

GovCIO is a team of transformers--people who are passionate about transforming government IT. Every day, we make a positive impact by delivering innovative IT services and solutions that improve how government agencies operate and serve our citizens.

But we can't do it alone. We need great people to help us do great things - for our customers, our culture, and our ability to attract other great people. We are changing the face of government IT and building a workforce that fuels this mission. Are you ready to be a transformer?

What You Can Expect

Interview & Hiring Process

If you are selected to move forward through the process, here’s what you can expect:

• During the Interview Process

• Virtual video interview conducted via video with the hiring manager and/or team

• Camera must be on

• A valid photo ID must be presented during each interview

• During the Hiring Process

• Enhanced Biometrics ID verification screening

• Background check, to include:

• Criminal history (past 7 years)

• Verification of your highest level of education

• Verification of your employment history (past 7 years), based on information provided in your application

Employee Perks

At GovCIO, we consistently hear that meaningful work and a collaborative team environment are two of the top reasons our employees enjoy working here. In addition, our employees have access to a range of perks and benefits to support their personal and professional well-being, beyond the standard company offered health benefits, including:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Corporate Discounts

• Learning & Development platform, to include certification preparation content

• Training, Education and Certification Assistance*

• Referral Bonus Program

• Internal Mobility Program

• Pet Insurance

• Flexible Work Environment

*Available to full-time employees

Our employees’ unique talents and contributions are the driving force behind our success in supporting our customers, which ultimately fuels the success of our company. Join us and be a part of a culture that invests in its people and prioritizes continuous enhancement of the employee experience.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. EOE, including disability/vets.

Posted Pay Range

The posted pay range, if referenced, reflects the range expected for this position at the commencement of employment, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, education, experience, and internal equity. The total compensation package for this position may also include other compensation elements, to be discussed during the hiring process. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the GovCIO reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, GovCIO or individual department/team performance, and market factors.