Senior Linux System Administrator

Senior Linux System AdministratorLocation: NAS Patuxent River, MDSecurity Clearance Requirement: Active Top SecretTelework Eligible? NoWhat You'll Do:As the Senior Linux System Administrator, you will be responsible for ensuring secure configurations, producing accreditation artifacts, and maintaining hardened baselines, all with a focus on reliability and long-term system assurance. The ideal candidate is not only technically strong, but also thoughtful, process-oriented, and one who takes a careful, methodical approach to systems management.Key Responsibilities:Ensuring secure and compliant Linux operating system configurations by applying Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) to prevent misconfiguration and audit issues.Managing vulnerability assessments with Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS) and EvaluateSTIG, producing accreditation artifacts to maintain Authorization to Operate (ATO) compliance and demonstrate security assurance.Maintaining and securing VMware ESXi hypervisors, including patching and hardening host systems to ensure platform reliability.Automating all routine administrative tasks — including provisioning, configuration management, patching, compliance checks, and reporting — using Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform, improving consistency and reducing manual error.Applying Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) updates on a monthly basis to maintain a secure, up-to-date environment.Refining processes to align with policy, reduce overhead, and collaborating with DevOps and security teams to support modern automation practices.Releasing RHEL hardened system templates on a quarterly basis with required documentation and ATO submission, ensuring standardized and compliant deployments.Monitoring Linux and ESXi environments for performance, availability, and security issues to sustain system health and resilience.Supporting Risk Management Framework (RMF) compliance (FISMA, NIST 800-53, DoD SRG), ensuring alignment with policy and accreditation requirements.Maintaining accurate technical documentation in Confluence and using Jira Software for task tracking, ensuring procedural clarity and reducing knowledge gaps.Operating and maintaining SolarWinds monitoring and auditing tools to proactively detect anomalies and maintain system integrity.This description outlines the general nature and scope of the role. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.What You'll Bring:7 years of experience as a system administrator/IT technician supporting DoD classified networks is required. A bachelor's degree in a STEM related area of study may be considered in lieu of the full 7 years of experience.Must have a deep level of knowledge and experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).Demonstrated experience with Confluence and Jira, required.Familiarity with SolarWinds monitoring and auditing tools, preferred.Familiarity with the Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform, preferred.Certification Requirements:Qualified candidates will have the MS Certified Solutions Associate (Windows Server 2016 or later), Red Hat Certified System Administrator, or VMware Certified Professional and one of the following industry certifications: SecurityX/CASP+, CCNA, CCNP Security, CCSP, GCED, GCIA, GCLD, GDSA, GFACT.A master's degree or Ph.D. in Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Systems or Information Technology, or Software Engineering may be considered in lieu of one of the listed certifications, however Security+ will be required.Equally Important:Ability to build positive, collaborative relationships across teams and with external partners.Effective communicator with strong verbal and written skills.Proactive, self-directed work style with the ability to operate independently.Analytical thinker with proven problem-solving capabilities.Highly organized, with the ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.Security Clearance Requirement:This position requires U.S. citizenship and an active DoD Top Secret clearance. Selected candidate will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.Salary Range:The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $135,000 - $155,000, commensurate with an individual's experience, qualifications, and skill set. ASEC is committed to providing fair and equitable compensation.Who We Are:ASEC offers meaningful, mission-driven work within a culture that supports your professional and personal growth. We partner with our government customers to deliver innovative solutions across engineering, information technology, training, and logistics. Above all, we are committed to doing what's right for the Warfighter—plain and simple. Explore what makes ASEC different by visiting our website.Why work at ASEC?100% employee-owned companyComprehensive benefits package, including 11 paid holidays, medical/dental/vision coverage, HSA/FSA options, disability insurance, and more!401(k) with company matchTuition assistance for undergraduate and graduate educationVeteran-friendly employerThriving employee cultureASEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, hire, train, compensate, and promote employees based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), or any other status protected by law.ASEC also complies with all applicable pay transparency laws and will not discriminate against employees or applicants for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing compensation.