Linux Systems Engineer

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.Nightwing is seeking a highly skilled Linux Systems Engineer to design, deploy, optimize, automate, and support large-scale Linux infrastructure supporting secure networking and remote-access services. This role is ideal for an engineer with deep expertise in Linux networking, policy-based routing, kernel performance tuning, infrastructure automation, and modern VPN technologies including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPSec.The successful candidate will collaborate closely with network engineering, systems administration, and platform engineering teams to deliver highly available, secure, and scalable infrastructure solutions in mission-critical environments.Primary ResponsibilitiesLinux Infrastructure EngineeringDesign, deploy, administer, and maintain enterprise Linux environments.Develop standardized operating system configurations and hardened baseline builds.Perform operating system upgrades, patch management, lifecycle maintenance, and performance optimization.Troubleshoot complex operating system, networking, and application issues.Advanced Network EngineeringDesign and implement advanced routing architectures utilizing:Policy-Based Routing (PBR)Multiple routing tablesRoute maps and traffic steeringSource-based and destination-based routingMulti-homed network environmentsConfigure and troubleshoot:OSPF and static routingVLANs, LACP, and 802.1Q trunkingNetwork namespacesVRFsNAT and firewall policiesAnalyze and troubleshoot network traffic using:tcpdumpWiresharkiproute2nftablesiptablesLinux Kernel Tuning & Performance OptimizationTune Linux kernel parameters for:High-throughput networkingLow-latency applicationsVPN gateway performanceLarge-scale concurrent connectionsOptimize:TCP/IP stack performanceNetwork buffer sizingIRQ balancingCPU affinityNUMA awarenessMemory managementUtilize performance analysis tools including:perfsarvmstatiostateBPF observability toolssystemd performance metricsVPN EngineeringDesign, deploy, and support secure VPN infrastructures using:OpenVPN 2.6+WireGuardIPSecImplement and support:Site-to-site VPNsRemote-access VPNsHub-and-spoke architecturesHigh-availability VPN clustersDynamic routing across VPN overlaysResponsibilities include:Troubleshooting encryption, routing, MTU, and performance issuesImplementing modern cryptographic standards and VPN hardening best practicesConfiguration Management & AutomationDevelop and maintain Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) solutions using SaltStack.Create and maintain:Salt StatesPillarsCustom modulesOrchestration workflowsAutomate:System provisioningConfiguration deploymentCompliance enforcementVPN deploymentsSecurity baseline managementIntegrate SaltStack with CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure monitoring platforms.Required Qualifications:Current Top-Secret Clearance with SCI Eligibility Technical Experience5+ years of Linux Systems Engineering experience3+ years of advanced Linux networking experience3+ years of VPN engineering experience3+ years of SaltStack administration and automation experienceOperating SystemsStrong hands-on experience with:Debian LinuxUbuntu LinuxNetworking ExpertiseDemonstrated expertise with:Policy-Based Routing (PBR)iproute2Routing tables and policy rulesLinux bridgesBonding and teamingVLANsVRFsNetwork namespacesDynamic routing protocolsHigh-availability networking architecturesVPN ExpertiseStrong practical experience with:WireGuardOpenVPN 2.6+IPSecPKI and certificate managementTLS authenticationMulti-site VPN topologiesVPN performance tuningAutomation & ScriptingExperience with:SaltStackPythonBashGitCI/CD workflowsPreferred QualificationsExperience supporting cloud platforms including:Google Cloud Platform (GCP)Amazon Web Services (AWS)Microsoft AzureExperience with container technologies:DockerKubernetesExperience supporting confidential computing environmentsKnowledge of CNSA-compliant cryptographic implementationsFamiliarity with eBPF-based observability and network diagnosticsIndustry certifications such as:RHCELFCECCNPEquivalent advanced certificationsDesired SkillsExceptional troubleshooting and root-cause analysis capabilitiesStrong documentation and technical writing skillsAbility to operate independently in mission-critical environmentsExperience designing highly available and fault-tolerant systemsSecurity-first mindset with strong infrastructure design principlesExcellent collaboration and communication skillsSalary & BenefitsThe salary associated with this position ($99,000-$206,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.SummaryLocation: Sterling, VAType: Full time