Principal Systems Administrator

Overview

BigBear.ai is hiring a Principal Systems Administrator to support GALE (Generic Area Limitation Environment)—a mission-critical capability used by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Intelligence Community (IC). In this role, you’ll keep a complex Linux-based application environment healthy, secure, and ready for operational use—while working shoulder-to-shoulder with users, engineers, and mission partners. At BigBear.ai, you’ll join a team of technologists and mission-focused problem solvers building tools that turn massive volumes of structured and unstructured data into actionable intelligence. If you want your work to matter—and you enjoy being the person who makes systems run reliably in high-stakes environments—this role is for you.
What you will do

As a Principal Systems Administrator on the GALE support team, you will:

• Operate and sustain GALE in production across customer environments—ensuring availability, performance, and reliability.
• Maintain cybersecurity compliance by patching and hardening multiple Linux servers to meet security standards and program requirements.
• Install, configure, and upgrade GALE and supporting components across customer sites with minimal disruption.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues—triaging tickets, identifying root cause, and coordinating fixes with the development team.
• Test new GALE builds/releases, document defects, and validate resolutions before fielding.
• Support and train users and administrators, helping mission teams get maximum value from the platform.
• Contribute analytic insight—providing feedback on enhancements, assisting with ad hoc analysis, and improving future capability.
• Stay adaptable and keep learning, picking up new tools/tech as mission needs evolve.

What you need to have

• Education/Experience (one of the following):
• • Bachelor’s + 5–8 years experience
  • Master’s + 3–6 years experience
  • PhD + 0–3 years experience
  • (In lieu of degree: +6 years additional relevant experience)
• Clearance: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph (must be able to maintain)
• Linux expertise: Strong hands-on experience supporting RHEL 8 and/or RHEL 9
• Scripting: Experience with one or more of Python, Bash/Shell, Perl, Batch, PowerShell
• Application support: Familiarity supporting backend Java applications (deployments, troubleshooting, service management, logs)
• Search/data: Experience using Elasticsearch
• Databases: Proficiency with PostgreSQL or similar SQL databases

What we'd like you to have

• 4+ years professional experience in SIGINT or multi-spectrum analysis
• Prior exposure to or hands-on experience with GALE
• Deep experience supporting DoD/IC mission customers in operational environments

About BigBear.ai

At BigBear.ai, we’re not just building software—we’re building solutions that make a difference. We believe in empowering our employees to grow, innovate, and succeed. Here’s what you can expect when you join our team:

• Growth Opportunities: We invest in your professional development, providing opportunities to learn, lead, and advance your career.
• Recognition: Your contributions are valued and celebrated. At BigBear.ai, you’re not just a number—you’re a vital part of our success.
• Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of balance and offer a supportive environment that allows you to thrive both at work and at home.
• Impactful Work: Be part of a team that tackles real-world challenges, delivering solutions that matter to our customers and the nation.

If you’re ready to join a company that values your skills, fosters your growth, and challenges you to innovate, BigBear.ai is the place for you. Let’s build the future together!

BigBear.ai is a leading provider of AI-powered decision intelligence solutions for national security, supply chain management, and digital identity. Customers and partners rely on Bigbear.ai’s predictive analytics capabilities in highly complex, distributed, mission-based operating environments. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, BigBear.ai is a public company traded on the NYSE under the symbol BBAI. For more information, visit and follow BigBear.ai on LinkedIn: @BigBear.ai and X: @BigBearai.

BigBear.ai is an Equal opportunity employer all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.