Senior Linux Systems Engineer

Senior Linux Systems EngineerWe are looking for an experienced, cleared Senior Systems Engineer to join our infrastructure team. This role is for someone who likes building, fixing, improving, and owning systems. You should be comfortable at the Linux command line, understand how networks actually work, and be able to move across operating systems, virtualization, cloud, security, automation, and documentation without needing everything perfectly defined up front.The right person has strong technical curiosity, a bias for action, and enough hands-on experience to know when to move fast and when to slow down and do it right.The work is hands-on, technical, and important. You will help engineer, deploy, secure, and maintain mission-focused infrastructure in a collaborative environment with other mid-to-senior engineers.You will be working with other like-minded technical people who enjoy infrastructure, Linux, networking, automation, security, and solving hard problems. You will be supported by a highly technical 24x7 Network and Security Operations Center that keeps eyes on the environment around the clock. That means you can focus on engineering, improvement, and problem solving without living under constant on-call pressure or rolling out updates at 0-dark-30.You will also get your choice of laptop: MacBook, Windows, or Linux. Windows is technically an option, but seriously, why? Mac or Linux is obviously the correct answer. We also try to make the environment human. We have an active board game group, Xbox gamers, and people who genuinely enjoy hanging out with other geeks.If you want to work with serious technical people, solve real problems, and still have a life outside of work, this is a good place to do that.You will help configure, deploy, maintain, and improve:Linux systems, primarily Debian and Ubuntu, with a small number of Windows systemsVMware ESXi, vSphere, vCenter, and vSANCloud infrastructure and services in environments such as AWS and GCPNetwork infrastructure including switches, routers, and firewallsSecure connectivity using IPSec, WireGuard, OpenVPN, MACsec, and TLSUseful operational documentation, including diagrams, build notes, troubleshooting steps, and system summariesYou will work closely with DevOps, Network Engineering, Security Operations, and other infrastructure engineers to harden systems, automate repetitive work, improve visibility, and reduce operational friction.You should be the kind of engineer who can look at a problem holistically and start breaking it down. Maybe it is DNS. Maybe it is routing. Maybe it is Linux permissions. Maybe it is a firewall rule. Maybe it is VMware. Maybe it is AWS. Maybe it is something weird that only shows up once every few weeks.You do not need to know everything, but you do need to know how to troubleshoot, learn, ask good questions, and keep moving.We care about people who can:Build reliable systemsUnderstand how packets moveTroubleshoot across layersAutomate the boring stuffWrite things down clearlyImprove the environment, not just maintain itWork independently without going darkCollaborate well with other technical engineersCommunicate clearly when something is broken, blocked, or at riskWithin your first six months, you should be able to:Deploy hardened Linux systems and bring them into productionTake ownership of assigned systems and understand how they fit into the larger environmentSupport infrastructure across on-prem, virtualized, and cloud environmentsIdentify areas where infrastructure can be improved, simplified, or better securedPartner with DevOps to automate manual or repetitive tasksImprove monitoring, alerting, and operational visibilityProduce documentation that helps the next engineer troubleshoot fasterTechnologies in Our Stack:Debian and Ubuntu LinuxWindows Server in limited areasVMware ESXi, vSphere, vCenter, and vSANAWS, GCP, and related cloud servicesDocker and related container technologiesAnsible and JenkinsCisco IOS, Cisco NX-OS, Juniper, and Fortinet/FortiGateIPSec, WireGuard, OpenVPN, MACsec, and TLSOSPF, VRF, and MPLSMonitoring, logging, and operational visibility toolsQualificationsMust HavesActive Top Secret clearance8+ years of relevant hands-on systems, infrastructure, cloud, or network engineering experienceStrong Linux experience, including real command-line troubleshooting and administrationSolid understanding of TCP/IP, the OSI model, and networking fundamentalsExperience troubleshooting across systems, networks, virtualization, cloud, and security boundariesFamiliarity with secure tunneling and encryption technologies such as IPSec, OpenVPN, WireGuard, TLS, or MACsecAbility to work with other mid-to-senior engineers in a technical, collaborative environmentStrong technical aptitude and curiosityBias for actionAbility to work independently and follow throughClear written and verbal communication skillsNice to HavesExperience with AWS, GCP, or hybrid cloud environmentsExperience with Ansible, Jenkins, or similar automation toolsExperience with Docker or KubernetesExperience with VMware vSAN and larger vSphere environmentsExperience with Cisco NX-OS, Juniper, or FortiGate platformsUnderstanding of OSPF, VRF, MPLS, MACsec, and related network/security conceptsExperience working in secure, classified, or mission-focused environmentsAbility to create diagrams and documentation that engineers want to useThis role is for someone who enjoys infrastructure. You like Linux. You like understanding how systems fit together. You like solving problems that are not clean or obvious. You probably have opinions about good documentation, bad firewall rules, broken monitoring, cloud sprawl, and why "just reboot it" is not a strategy.We are looking for someone who wants ownership, not just tasks. If you want to help build and operate reliable infrastructure in a serious environment, this is the kind of role where you can make an immediate impact.Additional InformationWhy You'll Love Working Here:Innovative Environment: Work in a setting where your ideas and expertise are valued.Collaborative Culture: Be part of a team that supports each other and works toward shared goals.Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.What is the Compensation Range for this role?The salary range for this position is $155,100 to $196,500 annually for full-time status. Actual compensation within this range at Veilant is determined by numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate's qualifications, including experience, education, certifications, technical skills, as well as contract-specific affordability and labor categories, the scope and responsibilities of the role, market and business considerations, and geographic location.Here are some Perks!Flexible PTO + holidaysGenerous 401k match benefit up to 10%, with an automatic 3% safe harbor contribution and additional matching based on employee contributions.Medical (HSA & PPO Plans Available), dental, vision, disability, and life insuranceEmployer Contribution to Health Savings Account (HSA)Learning & Development opportunitiesProfessional coaching servicesGet the technology you want to do your jobWe have free daily snacks & drinksPhysical Requirements: