Senior Linux Systems Engineer

Senior Systems Engineer (Linux)
Location: Leesburg, VA (On-Site)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire

Our client is a growing technology-focused organization seeking a highly skilled Linux Systems Engineer to design, build, and maintain internal infrastructure and business-critical services. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on engineer who enjoys working with open-source technologies, automation, and modern infrastructure practices in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain Linux systems and servers, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and uptime.

• Automate system administration and infrastructure tasks using scripting languages such as Bash and Python, with an emphasis on Ansible.

• Evaluate, recommend, and implement hardware and software solutions to support organizational needs.

• Deploy, configure, and maintain open-source software platforms and services.

• Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and perform ongoing operations and maintenance activities.

• Collaborate with development teams to support DevOps initiatives and streamline infrastructure management.

• Provide Tier 2/3 technical support and recommend service improvements based on user feedback.

• Create and maintain technical documentation and operational procedures.

• Partner with IT teams to ensure seamless integration of systems and services.

• Stay current on Linux technologies, security best practices, and infrastructure trends.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience as a Linux Systems Engineer, Systems Administrator, or similar role.

• Strong understanding of Linux operating systems, kernel management, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.

• Experience managing Linux environments and supporting endpoint systems, including software installation, patching, and maintenance.

• Proficiency with scripting languages such as Bash and Python.

• Knowledge of security principles, hardening practices, and system administration best practices.

• Familiarity with technologies such as FreeBSD, Git, Postfix, XWiki, Thunderbird, and Zulip.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field with 8+ years of experience, or 10+ years of relevant professional experience.

• U.S. Citizenship required and ability to obtain a security clearance.

• Ability to work full-time on-site in Leesburg, Virginia.

Preferred Qualifications

• RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer) or RHCSA (Red Hat Certified System Administrator) certification.

• Experience with networking concepts, protocols, and infrastructure troubleshooting.

• Knowledge of containerization technologies such as Docker.

• Experience with virtualization technologies such as KVM.

• Administration and performance tuning of open-source technologies including Apache, NGINX, OpenSearch, Nextcloud, Squid, Zabbix, AWX, and similar platforms.

• Experience with monitoring and alerting solutions such as Zabbix, Nagios, or comparable tools.

• Ability to develop scripts and automation using shell scripting, Python, Perl, PHP, or similar languages.

• Understanding of PKI, certificate authorities, S/MIME, and related security technologies.

• Experience supporting common business services including email systems, calendaring, chat platforms, password management tools, proxy servers, file sharing solutions, and collaboration platforms.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and documentation skills.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Passion for open-source technologies, automation, and continuous learning.

Compensation & Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, retirement contributions, generous paid time off, professional development support, and opportunities for career growth.

Additional Information

• Full-time, direct hire position.

• On-site role in Leesburg, VA.

• Active TS/SCI clearance is preferred but not required.

• Candidates must be eligible to obtain a security clearance; therefore, U.S. Citizenship is required.

• Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Midtown Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We are a small, woman-owned business certified by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Operating from our headquarters in Washington, DC, we provide trusted staffing services nationwide. Our clients include thousands of the most prestigious Fortune 500 companies, law firms, financial organizations, tech innovators, non-profits, and lobbying firms, as well as federal, state and local government agencies.