Senior Linux Systems Engineer

The Senior Linux Systems Engineer will join an infrastructure team supporting mission-focused systems. This role combines hands-on engineering across Linux, networking, virtualization, cloud, security, automation, and operational documentation in a collaborative environment.

Location and Work Model

• Location: Tysons, VA
• Work model: Hybrid

Salary

• Range: USD 155,100 - 196,500 per year (full-time)

Role Responsibilities

• Configure, deploy, maintain, and improve Linux systems, primarily Debian and Ubuntu, with a smaller portion of Windows systems.
• Configure, deploy, maintain, and improve VMware platforms including ESXi, vSphere, vCenter, and vSAN.
• Configure, deploy, maintain, and improve cloud infrastructure and services in environments such as AWS and GCP.
• Configure, deploy, maintain, and improve network infrastructure including switches, routers, and firewalls.
• Configure, deploy, maintain, and improve secure connectivity using IPSec, WireGuard, OpenVPN, MACsec, and TLS.
• Develop operational documentation such as diagrams, build notes, troubleshooting steps, and system summaries.
• Collaborate with DevOps, Network Engineering, Security Operations, and other infrastructure engineers to harden systems, automate repetitive work, improve visibility, and reduce operational friction.

First 6 Months: Expected Outcomes

• Deploy hardened Linux systems and bring them into production.
• Take ownership of assigned systems and understand how they fit into the larger environment.
• Support infrastructure across on-prem, virtualized, and cloud environments.
• Identify opportunities to improve, simplify, or better secure infrastructure.
• Partner with DevOps to automate manual or repetitive tasks.
• Improve monitoring, alerting, and operational visibility.
• Produce documentation that helps the next engineer troubleshoot faster.

Required Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance.
• 8+ years of relevant hands-on systems, infrastructure, cloud, or network engineering experience.
• Strong Linux capability, including real command-line troubleshooting and administration.
• Solid understanding of TCP/IP, the OSI model, and networking fundamentals.
• Experience troubleshooting across systems, networks, virtualization, cloud, and security boundaries.
• Familiarity with secure tunneling and encryption technologies including IPSec, OpenVPN, WireGuard, TLS, or MACsec.
• Ability to work with other mid-to-senior engineers in a technical, collaborative environment.
• Strong technical aptitude and curiosity, with a bias for action.
• Ability to work independently and follow through.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.

Technologies

• Operating systems: Debian, Ubuntu, Windows Server
• Virtualization/storage: VMware ESXi, vSphere, vCenter, vSAN
• Cloud: AWS, GCP
• Containers and automation: Docker, Ansible, Jenkins
• Networking platforms: Cisco IOS, Cisco NX-OS, Juniper, Fortinet/FortiGate
• Security/transport: IPSec, WireGuard, OpenVPN, MACsec, TLS
• Routing/network concepts: OSPF, VRF, MPLS
• Operations: Monitoring, logging, operational visibility tools

Benefits

• Flexible PTO plus holidays
• Generous 401k match benefit up to 10%, including an automatic 3% safe harbor contribution and additional matching based on employee contributions
• Medical (HSA & PPO Plans Available), dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Employer contribution to Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Professional coaching services
• Get the technology you want to do your job
• Free daily snacks & drinks

Nice to Have

• Experience with AWS, GCP, or hybrid cloud environments
• Experience with Ansible, Jenkins, or similar automation tools
• Experience with Docker or Kubernetes
• Experience with VMware vSAN and larger vSphere environments
• Experience with Cisco NX-OS, Juniper, or FortiGate platforms
• Understanding of OSPF, VRF, MPLS, MACsec, and related network/security concepts
• Experience working in secure, classified, or mission-focused environments
• Ability to create diagrams and documentation that engineers want to use

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time; occasionally move about inside the office
• Constantly work with computers and other information technology equipment
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in a classroom style format, may stand at a podium for long periods of time

Additional Information

• Innovative Environment: Work in a setting where ideas and expertise are valued.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team that supports each other and works toward shared goals.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.