Classified Linux Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Job Summary  

We are seeking a Linux system engineer with strong enterprise Linux expertise to support enterprise Linux systems in classified environments. The ideal candidate is familiar with the design, implementation and best practices for managing enterprise Linux systems in a classified environment.  The candidate is familiar with system security hardening and can design and implement system management methods to ensure the successful reaccreditation and continued sustainment of classified networks and systems. You’ll be working with other corporate IT teams as well as Aerospace engineers to develop and maintain scientific and engineering workloads on-premise and in the cloud in support of mission success of critical national space assets. 

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Install Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Oracle Linux on physical systems, including implementing encryption-at-rest (LUKS)   
• Provision Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Oracle Linux VMs  
• Patch, reboot, and troubleshoot patching processes (e.g. GPU drivers & kernel modules) and patching infrastructure on large classified networks and in stand-alone (air-gapped) networks  
• Maintain patching infrastructure (e.g. software repository mirrors) in large and stand-alone networks 
• System and user data and configuration backup and restore   
• Provide enterprise Linux troubleshooting, tier 2 and 3 Linux user support including software installation, configuration  
• Support scientists and engineers running workloads and applications on Linux systems   
• Security harden systems and remediate vulnerabilities   
• Monitor availability, improve monitoring, and restore systems and services in a timely manner and improve prevention and reduce future outages  
• Write or improve documentation for processes and procedures   

What You Need to be Successful 

Minimum Requirements for the Site Reliability Engineer Staff II:

• CompTIA Security+ CE certification or equivalent that meets DoD 8570.01-m requirements for IAT Level II personnel 
• 3 years of experience in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) or its clones (CentOS, Oracle, Rocky, Alma) Linux systems administration, including provisioning, patching individual systems, troubleshooting, and implement security hardening for enterprise environments.  
• Experience with hardware troubleshooting and configuration  
• Willing to travel occasionally to alternate site (El Segundo or Colorado Springs) work location approximately 4% if required 
• An active IC TS/SCI clearance with CI Polygraph 

How You Can Stand Out 

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, STEM, or IT or equivalent experience 
• Linux certification: RHCSA or preferred Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) 
• Experience maintaining patching infrastructure (e.g. software mirrors) including in standalone networks 
• Experience with Kickstart or other automated Linux provisioning processes 
• Experience automating security hardening to DISA STIGs. 
• Experience and programming skill implementing infrastructure-as-code with tools like Puppet, Ansible, Bash, Terraform, Python  

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$107,000.00 - $160,500.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.