Junior Linux System Administrator (TS/SCI + CI Poly)

Description

The DarkStar Group is seeking a Junior Linux System Administrator with a TS/SCI + CI Poly clearance to join one of our top projects in Herndon, VA. Below is an overview of the project, as well as information on our company, our benefits, and our $25,000 referral program.

THE PROJECT

The DarkStar Group's team solves unique and challenging intelligence problems for a Special Operations customer. This work is as close to the mission as a technologist can get, so the environment is fast-paced: team members face rapidly-changing requirements and priorities as mission needs evolve. If you hate monotony and want to use your skills to have a direct impact on real-world operational success, this is the project for you.

We are a multi-faceted software development and systems administration team working to build and maintain software applications backed by a self-managed cloud infrastructure (OpenStack) with a true big-data footprint (over 10 petabytes). Our diverse background of experience in mission support and software development serves as a catalyst to solve unique and challenging intelligence problems in support of special operations analysts and their on-going activities. Prototyping and frequent, iterative feedback are core to our delivery approach, anchored by a need to work quickly in support of our missions.

The technical stack is quite robust and includes Java, Python, C#, C/C++, Geospatial tools, Big Data and Graph Products (Hadoop, MapReduce, Spark, ElasticSearch, Neo4j), Linux, OpenStack, AWS, Ansible, SQL/NoSQL, Text Processing, Cloud Services, Containerization, Infrastructure as Code (IAC), and more.

Work on this program takes place in the Herndon, VA area (we cannot support remote work) and requires a TS clearance and a willingness to obtain a CI Poly: a current TS/SCI + CI Poly is preferred.

THE ROLE

Infrastructure team members focus on several things on any given day including:
Monitoring and acting on any hardware and software outages on the platform
Engaging with tenants and users of the OpenStack Cloud Platform via chat services to assist them with trouble shooting and requests as needed
Implementing cyber security remediations in close cooperation with the cyber security team
Upgrading and deploying applications on the platform
Integrating new hardware into multiple different compute clusters
Reviewing and updating existing procedures and documentation
Your Career: We're serious about professional development and continuing education. We offer everyone the opportunity to define their own career trajectory. Supporting our people in the pursuit of becoming true experts in their craft enables not only individual growth but also the collective team to have a high degree of mission impact. We strive to create an environment where team members can do their best work. We provide resources to support learning, set aside time for dedicated professional development and offer benefits that enrich our team members' lives.
Required Skills

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering or a related field (4 additional years of experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree. 2 years demonstrated experience with administration of Linux based environments
Experience with tools such as Docker/Podman, Packer, Gitlab, Gitlab Runners
Skilled Tier 1 and 2 level support and troubleshooting complex environments
Ability to support wide range of tasks (upgrade software, patching, monitoring systems, R&D)
Ability to be a self-starter
Desired Skills (Optional)

Hands on experience with automation tools: Ansible, Bash, Terraform
Working knowledge of security related tools: Security Center, Carbon Black, MacAfee
Working knowledge of Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) application to Linux operating systems
3+ years demonstrated experience with administration of Linux based environments
Full-stack development experience in Python
Kubernetes or Nomad orchestration
Experience with Data driven tools like Hadoop, HDFS, ElasticSearch, YARN
Experience with the cyber security accreditation process (RMF, ATO process, NIST 800-53 cyber security controls)
Experience with CI/ CD tools like Sonarqube, Fortify, or similar
Experience with Cyber Security tools like SecurityOnion, PCAP, Snort, Bro or similar
Strong verbal, written, and organizational skills
Adjust quickly to ad-hoc requests
Ability to collaborate, operate in a mixed environment of team and solo work
About The DarkStar Group

Our Company

The DarkStar Group is a small business that solves BIG problems. We're one of the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the US, and our engineers and scientists support the most critical national security missions in Virginia, Maryland, and elsewhere. Data Science, Software Engineering, Cloud/AWS Infrastructure, and Cyber/CNO are our core areas of expertise. We offer interesting and important work, job security, some of the best and most flexible benefits you'll find in the IC, and salaries so strong that they'll likely surprise you.

Our Benefits

The DarkStar Group offers exceptional compensation and benefits:

very strong salaries;
100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and all dependents;
the ability to get increased salary if you don't need medical/dental/vision;
100% company-paid disability and life insurance benefits;
a generously-funded HSA;
an 8% 401(k) contribution;
31 days of PTO/holidays to start (more with tenure);
the ability to flex time across pay periods without using your PTO;
a generous training budget;
$25,000 employee referral bonuses;
business development / growth incentives; and
top notch company swag.

** We have a huge growth opportunity, so we are offering up to a $25,000 reward for anyone new you refer whom we hire. **

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.