Senior Unix System Administrator (4608)

SMX is seeking a driven and experienced Senior UNIX Administrator to support operations at the Patuxent River Data Center (PRDC). This individual will work alongside a team of UNIX/Linux Systems Administrators responsible for maintaining the integrity, availability, and security of mission-critical systems across Department of Defense (DoD) networks.

The Senior UNIX Administrator will ensure systems are properly patched and configured in accordance with defined security baselines and hardening policies. Core responsibilities include resolving incidents and service requests in a timely manner and contributing to projects involving diverse systems and applications throughout the data center environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Support operating system and security patching efforts across multiple Department of Defense (DoD) enclaves


• Mentor and support junior UNIX/Linux System Administrators by providing technical guidance on task execution, project involvement, and adoption of new technologies


• Collaborate with other Data Center teams to design and implement Unix/Linux-based solutions that align with business and mission requirements


• Develop, maintain, and improve Ansible playbooks and administrative shell scripts (primarily BASH), both independently and as part of a team


• Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues involving applications, server hardware, firmware, operating systems, and storage, working across functional teams and vendors


• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule to support operational continuity


• Take ownership of system outages, drive resolution, and provide timely, clear communication on status and outcomes


• Manage incidents and service requests through the ticketing system, ensuring resolution is completed accurately and on time


• Participate in technical meetings with customers to gather requirements and provide input on architecture and project solutions

Required Skills & Experience

• Clearance: Secret
  
  
  
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance; Interim Secret required to start
  
  
  
  


• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of relevant IT experience required


• Must be able to support on-site two (2) days per week at Patuxent River, MD (PRDC)


• Security+ (or equivalent IAT Level II certification) required to start


• Proficient with UNIX/Linux environments, including RHEL 8/9 and Solaris


• Experience with AWS core services such as EC2, S3, VPC, IAM, SSM, and AWS Systems Manager Distributor


• Scripting and Automation:
  
  
  
  
  • Proficiency with BASH shell scripting
  
  
  • Experience with Ansible and YAML playbooks (preferred)
  
  
  
  


• Configuration Management: Experience with Red Hat Satellite or Foreman
  
  
  
  
  • Familiarity with Identity Management (IdM) solutions (preferred)
  
  
  
  


• Working knowledge of DoD IA practices, including Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and the Risk Management Framework (RMF)


• Strong analytical skills and the ability to resolve complex, multi-layered technical issues using vendor documentation and in-house tools


• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills


• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment across multiple assignments


• Comfortable engaging directly with customers, peers, and leadership in a dynamic and evolving data center setting

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field


• Experience with Red Hat Identity Management (IdM) or FreeIPA


• Broader exposure to AWS beyond core services


• Senior-level experience with Solaris system administration