External Title Linux Systems Administrator; SDN​/Cisco ACI

Peraton Labs is seeking a poly-cleared Linux Systems Administrator who can own day-to-day administration and security posture of complex research infrastructure in classified and unclassified environments, while also bringing strong software-defined networking (SDN) capabilities and exceptional automation skills. You will work closely with Peraton team members, sub-contractors, as well as directly with our Maryland-based customer, in a fast-paced environment.

This role supports mission-critical systems by implementing secure configurations, maintaining baseline images, troubleshooting infrastructure issues end-to-end (compute, network, and storage), and building repeatable automation to reduce toil and ensure compliance.

This position requires full-time on-site work at a customer site near College Park, MD.

Key responsibilities may include:

• Administer and harden Linux and Windows server environments (installation, configuration, patching, performance tuning, account management, services, kernel/package management)
• Maintain and enhance the security posture of research infrastructure systems in accordance with program security plans and operational requirements
• Build, maintain, and update images/baselines for Linux systems; apply STIF-aligned secure configurations and document as required
• Perform incident triage and troubleshooting across OS, services, network, and storage layers; drive issues to resolution and capture lessons learned/runbooks
• Develop automation to standardize provisioning, configuration enforcement, and sustainment (e.g., Ansible, Bash, Python, Power Shell)
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot IT and networking hardware/software in classified and unclassified spaces
• Support virtualization and underlying platform operations (hypervisor administration, VM provisioning, capacity planning)
• Implement/maintain storage solutions and data management practices; ensure reliable backup/restore operations aligned to program requirements
• Perform hands-on physical tasks: rack/stack, cabling, power, patching ports, and coordinating activations as needed
• Support and/or administer SDN/Cisco ACI fabrics: understanding tenants, VRFs, bridge domains, EPGs, contracts, L4-L7 service integration, and operational troubleshooting
• Interface effectively with Peraton and customer stakeholders; communicate system status, risks, and recommended actions clearly
• Coordinate and monitor subcontractor tasking as required; ensure deliverables meet technical and security expectations

Required qualifications

• Minimum of 6+ years of experience and a BS in computer science, IT, or related technical discipline, MS and 4+ years of experience, or a Ph.D. Four years of additional experience may be used in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree for a total of 10 years of experience
• Strong hands-on experience administering Linux servers in production (baseline builds, patching, hardening, troubleshooting)
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain automation using Ansible and/or Python/Bash
• Working experience supporting SDN / Cisco ACI operations and troubleshooting in an enterprise or mission environment
• Practical knowledge of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, routing/switching operations, DNS/DHCP, firewalls/segmentation), virtualization and storage technologies, and security best practices
• Ability to operate as a senior contributor on complex projects with integrated customer/subcontractor teams
• This position requires an active/current TS/SCI w/ Polygraph

Preferred qualifications

• Experience supporting secure environments and compliance efforts (RMF, NIST-aligned controls, STIG/SRG implementation, SCAP tooling and remediation workflows)
• Experience integrating GOTS/COTS/open-source solutions into governed environments
• Experience building “compliance-as-code” style automation (continuous configuration validation, drift detection, audit artifact generation)
• Strong communication skills and customer-facing experience in high-tempo operational environments
• Experience leading or coordinating small technical efforts and directing subcontractor tasks

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of…