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, PowerShell)
• 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 consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.