Description

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Linux System Administrator to join our IT infrastructure team. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of hands-on experience managing and maintaining Linux-based environments, with a strong background in automation and configuration management, particularly using Ansible. This role requires proactive problem-solving, deep troubleshooting skills, and a passion for systems optimization and reliability.

What you'll do as a Staff Systems Administrator 2

Key Responsibilities:

Maintain, monitor, and optimize Linux systems (Ubuntu, Red Hat, etc.)

Manage user accounts, permissions, and system access controls

Apply security patches, OS updates, and package upgrades across servers

Automate system tasks using Bash, Python, or Ansible

Monitor system health and logs using tools like Zabbix or Prometheus

Configure and maintain services such as Apache, Nginx, PostgreSQL, OpenSSH, and LDAP

Manage virtualization or container platforms (VMware, Docker, etc.)

Perform regular backups and ensure disaster recovery readiness

Collaborate with developers, security, and networking teams on infrastructure needs

Document systems, configurations, and procedures

Staff Systems Administrator 2 Requirements

Bachelor's degree with 5-7 years of experience

Advanced knowledge, Linux/Unix (RHEL, Ubuntu)

Advanced knowledge, Proficient in shell scripting (Bash, Python, PowerShell)

Advanced knowledge, Experience with monitoring tools (Zabbix, Prometheus, Grafana, etc.)

Advanced knowledge, Familiarity with version control systems (Git, Gitlab)

Advanced knowledge, Strong expertise with Ansible for configuration management and automation.

Advanced knowledge with CMMC standards.

Familiarity with DevOps tools like Jenkins, TeamCity, Gitlab or Kubernetes.

Good oral & written communication skills

Excel as a team player and strive to maximize team & department performance

U.S. Citizen with eligibility to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance

Staff Systems Administrator 2 Preferences

Education - Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field.

Certifications:

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) or Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

Linux+ Security+ Technical Skill | Knowledge | Abilities

Proficiency with Linux administration (Ubuntu, Red Hat) in production environments.

Experience with automation tools like Ansible.

Working knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and tools such as TeamCity, Jenkins or GitLab CI

Strong scripting in Bash, Python or PowerShell

Understanding of networking fundamentals, DNS, firewalls and VPN technologies.

Experience managing monitoring and logging stacks (Zabbix, Prometheus, Grafana)

Located in the Raleigh, NC area

Team Information - Successful applicant will become a member of an IT Support team that provides IT support to several divisions within ARA. Local IT Support team supports approximately 1,000 users.

Company & Division Information - Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the engineering and science industry. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,000 professionals and is rapidly growing. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

Employee Ownership - As an employee-owner, you'll share in the success of the company and have a real voice in shaping its future

Cutting-Edge Work - We work on some of the most exciting and impactful problems in national defense, intelligence, and engineering

Work-Life Balance - We offer flexible hours, generous PTO, and remote/hybrid options

Professional Development - Training, certifications, and conference attendance are encouraged and supported

Mission-Driven Team - You'll work with a tight-knit group of professionals who are passionate about delivering excellence and innovation in everything we do

Qualifications

Behaviors

Required

Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Information Technology

Experience

Required

5 years: Related work experience

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.

Applied Research Associates, Inc.

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