SMX
Senior Unix System Administrator (4608)
SMX, Patuxent Highland (historical), Maryland, United States
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Senior Unix System Administrator (4608)
role at
SMX
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
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
Application Deadline: 11/3/2025
The proposed salary for this position is: $87,000 USD - $146,000 USD
At SMX, we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.
At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.
We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward‑looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.
SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.
Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.
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Senior Unix System Administrator (4608)
role at
SMX
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
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
Application Deadline: 11/3/2025
The proposed salary for this position is: $87,000 USD - $146,000 USD
At SMX, we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.
At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.
We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward‑looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.
SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.
Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.
#J-18808-Ljbffr