Space Dynamics Laboratory
Overview
Job ID: 5643
Date Posted: January 5, 2026
Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking a Junior Linux System Administrator to design, implement, secure, and maintain systems and associated applications, services, and components. This position is on-site, non-remote at our North Logan, UT location.
Responsibilities
Achieves in-depth knowledge of company processes, systems, and networks
Proactively monitors assigned systems to ensure high availability, optimum performance, and security
Follows established IT policies and procedures to perform audits and ensure compliance
Ensures data integrity by implementing standard software and hardware solutions
Works with leaders to prioritize projects, requests, changes, and tasks
Assists in the maintenance and documentation of assigned systems and communicates progress through updates, workflow status, due dates, etc.
Assists in the installation and configuration of information systems and components
Assists with day-to-day operational maintenance, support, and upgrades
Implements and maintains Linux security hardening, patch management, user and permission administration, and compliance with security standards
Adheres to change management processes and ensures all changes are thoroughly tested prior to implementation
Collaborates with cross-functional teams, supports project implementations, and improves system architecture
Applies strong problem-solving skills in fast-paced environments, independently and as part of a team
Performs maintenance on systems minimizing downtime and customer impact
Performs after-hours maintenance and provides on-call support, as needed
Required Qualifications
Must have a bachelor’s degree in a technical field (e.g., IT, computer science, information systems, engineering, or related field) with 0-10 years’ experience or 5-15 years of equivalent experience in lieu of a degree
Experience administering Linux systems (e.g., RHEL 7/8/9, Ubuntu 22/24)
Working knowledge of virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware vSphere, Hyper-V, VirtualBox), including VM provisioning and basic performance tuning
Familiarity with Linux security best practices, including system hardening and baseline compliance concepts
Familiarity with monitoring and alerting tools (e.g., Elasticsearch, LogRhythm, Prometheus, Grafana) or similar enterprise monitoring platforms
Proficient with package management tools (YUM, DNF, RPM, APT) and maintaining local or offline repositories
Familiarity with container concepts and basic experience with container tools such as Docker or Podman
Excellent verbal and written communications skills with the ability to document and collaborate effectively
Must be willing to travel when required (2-3 times annually)
Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance
Active CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent certification that meets or exceeds DoD 8570 IAT Level II (or ability to obtain within a maximum of 30 days after hire)
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with automated deployment and infrastructure as code tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Terraform)
Hands-on experience with container platforms such as Kubernetes, OpenShift, Docker, or Podman
Familiarity with databases (e.g., Postgres, MySQL) and Linux web services (e.g., Apache, Nginx)
Comprehensive knowledge of virtualization platforms such as Red Hat Virtualization (RHV), VMware vSphere, or KVM/QEMU, including VM provisioning, resource allocation, snapshots, and performance tuning
Proficiency in one or more scripting languages
Understanding of information systems security best practices, DoD security requirements, and use of security tools such as Nessus, SCAP, and applying STIGs
RHCSA and Red Hat Certified OpenShift Administrator certifications
Active DoD security clearance
Salary
$65,500 - $107,500
Salary commensurate based on education and relevant experience
This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate’s preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.
Why Join SDL? SDL offers competitive salaries and
a comprehensive benefits package . SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.
At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.
The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 14 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.
For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.
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Responsibilities
Achieves in-depth knowledge of company processes, systems, and networks
Proactively monitors assigned systems to ensure high availability, optimum performance, and security
Follows established IT policies and procedures to perform audits and ensure compliance
Ensures data integrity by implementing standard software and hardware solutions
Works with leaders to prioritize projects, requests, changes, and tasks
Assists in the maintenance and documentation of assigned systems and communicates progress through updates, workflow status, due dates, etc.
Assists in the installation and configuration of information systems and components
Assists with day-to-day operational maintenance, support, and upgrades
Implements and maintains Linux security hardening, patch management, user and permission administration, and compliance with security standards
Adheres to change management processes and ensures all changes are thoroughly tested prior to implementation
Collaborates with cross-functional teams, supports project implementations, and improves system architecture
Applies strong problem-solving skills in fast-paced environments, independently and as part of a team
Performs maintenance on systems minimizing downtime and customer impact
Performs after-hours maintenance and provides on-call support, as needed
Required Qualifications
Must have a bachelor’s degree in a technical field (e.g., IT, computer science, information systems, engineering, or related field) with 0-10 years’ experience or 5-15 years of equivalent experience in lieu of a degree
Experience administering Linux systems (e.g., RHEL 7/8/9, Ubuntu 22/24)
Working knowledge of virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware vSphere, Hyper-V, VirtualBox), including VM provisioning and basic performance tuning
Familiarity with Linux security best practices, including system hardening and baseline compliance concepts
Familiarity with monitoring and alerting tools (e.g., Elasticsearch, LogRhythm, Prometheus, Grafana) or similar enterprise monitoring platforms
Proficient with package management tools (YUM, DNF, RPM, APT) and maintaining local or offline repositories
Familiarity with container concepts and basic experience with container tools such as Docker or Podman
Excellent verbal and written communications skills with the ability to document and collaborate effectively
Must be willing to travel when required (2-3 times annually)
Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance
Active CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent certification that meets or exceeds DoD 8570 IAT Level II (or ability to obtain within a maximum of 30 days after hire)
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with automated deployment and infrastructure as code tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Terraform)
Hands-on experience with container platforms such as Kubernetes, OpenShift, Docker, or Podman
Familiarity with databases (e.g., Postgres, MySQL) and Linux web services (e.g., Apache, Nginx)
Comprehensive knowledge of virtualization platforms such as Red Hat Virtualization (RHV), VMware vSphere, or KVM/QEMU, including VM provisioning, resource allocation, snapshots, and performance tuning
Proficiency in one or more scripting languages
Understanding of information systems security best practices, DoD security requirements, and use of security tools such as Nessus, SCAP, and applying STIGs
RHCSA and Red Hat Certified OpenShift Administrator certifications
Active DoD security clearance
Salary
$65,500 - $107,500
Salary commensurate based on education and relevant experience
This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate’s preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.
Why Join SDL? SDL offers competitive salaries and
a comprehensive benefits package . SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.
At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.
The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 14 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.
For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.
#J-18808-Ljbffr