Applied Research Associates
Staff Systems Administrator
Applied Research Associates, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States, 27601
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.
C
ompany & 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.
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.
C
ompany & 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.