Sr. Linux Systems Administrator

SMS is seeking a skilled and proactive Linux Systems Administrator to join the Phillips Research Site (PRS) of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). In this role, you’ll support a dynamic research environment focused on primarily Linux systems (RHEL 8/9) and collaborate with researchers and Enterprise/HPC teams to ensure secure, high-performing computing environments.

As a dynamic systems integrator, SMS offers proven solutions in engineering, operations, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. With expertise in modernizing and optimizing legacy infrastructure and systems, ensuring operational efficiency, and designing, implementing, and managing secure environments, SMS supports business and mission goals with proficiency, quality, and integrity.

SMS has been serving the advanced information technology needs of the federal government since 1976, delivering talented teams and innovative, cost-effective solutions and services to support our customers’ missions for more than 45 years. SMS is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with offices and on-site operations at customer locations throughout the United States. For additional information on SMS, visit www.sms.com.

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• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with Linux servers, desktops, and research applications. Collaborating and escalating to enterprise and HPC teams as needed. 

• Support day-to-day operations for user workstations and researcher workflows in a Linux-heavy environment, with occasional support for Windows-based workstations as needed. 

• Perform system administration tasks including storage (NFS/SMB), permissions (POSIX/ACL), backups, and division-specific services. 

• Provide basic support for Windows desktops and peripheral devices, ensuring interoperability with Linux systems and enterprise infrastructure. 

• Provide printing and Multi-Function Device (MFD) support, including troubleshooting and configuration in both Linux and Windows environments. 

• Collaborate with researchers and staff to support scientific computing workflows, troubleshoot application-specific issues, and ensure optimal performance. 

• Provide recommendations for hardware, systems software, and capacity planning in line with mission requirements. 

• Assist with RMF documentation, vulnerability assessments, and ensure compliance with STIGs and cybersecurity best practices. 

• Conduct proactive system monitoring, apply updates and patches, and perform performance tuning to maintain high system availability and reliability. 

• Collaborate with Windows and network administrators to ensure seamless systems integration and performance across environments. 

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date system documentation, diagrams, and processes. 

• Leverage reach-back support from Enterprise and HPC teams for advanced troubleshooting and to support mission continuity. 

Required Qualifications: 

• 3+ years of Linux systems administration experience in an enterprise environment. 

• Proficiency with RHEL (8/9) and RPM-based Linux systems. 

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance. 

• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD 8570 IAT-2 certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+). 

• Experience troubleshooting hardware, operating systems, and application software in Hybrid Linux/Windows environments. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Professional IT certifications (e.g., Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), CompTIA Linux+). 

• Familiarity with configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet). 

• Experience in HPC or scientific computing environments. 

• Familiarity with virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, KVM) and supporting scientific software applications. 

• ITIL or Agile certifications or experience. 

• Experience working in secure (classified) government or research environments. 

SMS is a dynamic systems integrator established in 1976, delivering talented teams and innovative, cost-effective solutions and services to support our customers’ missions for more than 47 years. Our ability to hire and retain quality people in a rapidly evolving IT market is proven through our employee retention rate averaging over 3 years. At SMS, we place a high value on quality of service, customer satisfaction, and best-of-breed policies and practices, resulting in CMMI Level 3 certification and ISO registrations including 9001:2015, 20000-1:2018, and ISO/IEC 27001:2013. SMS is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with offices and on-site operations at customer locations throughout the United States. 

SMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.