Linux System Administrator

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Linux System Administrator to support mission-critical research and engineering systems in a secure, high-performance environment. You will install, configure, and harden Linux servers; manage user access, storage, and backups; monitor performance; and troubleshoot complex issues. Collaborate with researchers and engineers to optimize compute environments, ensure security compliance, automate routine tasks, and document configurations while contributing to innovative, mission-driven projects in national security, space, and health.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain Linux servers for research and engineering workloads.
• Monitor system health, performance, and capacity; troubleshoot complex issues.
• Implement security hardening, patching, and compliance with lab policies.
• Manage user accounts, access controls, storage, and backup/restore processes.
• Automate routine administration tasks using scripts and configuration management tools.
• Support researchers and engineers to optimize compute environments and workflows.
• Document architectures, configurations, and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with IT, cybersecurity, and project teams on mission-critical initiatives.

Required Skills

• Linux server administration
• RHEL/Cent
• OS/Ubuntu
• Bash/Python scripting
• Configuration management (Ansible/Puppet)
• System monitoring and logging
• User and access management
• Storage and backup management
• Security hardening and compliance
• Virtualization/VMware/KVMNetworking (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs)