AIX Developer with Security Clearance

Respec is seeking a highly skilled and experienced AIX Developer to join our dynamic team supporting critical IT projects within the federal government, with a primary focus on the Indian Health Service (IHS). The successful candidate will be instrumental in the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of robust AIX-based systems and applications crucial for IHS's healthcare and administrative operations. This role requires a deep understanding of AIX operating systems, proficiency in scripting and programming for enterprise environments, and a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, secure, and reliable solutions. The AIX Developer will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including system administrators, database administrators, security specialists, and project managers, to ensure the seamless integration and optimal performance of IT systems. Given the nature of federal government work and access to sensitive health information, the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance is a mandatory requirement. Key Responsibilities • System Design and Development: ◦ Design, develop, and implement complex scripts, utilities, and applications on AIX platforms to support business requirements and system automation. ◦ Work closely with architects and technical leads to translate functional requirements into technical designs for AIX environments. ◦ Develop and maintain documentation for system configurations, processes, and applications. • System Administration and Maintenance: ◦ Perform advanced AIX system administration tasks, including installation, configuration, patching, performance tuning, and troubleshooting. ◦ Monitor AIX server health, resource utilization, and application performance, proactively identifying and resolving issues. ◦ Implement and manage system backups, recovery procedures, and disaster recovery solutions for AIX systems. ◦ Ensure system security by applying patches, configuring firewalls, and adhering to federal security guidelines and best practices. • Scripting and Automation: ◦ Develop and maintain automation scripts (e.g., Shell scripting, Python, Perl) to streamline operational tasks, deployments, and reporting. ◦ Automate routine administrative tasks, software deployments, and system health checks to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort. • Troubleshooting and Support: ◦ Provide expert-level support for complex AIX system and application issues, performing root cause analysis and implementing effective solutions. ◦ Collaborate with application development teams to diagnose and resolve application-level problems related to the AIX infrastructure. ◦ Participate in on-call rotations for critical system support, as needed. • Compliance and Security: ◦ Adhere strictly to federal government security policies, protocols, and compliance standards (e.g., NIST, VA standards, HIPAA for healthcare data). ◦ Participate in security audits and implement remediation plans to address identified vulnerabilities. ◦ Ensure all development and operational activities align with federal privacy and data protection regulations. • Collaboration and Communication: ◦ Work effectively within Agile/DevOps teams, participating in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives. ◦ Communicate technical concepts clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.A minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience as an AIX System Administrator or Developer (Additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree, depending on the specific requirements of the role and demonstrated expertise.)
Some experience with networking and SAN • AIX Expertise: Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience as an AIX System Administrator or AIX Developer, demonstrating a strong command of AIX versions (e.g., AIX 7.1, 7.2, 7.3). • Scripting Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in shell scripting (Korn Shell, Bash), and at least one other scripting/programming language (e.g., Python, Perl) for automation and application development. • Operating System Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of AIX operating system internals, including file systems (JFS2, GPFS), logical volume management (LVM), networking, and process management. • Troubleshooting Skills: Proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex system and application issues in AIX environments. • Security Acumen: Understanding of common security vulnerabilities and best practices for securing AIX systems in a federal environment. • Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts effectively to diverse audiences. • Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment and contribute to shared project goals. • U.S. Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen. • Public Trust Clearance: Ability to successfully obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance. This typically involves a thorough background investigation, including financial history, criminal records, and personal references. Preferred Qualifications • Federal Government Experience: Prior experience working on IT projects for federal government agencies, especially within healthcare or benefits-related sectors. • IHS Experience: Direct experience supporting Indian Health Service (IHS) systems, including familiarity with their specific applications (e.g., RPMS) or data structures. • Networking Knowledge: Understanding of networking concepts, protocols, and troubleshooting in an enterprise AIX environment. • SAN Knowledge: Familiarity with Storage Area Networks (SAN) concepts, fiber channel configurations, and storage integration with AIX systems. • Database Experience: Experience with database technologies commonly used in enterprise AIX environments (e.g., Oracle, DB2) from an OS perspective (installation, client configuration, performance monitoring). • Virtualization: Experience with AIX virtualization technologies (e.g., LPARs, VIOS). • Cloud Computing: Basic understanding of cloud concepts and how AIX systems might interact with cloud environments (e.g., hybrid cloud deployments). • Automation Tools: Familiarity with configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Chef, Puppet) or CI/CD pipelines. • Certifications: Relevant industry certifications (e.g., IBM Certified System Administrator - AIX, CompTIA Security+, ITIL Foundation). • Networking Knowledge: Understanding of networking concepts, protocols, and troubleshooting in an enterprise AIX environment. • SAN Knowledge: Familiarity with Storage Area Networks (SAN) concepts, fiber channel configurations, and storage integration with AIX systems.