Job#: 3024412 Job Description: Senior Linux Systems Administrator - Software Factory (SWF)
Location: Chandler, AZ (On-site only - classified environment)
Work Schedule: 1st Shift (9/80A)
Travel: Up to 10%
Clearance: Active
Secret clearance required (interim typically not accepted)
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire (6-month contract typical; extensions possible)
Rate: $90 / Hour
Salary Range: $110,000-$167,000
Senior Linux Systems Administrator - Software Factory (SWF)
Location: Chandler, AZ (On-site only - classified environment)
Work Schedule: 1st Shift (9/80A)
Travel: Up to 10%
Clearance: Active
Secret clearance required (interim typically not accepted)
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire (6-month contract typical; extensions possible)
Bill Rate / Salary: Market-based; TBD
Position Overview
APEX is seeking a
Senior Linux Systems Administrator to support a
classified Software Factory (SWF) environment for a major aerospace and defense customer. This role is
Linux systems administration first and foremost, with supporting exposure to
DevOps and CI/CD tooling used by software engineering teams.
This is
not a front-end or application-development role. You will own the
back-end, VM, OS, and infrastructure layer that enables CI/CD pipelines, container platforms, and development toolchains to function securely, reliably, and at scale.
The position supports a production environment of
120+ virtual machines and multiple physical servers, operating in a closed/classified area. Candidates must be comfortable working fully on-site and within strict DoD security and compliance frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary Linux Systems Administrator for a classified government program
- Maintain and support Linux servers, workstations, and virtual machines supporting the Software Factory
- Ensure smooth operation of multi-user systems in coordination with network, software, cybersecurity, and systems engineering teams
- Design, maintain, and support CI/CD and Software Factory infrastructure (engineering enablement role, not application ownership)
- Implement system enhancements to improve performance, reliability, and recoverability
- Perform system installation, patching, monitoring, configuration management, and problem resolution
- Manage backup and recovery processes, disk space, user accounts, file permissions, and access controls
- Enforce and adhere to strict Information Systems Security requirements and documentation standards
- Maintain security logs, audit data, and compliance artifacts as directed by security leadership
- Support network and VM provisioning/decommissioning via CCB change requests
- Respond to system and security incidents in collaboration with cybersecurity teams
- Maintain SWF operational logs (security reports, maintenance, inventory, CCB documentation)
- Work independently with minimal direction and report status on recurring and non-recurring efforts
Technical Environment & Tools
- Linux (Red Hat-based environments) - core skill requirement
- Virtualization and container platforms (VMware, Docker, Kubernetes/OpenShift)
- Automation & Infrastructure as Code (Ansible, Terraform)
- CI/CD tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, etc.)
- Git-based repos and configuration management (Git, GitLab, Bitbucket)
- Scripting and automation (Bash, YAML; light Python or similar)
- Enterprise & classified compliance frameworks (RMF, STIGs, JSIG, NISPOM, etc.)
Required Qualifications
- One of the following combinations:
- Master's degree + 6 years IT experience
- Bachelor's degree + 8 years IT experience
- Associate degree + 10 years IT experience
- High School Diploma / GED + 12 years IT experience
- Strong Linux workstation and server administration experience
- Experience supporting an end-to-end automated delivery platform (Software Factory)
- Experience maintaining infrastructure that supports CI/CD pipelines and containerized environments
- Active DoD Secret clearance (required to be considered)
- DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+ CE) - non-negotiable
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years supporting Software Factory environments in a classified setting
- Bachelor's degree in IT or related field
- Certifications such as RHCSA, additional Security credentials
- Strong experience designing and maintaining CI/CD systems
- Container orchestration experience with Docker and Kubernetes/OpenShift
- Infrastructure as Code using Ansible, Terraform, or similar tools
- Experience supporting developers and QA teams with self-service environments
- Knowledge of deployment metrics (deployment frequency, lead-time, MTTR)
- Familiarity with classified frameworks (DAAG, RMF, STIG, JSIG, ICD/ICD-503)
- Basic networking knowledge (subnets, routing, VLANs); Cisco exposure a plus
- Windows Server and Active Directory experience
- VMware and SAN storage experience
- Monitoring/logging tools (Splunk, HBSS, SolarWinds)
- Experience supporting system imaging, C&A, or ATO processes
- Active Top Secret or SCI clearance strongly preferred
Position Overview
APEX is seeking a
Senior Linux Systems Administrator to support a
classified Software Factory (SWF) environment for a major aerospace and defense customer. This role is
Linux systems administration first and foremost, with supporting exposure to
DevOps and CI/CD tooling used by software engineering teams.
This is
not a front-end or application-development role. You will own the
back-end, VM, OS, and infrastructure layer that enables CI/CD pipelines, container platforms, and development toolchains to function securely, reliably, and at scale.
The position supports a production environment of
120+ virtual machines and multiple physical servers, operating in a closed/classified area. Candidates must be comfortable working fully on-site and within strict DoD security and compliance frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary Linux Systems Administrator for a classified government program
- Maintain and support Linux servers, workstations, and virtual machines supporting the Software Factory
- Ensure smooth operation of multi-user systems in coordination with network, software, cybersecurity, and systems engineering teams
- Design, maintain, and support CI/CD and Software Factory infrastructure (engineering enablement role, not application ownership)
- Implement system enhancements to improve performance, reliability, and recoverability
- Perform system installation, patching, monitoring, configuration management, and problem resolution
- Manage backup and recovery processes, disk space, user accounts, file permissions, and access controls
- Enforce and adhere to strict Information Systems Security requirements and documentation standards
- Maintain security logs, audit data, and compliance artifacts as directed by security leadership
- Support network and VM provisioning/decommissioning via CCB change requests
- Respond to system and security incidents in collaboration with cybersecurity teams
- Maintain SWF operational logs (security reports, maintenance, inventory, CCB documentation)
- Work independently with minimal direction and report status on recurring and non-recurring efforts
Technical Environment & Tools
- Linux (Red Hat-based environments) - core skill requirement
- Virtualization and container platforms (VMware, Docker, Kubernetes/OpenShift)
- Automation & Infrastructure as Code (Ansible, Terraform)
- CI/CD tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, etc.)
- Git-based repos and configuration management (Git, GitLab, Bitbucket)
- Scripting and automation (Bash, YAML; light Python or similar)
- Enterprise & classified compliance frameworks (RMF, STIGs, JSIG, NISPOM, etc.)
Required Qualifications
- One of the following combinations:
- Master's degree + 6 years IT experience
- Bachelor's degree + 8 years IT experience
- Associate degree + 10 years IT experience
- High School Diploma / GED + 12 years IT experience
- Strong Linux workstation and server administration experience
- Experience supporting an end-to-end automated delivery platform (Software Factory)
- Experience maintaining infrastructure that supports CI/CD pipelines and containerized environments
- Active DoD Secret clearance (required to be considered)
- DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+ CE) - non-negotiable
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years supporting Software Factory environments in a classified setting
- Bachelor's degree in IT or related field
- Certifications such as RHCSA, additional Security credentials
- Strong experience designing and maintaining CI/CD systems
- Container orchestration experience with Docker and Kubernetes/OpenShift
- Infrastructure as Code using Ansible, Terraform, or similar tools
- Experience supporting developers and QA teams with self-service environments
- Knowledge of deployment metrics (deployment frequency, lead-time, MTTR)
- Familiarity with classified frameworks (DAAG, RMF, STIG, JSIG, ICD/ICD-503)
- Basic networking knowledge (subnets, routing, VLANs); Cisco exposure a plus
- Windows Server and Active Directory experience
- VMware and SAN storage experience
- Monitoring/logging tools (Splunk, HBSS, SolarWinds)
- Experience supporting system imaging, C&A, or ATO processes
- Active Top Secret or SCI clearance strongly preferred
Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.
Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.
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