Senior Linux/Unix Systems Administrator (4419) at SMX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Linux/Unix Systems Administrator (4419)
Company: SMX
Location: Dahlgren, Virginia, United States
Job Type: On-site
Category: System Administrator
Date Posted: June 25, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Manage Research, Development, Test & Evaluation environments for Unix/Linux-based systems
Ensure functionality, security, and efficiency of systems, networks, and software infrastructure
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) programs

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in Linux/Unix system administration, with a focus on security, performance, and troubleshooting. Familiarity with DoD or Navy programs is desirable.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Daily Administration: Manage Linux/Unix systems and software, including backup and recovery, software management, security management, and performance tuning
Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve issues related to systems, networks, and software infrastructure
Resource Allocation: Optimize resource usage and allocation for efficient system performance
Collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams to ensure system and software requirements are met
Security Management: Implement and maintain network security measures, including firewalls and vulnerability management

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a proactive approach to system management, with a focus on preventing issues before they occur. Strong communication skills are essential for collaborating with teams and stakeholders.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (desired)

Experience: 6+ years of experience administering Linux/Unix systems and networks

Required Skills:

Linux/Unix system administration
Backup and recovery
Software management
Security management
Performance tuning
Troubleshooting
Resource allocation
Networking protocols
Network security tools
Vulnerability management
IAT III certification (CISSP, CISM, GSLC, CASP, or equivalent)

Preferred Skills:

Experience working within DoD or Navy programs
Relevant certifications (e.g., Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator, Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with relevant certifications and experience in DoD or Navy programs will have a competitive advantage for this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrate experience in Linux/Unix system administration through case studies or projects
- Showcase problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex system issues
- Highlight experience with security management, including network security tools and vulnerability management
Technical Documentation:
- Provide examples of system documentation, including configuration management and change logs
- Demonstrate understanding of system performance optimization and resource allocation strategies

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio will showcase the candidate's ability to manage and secure complex Linux/Unix environments, with a focus on performance optimization and troubleshooting.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $105,100 - $175,100 USD per year (based on experience and qualifications)

Benefits:

Health Insurance
Paid Leave
Retirement

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with potential for flexible scheduling to support maintenance windows and project deadlines

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on the company's compensation structure, which considers factors such as geographic location, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education, and certifications.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense and Aerospace

Company Size: Medium (500-1,000 employees)

Founded: 1993

Team Structure:

Collaborative, cross-functional teams supporting DoD and Navy programs
Dedicated system administration team responsible for managing Unix/Linux-based systems

Development Methodology:

Agile/Scrum methodologies for software development and system management
Emphasis on continuous improvement and innovation

Company Website: www.smxtech.com

📝 Enhancement Note: SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer, including disabilities and veterans. Selected applicants may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior System Administrator

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the System Administration Manager, with potential for team leadership opportunities

Technical Impact: Responsible for ensuring the functionality, security, and efficiency of Unix/Linux-based systems, supporting critical DoD and Navy programs

Growth Opportunities:

Technical leadership and mentoring opportunities within the system administration team
Potential for career progression into architecture or management roles, based on performance and company needs

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers opportunities for technical growth and leadership, with a focus on developing expertise in Linux/Unix system administration and security.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a focus on collaboration and cross-functional teamwork

Office Location(s): Dahlgren, Virginia

Workspace Context:

Modern office space with dedicated workstations and multiple monitors
Access to testing environments and development tools for system administration tasks
Opportunities for cross-functional collaboration with software developers, engineers, and project managers

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with potential for flexible scheduling to support maintenance windows and project deadlines

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment at SMX is collaborative and focused on supporting critical DoD and Navy programs. System administrators can expect to work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure system and software requirements are met.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone or video screen to assess communication skills and technical background
On-site technical interview, focusing on Linux/Unix system administration, security, and troubleshooting skills
Final interview with the hiring manager to discuss career goals, fit, and next steps

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight experience in Linux/Unix system administration, with a focus on security and performance optimization
Include case studies or projects demonstrating problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex system issues
Showcase experience with network security tools and vulnerability management

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on Linux/Unix command-line skills and system administration best practices
Review networking protocols, network security tools, and vulnerability management strategies
Prepare for scenario-based questions focused on system administration, security, and troubleshooting

ATS Keywords: Linux, Unix, System Administration, Security, Troubleshooting, Performance Tuning, Backup and Recovery, Networking Protocols, Network Security Tools, Vulnerability Management, IAT III Certification, DoD, Navy, Agile, Scrum, Collaboration, Cross-functional Teams

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's technical skills in Linux/Unix system administration, security, and troubleshooting. A strong portfolio and preparation for technical challenges will be essential for success.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Operating Systems:

Linux (Red Hat, CentOS, Ubuntu)
Unix (Solaris, AIX)

Server Technologies:

Apache, Nginx
MySQL, PostgreSQL
Tomcat, JBoss

Networking Tools:

Wireshark
tcpdump
Nagios, Zabbix

Security Tools:

Firewalls (iptables, pf, Cisco ASA)
Intrusion Detection Systems (Snort, Suricata)
Vulnerability Scanners (Nessus, OpenVAS)

Monitoring Tools:

Nagios, Zabbix
Prometheus, Grafana

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is focused on Linux/Unix system administration, with an emphasis on security, performance, and troubleshooting. Familiarity with relevant tools and technologies is essential for success.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Expertise: Demonstrate deep knowledge of Linux/Unix system administration, security, and troubleshooting
Collaboration: Work effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure system and software requirements are met
Innovation: Continuously learn and adapt to new technologies and best practices in Linux/Unix system administration
Quality: Ensure the functionality, security, and efficiency of Unix/Linux-based systems through rigorous testing and optimization

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Work closely with software developers, engineers, and project managers to ensure system and software requirements are met
Code Review Culture: Participate in regular code reviews and knowledge-sharing sessions to improve system administration practices
Peer Programming: Collaborate with other system administrators to troubleshoot complex issues and optimize system performance

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture at SMX is collaborative and focused on supporting critical DoD and Navy programs. System administrators can expect to work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure system and software requirements are met.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Managing complex Unix/Linux environments with high availability and security requirements
Troubleshooting and optimizing system performance in high-pressure, mission-critical environments
Implementing and maintaining network security measures, including firewalls and vulnerability management

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Expand knowledge of Linux/Unix system administration, security, and troubleshooting through training, certifications, and on-the-job experience
Career Progression: Pursue architecture or management roles within the system administration team, based on performance and company needs
Conference Attendance: Attend industry conferences and events focused on Linux/Unix system administration, security, and troubleshooting

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers opportunities for technical growth and leadership, with a focus on developing expertise in Linux/Unix system administration and security. Challenges include managing complex environments and optimizing system performance in high-pressure, mission-critical environments.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

System Administration: Describe your experience with Linux/Unix system administration, including backup and recovery, software management, and performance tuning
Security: Explain your approach to network security, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability management
Troubleshooting: Walk through a complex system issue you've encountered and how you resolved it

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Fit: Explain why you're interested in working for SMX and how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and values
Team Dynamics: Describe your experience working in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment and how you've contributed to team success
Adaptability: Discuss a time when you had to adapt to significant changes in your work environment or project requirements, and how you handled the situation

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Case Studies: Present case studies or projects demonstrating your experience in Linux/Unix system administration, security, and troubleshooting
Live Demonstrations: Showcase your ability to troubleshoot complex system issues and optimize system performance through live demonstrations
Technical Documentation: Provide examples of system documentation, including configuration management and change logs, to demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to quality

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's technical skills in Linux/Unix system administration, security, and troubleshooting. A strong portfolio and preparation for technical challenges will be essential for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Linux/Unix Systems Administrator position at SMX:

Customize your resume to highlight your Linux/Unix system administration, security, and troubleshooting experience
Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience in Linux/Unix system administration, security, and troubleshooting, with a focus on case studies and live demonstrations
Research SMX's mission, values, and company culture to ensure a strong fit and alignment with your career goals
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your Linux/Unix system administration, security, and troubleshooting skills, and practicing scenario-based questions

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Senior Linux/Unix Systems Administrator (4419)