About the position MCFA is partnering with a defense research organization to hire a Linux Systems Engineer supporting research computing and robotics-related experimentation. The role administers Linux systems for research environments, simulation, data handling, robotics integration, and live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) experimentation. The engineer will help shape high-performance computing (HPC) capabilities and architecture for virtual test range integration. The position is based in Middle River, Maryland, on a hybrid schedule with three days per week onsite, plus onsite work for projects, experimentation, and testing events. It includes occasional outdoor work in varying terrain and weather, and travel two to three times per year for up to two weeks.

Responsibilities

• Administer Linux servers, services, and research systems supporting the ROS Enclave, VPG computing environment, virtual test range, and laboratory and field platforms running Ubuntu and/or RHEL derivatives.
• Build, configure, patch, monitor, and troubleshoot Linux hosts used for simulation, data handling, robotics integration, and LVC/HWIL experimentation.
• Manage researcher and partner access to prototype environments, including accounts, permissions, storage, and secure data-management processes.
• Partner with the Network Engineer and ARL researchers to integrate Linux systems with wired, wireless, tactical, and campus test networks.
• Support HPC access, data movement, and software transition into the LVC toolkit, including command-line transfer tools, live analytics, and modeling workflows.
• Help define computing and HPC capabilities for VPG integration through requirements gathering, trade-space evaluation, and architecture design.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, operating policies, user guides, system diagrams, and usage and performance reports.
• Provide onsite and remote support for architecture reviews, integration events, demonstrations, and experimentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, systems administration, computer science, or a related technical field.
• 3–5 years of Linux systems administration or systems engineering experience.
• U.S. citizenship and an active U.S. SECRET clearance, or the ability to obtain one.
• DoD 8140-aligned certification, at minimum CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent; legacy DoD 8570 IAT II is acceptable. Alternatively, the certification may be obtained within three months of starting.
• Hands-on Linux administration with Ubuntu and/or RHEL, including package, user, and service management, storage, shell scripting, and troubleshooting.
• Experience deploying software with Docker/Podman containers and orchestrating with Kubernetes.
• Familiarity with configuration management and automation tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef.
• Experience supporting HPC access or high-end simulation/AI development systems.
• Working knowledge of networked Linux systems, including TCP/IP, VLANs, VPN/remote access, DNS, and firewalls.
• Experience with troubleshooting tools including SSH, rsync, journalctl, tcpdump, and Wireshark.
• Working understanding of system security standards, including STIGs, CIS benchmarks, patch management, and configuration management.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with ROS/ROS 2 environments or Linux hosts used with robotic platforms.
• Experience supporting autonomous vehicles, robotic platforms, or field experimentation environments.
• Linux+ or RHCSA certification.
• Network administration experience.
• Strong communication, documentation, and customer-service skills.

Benefits

• Hybrid schedule.
• Support for required professional certifications.
• Hands-on work shaping HPC and simulation architecture at a DoD research site.