Lab Operations Associate Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

At Areté, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation’s most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.

Discover your future with us.

We are seeking a mid-level Linux System Administrator to support multiple Department of Defense (DoD) programs focused on the design, installation, and configuration of cyber-compliant prototype and low-volume production systems and networks. This role primarily supports the build, hardening, and deployment of local and fielded systems in direct support of the Warfighter. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), experience working within DoD cybersecurity compliance frameworks, and the ability to support systems of varying complexity. This is a hands-on, on-site position supporting mission-critical programs with opportunities for collaboration, travel, and direct customer engagement. This is an exempt, non-supervisory, full-time position based in our Tucson, AZ office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, build, configure, and validate local, fielded, prototype, and low-volume production systems in support of multiple DoD contracts.
• Install, secure, and maintain Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) systems across development, lab, and operational environments.
• Implement and validate cyber-compliant configurations, including:
  • DISA STIG application and remediation
  • RMF control implementation and sustainment
  • SCAP and ACAS vulnerability scanning and mitigation
• Support the design, installation, and configuration of systems and networks of varying complexity.
• Collaborate with IT staff, Cyber Security teams, systems engineers, and program personnel to ensure system security and mission readiness.
• Prepare systems and associated documentation for customer acceptance, deployment, and fielding activities.
• Troubleshoot system, network, and security issues in lab and deployed environments.
• Travel occasionally to customer sites, field locations, or integration events.
• Provide limited after-hours support during critical build, deployment, or maintenance windows.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, system build procedures, and compliance artifacts.
• Other duties, as assigned.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Generous PTO and Leave Times

• Bereavement
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental Leave

Financial Benefits

• Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Continuing Education Assistance

Health, Medical, and Wellness Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement

What We Value

• Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
• Integrity and responsibility in all actions
• Collaboration across teams and specialties
• Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
• Passion for national security and excellence

Experiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills):

• 3–5 years of experience as a Linux System Administrator supporting production, lab, or deployed systems.
• Strong hands-on experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) administration.
• Experience implementing DoD cybersecurity compliance requirements, including DISA STIGs, RMF, SCAP, and ACAS.
• Experience building, configuring, or deploying systems used in mission-critical or fielded environments.
• Understanding of networking fundamentals (DNS, routing, firewalls, VLANs, SSH).
• Experience with scripting or automation (e.g., Bash, Python).
• Ability to collaborate effectively with IT, Cyber Security, engineering, and program teams.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally.
• Willingness to provide limited after-hours support as required by program needs.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret (TS) security clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to DoD contract and clearance requirements.
• Able to obtain a FAA Level 3 Medical Certification from an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds.

Nice to have (Preferred Skills):

• Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance.
• DoD 8570/8140 certification (e.g., Security+ CE or higher).
• Red Hat certifications (RHCSA, RHCE).
• Experience with virtualization platforms (VMware, KVM).
• Experience supporting cyber-compliant prototype or low-volume production systems.
• Prior experience supporting operational DoD or Warfighter-focused systems.
• Familiarity with secure system architectures and network design.
• Experience with storage technologies (NFS, SAN, iSCSI).

The salary range for this role is $85,000 to $125,000; however, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Other Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility. Areté will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.

Other Considerations

Areté is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Areté Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.