Linux Operations Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Responsibilities

Position Overview

We are seeking an Enterprise Linux Engineer to direct operations and maintenance activities for enterprise Linux infrastructure across multiple sites and classified networks. This role combines deep Linux systems expertise with DevOps engineering, infrastructure automation, and technical leadership. The ideal candidate will drive baseline standardization, lead technology refresh cycles, integrate emerging technologies (including Kubernetes), and serve as the primary representative for Linux operations to customer management and application owners.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct O&M activities for enterprise Linux infrastructure across multiple sites and classified networks, including compliance remediation and security hardening
• Manage technology refresh cycles including planning, testing, deployment, and decommissioning of legacy systems
• Drive baseline standardization processes to ensure consistent, secure, and maintainable Linux environments across the enterprise
• Lead integration efforts for new technologies and products, including container orchestration platforms (Kubernetes) on in-house hardware
• Implement and maintain DevOps infrastructure including CI/CD pipelines, source control, automated testing, and build systems
• Develop automation solutions for deployment, configuration management, and operational efficiency using scripting and infrastructure-as-code tools
• Provide guidance to application owners to improve application availability, performance, and reliability
• Lead incident and outage response for key applications and infrastructure components
• Represent Linux operations to customer management, application owners, and senior stakeholders
• Manage production environments across multiple classification levels, ensuring security and operational continuity
• Mentor junior staff and provide technical leadership across the engineering team
• Generate availability and utilization reports to support capacity planning and operational decision-making

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI or Q/SCI clearance
• Progressive experience in systems engineering and Linux administration
• Minimum of 12 years with BS/BA; Minimum of 10 years with MS/MA; Minimum of 7 years with Ph.D., 16 years with a HS diploma
• Deep expertise in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) administration
• Strong experience with DevOps toolchains (GitLab, Jenkins, Ansible, or equivalent) and CI/CD pipeline implementation
• Experience with cloud and virtualization platforms (AWS, VMware, Nutanix)
• Proficiency in scripting and automation (Python, Bash)
• Experience managing production environments at multiple classification levels
• Knowledge of containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) and deployment in secure environments
• Experience with infrastructure-as-code tools (CloudFormation, Ansible, or equivalent)
• Strong incident response and troubleshooting skills for complex distributed systems
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to represent technical operations to senior stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• CompTIA Security+ or equivalent baseline certification
• Experience supporting Department of Energy (DOE), DoW or IC missions
• Experience with AWS C2S or GovCloud environments
• Background in big-data engineering and analytics platforms (Hadoop, ElasticSearch, or equivalent)
• Experience with migration from on-premises to cloud environments at multiple classification levels
• Familiarity with LDAP, Active Directory, and identity management in classified networks
• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) or Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
• Experience with message queuing systems (RabbitMQ, Kafka, or equivalent)
• Track record of process improvement initiatives that measurably improved operational efficiency

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$112,000 - $179,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME