Senior Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.
Senior Linux Systems Engineer-Nightwing (Sterling, VA)
Nightwing is seeking a Senior Linux Systems Engineer to design, implement, and maintain secure, scalable Linux-based infrastructure supporting mission-critical systems. This role requires deep expertise in Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments, infrastructure architecture, automation, virtualization, and cybersecurity compliance.
The ideal candidate will provide technical leadership in the engineering, integration, and optimization of enterprise Linux platforms, ensuring high availability, performance, and security across on-premises and hybrid environments.
CLEARANCE: TS/SCI with POLY
Responsibilities
Infrastructure Engineering & Architecture

• Design, implement, and maintain enterprise Linux infrastructure, including servers, virtual machines, storage systems, and network-integrated services.

• Engineer high-availability and resilient Linux platforms supporting mission-critical applications.

• Architect and deploy hardened Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) systems aligned with organizational security standards.

• Lead infrastructure modernization initiatives, including OS upgrades, platform migrations, and lifecycle management of hardware and systems.

Automation & Platform Engineering

• Design and implement automation frameworks and workflows for system provisioning, configuration management, patching, and compliance.

• Develop repeatable deployment templates and infrastructure automation pipelines to ensure consistent and secure system builds.

• Implement automated STIG and security compliance validation processes across Linux environments.

System Integration & Virtualization

• Engineer and manage virtualized infrastructure environments, integrating Linux systems with virtualization platforms and enterprise storage solutions.

• Integrate Linux platforms with identity services, monitoring systems, and security tools.

• Support hybrid environments by integrating on-prem infrastructure with cloud platforms and AWS workloads.

Performance, Reliability & Monitoring

• Optimize system performance through kernel tuning, performance profiling, and resource optimization.

• Implement and integrate systems into enterprise monitoring platforms to ensure visibility and proactive issue detection.

• Design solutions that improve system reliability, scalability, and service availability.

Advanced Troubleshooting & Technical Leadership

• Provide advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis for complex infrastructure and network-related issues.

• Guide technical teams in resolving system failures and recurring performance issues.

• Lead or support infrastructure projects including major OS upgrades, architecture improvements, and system enhancements.

Security & Compliance

• Implement and maintain cybersecurity controls in accordance with industry and organizational standards.

• Ensure Linux systems remain compliant with security frameworks such as STIG and NIST guidelines.

• Support vulnerability remediation, continuous monitoring, and security hardening across enterprise systems.

Infrastructure Operations Support

• Support physical infrastructure activities, including rack installations, cabling coordination, and hardware troubleshooting.

• Assist with infrastructure planning including rack layout, power distribution considerations, and system integration.

• Collaborate with network, security, and cloud teams to support integrated infrastructure operations.

Required Skills & Experience

• 8+ years of experience in Linux systems administration, infrastructure engineering, or platform engineering.

• Extensive hands-on experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) including design, deployment, administration, and troubleshooting.

• Strong experience designing and managing virtualized Linux infrastructure environments.

• Proven experience implementing automation and configuration management solutions (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Salt, Chef).

• Experience optimizing Linux systems for performance, scalability, and high availability.

• Hands-on experience implementing security hardening and compliance frameworks such as STIG and NIST guidelines.

• Experience integrating Linux systems with identity services and enterprise infrastructure components.

• Strong experience troubleshooting complex system, network, and infrastructure issues.

• Working knowledge of network protocols, network troubleshooting, and system performance analysis.

• Excellent communication and documentation skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience managing or integrating enterprise monitoring platforms (e.g., ELK stack, Splunk, or similar).

• Familiarity with network infrastructure technologies including switches, routers, and firewalls.

• Experience working with hybrid cloud environments and AWS infrastructure.

• Experience supporting physical infrastructure installations and hardware lifecycle management.

• Knowledge of DevOps practices and infrastructure-as-code methodologies.

• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced environments with evolving mission requirements.

Key Competencies

• Infrastructure architecting and engineering

• Linux platform expertise

• Automation and systems integration

• Security and compliance engineering

• Performance optimization and troubleshooting

• Cross-team technical collaboration

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we'll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.
Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.