Senior Linux System Engineer Jobs in Palm Harbor, FL

No third parties.

Clearance

Must be a U.S. citizen able to pass a government background investigation (forms and fingerprinting), and able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance (Moderate Background Investigation).

Description

This is a 6 month contract position. This Junior to Mid-Level Linux/Database Administrator role supports IT systems administration, database monitoring, and security/compliance evidence collection for a federal government software testing and modernization program. The selected candidate will focus on hands-on troubleshooting, routine system administration, security hardening support, and documentation across Linux and related environments, working alongside senior staff to keep systems ready for testing and verification activities.

Responsibilities

This role will have the following responsibilities:

Linux Systems Administration

• Perform hands-on Linux (Red Hat preferred) system tasks including log review, service checks, configuration validation, user/account updates, and basic troubleshooting
• Support routine operations including system navigation, service management, and configuration awareness across Linux and related environments

Database Support

• Conduct routine database monitoring, collect database metrics, extract needed information, and validate schemas (any common RDBMS)
• Assist with resolving light database issues as directed

Windows and Network Support

• Carry out basic Windows system tasks as needed, including reviewing system logs, connectivity checks, and minor troubleshooting
• Execute foundational network troubleshooting including connectivity tests, validating routing behavior, checking DNS resolution, and assisting with issue triage

Security and Compliance Evidence Support

• Gather, prepare, and submit technical evidence required for ATO, audit controls, configuration compliance, and security validation
• Review system/application requirements, document technical observations, and assist senior staff with risk identification and requirement confirmation

Documentation and Systems-of-Record

• Maintain and update system-of-record artifacts, inventory lists, workbook data, and system-under-test documentation in approved enterprise repositories
• Analyze system-under-test components, confirm expected behavior, validate environment readiness, and ensure required test data and configurations are in place
• Produce clear, accurate technical notes, risk justification inputs, findings, and issue summaries based on observed system behavior

Administrative and Team Support

• Support daily operational activities such as timekeeping, task tracking, updating tickets, working email queues, and documentation maintenance
• Participate in team meetings and technical discussions, providing data, observations, and status updates
• Collaborate with teammates to ensure systems are ready for testing and verification tasks, following established processes and instructions from senior staff

Minimum Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship and ability to pass a government background screening (forms and fingerprinting)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance (Moderate Background Investigation)
• Bachelor's Degree in a technical, engineering, scientific, managerial, business, or related discipline; four years of additional relevant experience may substitute for the degree, or an Associate's Degree together with two years of additional relevant experience
• 5+ years of hands-on IT/systems administration experience (Linux preferred) or related technical experience
• One year of specialized experience in system operations, troubleshooting, configuration management, or security/compliance support
• Minimum five years of professional experience overall
• Ability to write clear technical reports, document findings, and communicate status with supporting data
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency with common IT tools such as SSH, terminal utilities, monitoring dashboards, and ticketing systems
• Experience with standard office and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Teams, SharePoint)
• Foundational understanding of Agile, DevOps, and CI/CD concepts as they relate to system deployments, patching, and automation

Preferred Qualifications

• CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Linux+, Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE), or an equivalent system administration or security certification (not mandatory, but ability to obtain a relevant certification after hire is required)
• Knowledge of COTS and GOTS systems, products, or services evaluation
• Familiarity with health information technology (HIT) policies, procedures, and clinical business processes
• Experience with risk-based testing methodologies

Additional Information

This is a remote position with occasional travel, approximately one to two times per year, as required for onboarding, coordination, or specific project needs.