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Top Secret Linux Engineer Security Clearance Jobs

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Top Secret Linux Engineer Security Clearance information

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How much do top secret linux engineer security clearance jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for top secret linux engineer security clearance in the United States is $59.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.08 and $67.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Top Secret Linux Engineer with Security Clearance, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Top Secret Linux Engineer with Security Clearance, you need deep expertise in Linux system administration, networking, cybersecurity best practices, and typically a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, along with an active Top Secret security clearance. Familiarity with security monitoring tools, scripting languages (such as Bash or Python), and compliance systems like SELinux or DISA STIGs is frequently required. Strong problem-solving, discretion, and communication skills help you respond to threats and collaborate securely across teams. These abilities are vital to protect sensitive systems, ensure compliance with government standards, and maintain national security.

What is a Top Secret Linux Engineer Security Clearance?

A Top Secret Linux Engineer Security Clearance refers to an IT professional who specializes in managing and securing Linux-based systems and networks, and holds a 'Top Secret' level clearance from the U.S. government. This clearance allows them to access highly sensitive or classified information necessary for their work, typically in defense, intelligence, or government sectors. The role involves configuring, maintaining, and securing Linux systems while ensuring compliance with strict security protocols and regulations. Obtaining this clearance requires a thorough background check and adherence to government standards.

What are some common challenges faced by Top Secret Linux Engineers working in secure environments, and how can candidates prepare for them?

Top Secret Linux Engineers often work in highly regulated, secure environments where strict access controls, compliance protocols, and documentation requirements are enforced. Common challenges include adapting to limited internet access, navigating complex approval processes for software changes, and balancing security with operational efficiency. Candidates can prepare by familiarizing themselves with government security standards (such as NIST or DISA STIGs), developing strong troubleshooting skills in air-gapped or isolated networks, and staying current on secure Linux administration best practices. Demonstrating adaptability and clear communication skills is also essential for effective collaboration with cross-functional security and compliance teams.
Infographic showing various Top Secret Linux Engineer Security Clearance job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,247 per year, or $59.7 per hour.

Linux System Administrator- Top Secret Clearance Required

IMG Information Management Group, Inc.

Schenectady, NY

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Opportunity

As a trusted federal contractor, IMG delivers mission-focused solutions that support government customers and the people who serve them. We are hiring a Linux System Administrator who will oversee and maintain current enterprise RedHat Linux environment to ensure the stability, security and performance of these systems,

Candidates must have an active Top Secret or Q security clearance to qualify.

System Installation and Configurationa. Install, configure, and maintain RHEL operating systems.b. Set up new hardware or virtual machines, including managing drivers and kernel configurations.c. Configure and manage system-level services (e.g., SSH, NFS, FTP, web servers).

System Monitoring and Performance Tuninga. Monitor system performance, resource usage, and network traffic using tools like Dynatrace.b. Optimize system performance by tuning kernel parameters, adjusting storage subsystems, and balancing resource loads.c. Troubleshoot issues that affect performance or downtime Technical Requirements forUser and Permission Managementa. Create and manage user accounts, groups, and permissions.b. Implement and maintain security policies to ensure appropriate access controls (e.g., file system permissions, SELinux, AppArmor).c. Troubleshoot user account issues, including SSH key management and password resets.

Securitya. Regularly update and patch systems to mitigate vulnerabilities.b. Configure firewalls (iptables, nftables) and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).c. Perform security audits, log monitoring, and implement measures to meet compliance requirements.d. Manage and monitor antivirus solutions (if required).

Automation and Scriptinga. Write and maintain scripts (Bash, Python, Perl, etc.) to automate tasks such as system updates, user provisioning, and log rotation.b. Utilize configuration management tools like Ansible to standardize system configurations.c. Leverage cron or systemd timers for task scheduling.

Software and Package Managementa. Install, maintain, and update software packages using package managers (e.g., yum, dnf).b. Manage custom software repositories and build custom packages when necessary.c. Address and troubleshoot dependency issues during installations and updates.

Networkinga. Configure and troubleshoot network interfaces, DNS, firewall rules, and routing on Linux systems.b. Set up and manage network services like Apache, Nginx, or Samba.c. Monitor network connectivity using tools like tcpdump, Wireshark, or Netstat.

Documentation and Communicationa. Maintain documentation for system configurations, policies, procedures, and troubleshooting.b. Communicate with other IT teams, vendors, and stakeholders to resolve incidents and plan system changes.c. Participate in team collaborations, such as IT service reviews or post-mortem analyses

Troubleshooting and Issue Resolutiona. Identify and resolve hardware, software, and network problems.b. Respond to incidents and outages, including root cause analysis and reporting.c. Ensure minimal downtime by implementing failover solutions or redundancy mechanisms.

Keeping Systems Currenta. Stay updated with the latest Linux technologies, industry trends, and security advisories.b. Test and apply latest kernel upgrades, system updates, and bug fixes without affecting production systems.c. Research and suggest cost-effective new tools and solutions.

Key Responsibilities
  • Administer and optimize RedHat Linux systems, OpenShift, VMWare, and Cloudera platforms including authentication, cluster management, user management, monitoring, performance and data management
  • Implement and enforce security measures to meet NIST 800-53 standards
  • Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and perform regular maintenance
  • Manage system updates, patches, and upgrades to ensure system integrity
  • Develop and enforce backup and disaster recovery plans
  • Provide support for system configurations, user management, and access control
  • Document system configurations, procedures and updates
  • Collaborate with IT teams to integrate and manage applications and services 
Qualifications

Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field and four (4) years of relevant experience, Associates Degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field and six (6) years experience, High School Degree and ten (10) years experience, or Similar education / work experience via Buyer approval.

Active Top Secret or Q security clearance

Preferred Certification(s) CompTIA Linux+ Linux Professional Institute (LPI) (LPIC-1, LPIC-2, LPI-3) Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) Kubernetes Certifications (CKA, CKAD, CKS)

Salary: 100-120k

About IMG

Founded in 1987, IMG is a leading small business that exemplifies competence, integrity and follow-through. We consistently provide customer focused professional services, which ensures our company is recognized for continually exceeding expectations. We believe that at the core of our success stand our people. Our people have provided professional services in the Information Technology field for our customers with a commitment to customer satisfaction for over 35 years.

IMG Benefits:

  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • Short term and long term disability insurance
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
  • Personal leave plus paid federal holidays
  • Professional development and training assistance

IMG is an equal opportunity employer including disability and protected veterans or other characteristics protected by law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME