Senior Linux Systems Engineer

Build the engine behind breakthrough science and national-impact research.

Are you ready to operate at the intersection of deep Linux engineering and modern container platforms? Do you thrive when tearing into complex technical challenges, automating away friction, and scaling massive computing environments?

At APL, our engineers don't just keep systems running-we architect the resilient digital backbone powering high-performance computing (HPC) clusters, advanced research environments, and critical mission deliverables. We are looking for a Senior Linux Systems Engineer ready to modernize our infrastructure, push the boundaries of automated orchestration, and champion robust engineering practices across an expanding enterprise footprint.

What You'll Do

• Architect Next-Gen Hybrid Platforms: Design, deploy, and scale robust environments that seamlessly bridge bare-metal Linux infrastructure with Kubernetes and OpenShift orchestration.
• Relentlessly Automate (IaC): Treat infrastructure as software. Champion Infrastructure-as-Code to automate provisioning, configuration orchestration, and continuous system compliance across large-scale fleets.
• Hunt Down Tough Bottlenecks: Own the stack from end to end-diving deep into Linux kernels, network fabrics, storage subsystems, and container runtimes to diagnose complex edge cases and engineer permanent fixes.
• Power High-Performance Computing: Stand up and optimize the compute clusters that allow researchers and domain experts to run compute-heavy, data-intensive workloads without hitting performance walls.
• Deliver Full-Spectrum Observability: Implement comprehensive telemetry, logging, and proactive security monitoring across virtual and physical estates to guarantee high availability and airtight posture.

You meet our minimum qualifications with:

• Foundational Background: A Bachelor's degree (Computer Science preferred) or an additional 5 years of equivalent real-world technical experience.
• Core Linux Mastery: 5+ years of hands-on experience administering and tuning enterprise Linux environments (specifically RHEL).
• Container Orchestration Skills: Proven experience deploying and running workloads with Kubernetes, OpenShift, Docker, or Podman.
• Automation-First Mindset: Proficiency building declarative automation pipelines using Ansible, Puppet, and robust shell scripting.
• Being a Collaborative Problem-Solver: Comfortable partnering directly with end-users and researchers to turn complex technical requirements into stable, operational infrastructure.
• Compliance & Security Baseline: Current IAT Level II certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+ CE) or the ability to obtain one promptly upon hire.
• Ability to obtain an interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a final Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You will go above and beyond with:

• Hands-on experience scaling 100+ node clusters, hybrid data center operations, or managing HPC job schedulers (SLURM).
• Working familiarity with defense security regimes (NISPOM, DSS, RMF) within classified compute environments.
• A talent for writing clear, living architecture docs and operational runbooks that elevate the entire team.
• An active Secret security clearance.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttps://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contactAccessibility@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.