Senior Systems Administrator
Date: Jan 26, 2026
Location: Lexington, MA, US
Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
The Tactical Autonomy Group develops and delivers AI-enabled autonomy and robotic systems where it counts - at the tactical edge. As an FFRDC, we combine academic depth in algorithms, controls, and machine learning, the execution speed of industry, and direct mission pull from operational end-users to solve problems others can’t. We don’t stop at papers: we design, build, integrate, field-test, and transition autonomy stacks - spanning perception, decision-making, learning, and control—into real operations across the DoW and Intelligence Community.
Position Description
Our group seeks a Senior Linux Systems Administrator to become part of a team that builds and maintains IT computing and network infrastructure in an unclassified/classified environment and provides end-user support as needed. The candidate must possess a strong understanding of Linux system administration, network fundamentals, and security/compliance practices, and have the experience (or strong desire) to work in a research and development environment. The candidate must be team-oriented, have strong communication skills, and be able to work independently to develop practical IT solutions that enhance productivity and reliability of computing resources. The candidate must also be comfortable supporting technical end users and working with classified information in a closed area.
This position is full time onsite (40 hours/week) and may require some travel to field offices within the U.S.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Support installation, maintenance, repair, and upgrade of Linux compute and network equipment
- Administer and support Linux-based systems (workstations and servers) in both unclassified and classified environments
- Build, configure, harden, monitor, and troubleshoot Linux systems across varying research needs and constraints
- Review and test new hardware and software and make recommendations for purchases and standardization
- Help design and implement configuration management and monitoring for systems and networks
- Assist in configuration of network devices such as routers and switches
- Provide technical support for staff and back-end system users; handle Tier 2/3 issues as needed
- Manage identity, access, and authentication integrations as required (e.g., LDAP/Kerberos/SSSD; AD integration where applicable)
- Support and maintain core services commonly used in Linux environments (e.g., DNS, DHCP, NFS, SSH, Samba)
- Apply security best practices and compliance requirements (e.g., DISA STIGs, vulnerability remediation, audit readiness)
- Collaborate with other personnel throughout the organization to enhance technology and support practices
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelors Degree and 6+ years of experience in Linux Systems Administration (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- Excellent knowledge of Linux OS administration: installation, configuration, monitoring, patching, performance tuning, and troubleshooting
- Experience administering common Linux distributions (e.g., RHEL/Rocky/Alma, Ubuntu, etc.)
- Experience working in a classified computing environment
- Experience installing, configuring, and operating network services such as DNS, DHCP, NFS, SSH, Samba, and directory services integrations (e.g., LDAP/Kerberos/SSSD; AD integration a plus)
- Demonstrated experience securing Linux systems using DISA STIGs and/or comparable hardening baselines
- Experience performing vulnerability scanning, configuration assessment, remediation, and documenting compliance evidence
- Scripting/automation skills (e.g., Bash, Python) and familiarity with automation/config tools (e.g., Ansible, Salt, Puppet, etc.)
- Familiarity with log collection/monitoring tooling and concepts (e.g., syslog, audit logs, endpoint monitoring)
- Understanding of RMF policies and DoD Directive 8570 / 8140 expectations
- Possess a DoD 8570.01-M IAM I baseline certification or be able to obtain one within 6 months of hire
- Excellent customer service and communication skills
Hiring Range: $111,400 -$147,500
Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including—but not limited to—the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.
At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
- MIT-funded pension
- Matching 401K
- Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
- Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
- Mentorship programs
- A range of work-life balance options
- ... and much more!
Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.
Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoW security clearance.
MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.
Requisition ID: 42610
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