Principal Linux System Administrator (onsite)

RTX RTX · Aerospace · tucson, AZ +1 · Digital Technology

RTX is seeking a Principal Linux System Administrator to join their Digital Technology team in Tucson, AZ. The role involves providing IT systems administration in a heterogeneous Microsoft Windows and Red Hat Enterprise Linux environment, with a strong focus on RHEL systems management and lifecycle support within a classified, air-gapped environment. Responsibilities include system provisioning, configuration, patching, troubleshooting, and ensuring compliance with cybersecurity requirements and government regulations.

What you'd actually do

  1. Provide IT systems administration in a heterogeneous Microsoft Windows and Red Hat Enterprise Linux environment, with a strong focus on RHEL systems management and lifecycle support.
  2. Apply solid understanding of Linux fundamentals, including systemd, SELinux, networking, DNS, DHCP, and integration with Active Directory for authentication. Support interoperability between Linux and Windows systems using established identity management tools.
  3. Work as part of a collaborative team in a fast‑paced, air‑gapped, classified environment. Use advanced troubleshooting techniques to resolve moderate to complex technical issues involving operating systems, virtualized workloads, and hardware integration.
  4. Support Linux provisioning and configuration tasks including kickstart deployments, automated configuration using Ansible, package management, and container workloads using Podman. Assist with patching processes in a closed network environment where updates are manually introduced.
  5. Partner closely with Cybersecurity professionals to maintain required security posture, support RMF/NISPOM/JSIG-aligned processes, and deliver documentation, guidance, and training on advanced IT procedures.

Skills

Required

  • Linux experience
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux
  • Windows systems administration
  • Active Directory administration
  • VMware virtualization
  • database administration
  • network administration
  • DoD 8140/8570 certification requirements (CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent) within 6 months of start

Nice to have

  • VMware experience, including vCenter, ESXi, and virtual machine lifecycle management
  • Active DoD TS/SCI with Polygraph or prior SCI/program eligibility
  • Current DoD 8140/8570 certifications, including Security+ CE or equivalent OS-level certifications
  • Experience with NISPOM, JAFAN, JSIG, DFARS, or Risk Management Framework (RMF) processes
  • Experience with Red Hat ecosystem tools such as Ansible, Podman, SELinux, kickstart provisioning, and Linux automation
  • Experience administering Windows Server technologies including WSUS or Exchange in a classified environment
  • Knowledge of data storage concepts, including SAN/NAS solutions and NFS implementations
  • Exposure to containerization and early-stage adoption of Kubernetes or Rancher
  • Experience supporting engineers working with software development, simulations, or hardware development workflows
  • Experience scripting in Bash, Ansible, or PowerShell for automation and tooling
  • HPC environment support experience

What the JD emphasized

  • Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date
  • U.S. citizenship is required
  • classified information system capabilities
  • fast‑paced, air‑gapped, classified environment
  • RMF/NISPOM/JSIG-aligned processes