Lead Classified Systems Administrator

KBR is seeking a Lead Classified Systems Administrator to join our Corporate IT team in Beavercreek, OH. This position serves as the technical lead for a large, complex classified infrastructure with a significant focus on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) administration, security, and modernization. The successful candidate will be the team's Linux subject matter expert, responsible for maintaining, optimizing, troubleshooting, and securing mission-critical systems across a broad enterprise environment. In addition to providing technical leadership for Linux-based platforms, this role will guide infrastructure improvements, support integrated Windows services, mentor system administrators, and partner with cybersecurity, network, and engineering teams to deliver reliable, scalable, and secure solutions in a highly regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the administration, maintenance, and optimization of enterprise systems, including servers, desktops, storage devices, and peripheral equipment

• Serve as the technical lead and primary escalation point for complex system, infrastructure, and performance issues

• Oversee OS and software upgrades, patching strategies, and lifecycle management to maintain a secure and compliant environment

• Provide hands-on support for advanced troubleshooting across Windows, Linux, and integrated environments

• Coordinate and prioritize team activities, ensuring timely execution of operational tasks and project deliverables

• Design, implement, and lead infrastructure improvements, system enhancements, and modernization initiatives

• Manage and validate backup, recovery, and disaster recovery processes to ensure business continuity

• Monitor system performance, identify risks, and proactively implement security and optimization measures

• Collaborate with network, cybersecurity, and IT support teams to support enterprise-wide initiatives and system integrations

• Partner with vendors and third-party providers to resolve complex issues and support system enhancements

• Provide clear communication and status updates to stakeholders, leadership, and customers

• Develop, standardize, and improve system administration processes, procedures, and documentation

• Mentor and guide junior administrators, fostering technical growth and best practices across the team

Basic Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• B.S. Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Systems Engineering, or related field. Additional relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree

• 8+ years of relevant experience, including 5+ years serving as a primary Linux Systems Administrator supporting large-scale enterprise or DoD environments.

• Citizenship & Clearance: Must be a US Citizen. Must have a TS/SCI Clearance with a CI Polygraph or be able to obtain and maintain.

• Certifications: Must have CompTIA Security+ CE, CISSP, or IAW DoD 8570 certifications

Technical Expertise:

• Advanced hands-on Linux system administration experience, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), operating system lifecycle management, patching, security hardening, performance tuning, and troubleshooting in enterprise production environments.

• Experience administering enterprise Linux environments, supporting mission-critical systems with responsibilities across deployment, maintenance, upgrades, and incident resolution.

• Experience implementing and maintaining Linux security controls, including STIG compliance, vulnerability remediation, auditing, and system hardening in DoD or other regulated environments.

• Experience with Linux scripting and automation tools such as Bash, Python, Ansible, or similar technologies used to streamline administration and configuration management.

• Experience supporting integrated Windows environments, including Windows Server, Active Directory, and Group Policy.

• Strong experience with virtualization technologies (VMware) and enterprise storage and backup solutions.

• Proven ability to design, evaluate, and implement IT infrastructure solutions in complex environments.

• Expertise in troubleshooting and resolving high-impact operating system, hardware, virtualization, and infrastructure issues.

• Demonstrated expertise administering Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) in a large-scale enterprise environment. Candidates should possess deep experience with Linux troubleshooting, patch management, system security, performance tuning, and automation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with cybersecurity hardening compliance tools such as STIG Viewer, SCAP Compliance Checker, and OpenSCAP

• Familiarity with the DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF) and configuring systems for DoD Special Access Programs in accordance with JSIG requirements

• Hands-on experience with machine virtualization, including transitioning legacy products to virtualized environments

• Experience with vulnerability scanning tools and implementing mitigation strategies

• Knowledge of advanced security practices and compliance standards in a government or defense IT environment

• Prior experience leading small teams or projects with significant complexity and risk