Linux / Virtualization Infrastructure Engineer

Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic collaborative team environment with a passion for Enterprise Linux and Virtualization services?

Are you ready to use and develop your skills to solve ever-evolving challenges?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We’re seeking an Linux Systems and Virtualization Infrastructure Engineer to join our collaborative team. This role is ideal for candidates with a solid technical foundation who are eager to grow their skills in automation, hybrid cloud technologies, and secure infrastructure operations. You’ll work within an award winning team of engineers to support and modernize critical IT systems while contributing to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

As a Linux and Virtualization engineer, you will:

Linux Systems 
1. Install, configure, and administer Linux operating systems to support security and regulatory compliance (e.g. DFARS/CMMC).
2. Troubleshoot and resolve Linux server and client issues, working collaboratively with internal teams and vendors.
3. Monitor system performance, apply patches, maintain logs, and ensure overall system health and reporting.
4. Participate in the Linux Administration Team, contributing to shared tools, documentation, and architecture planning.

Virtualization 
1. Administer and maintain VMware environments (vSphere, ESXi, vCenter, Horizon VDI) to ensure performance, availability, scalability and recovery.
2. Automate and streamline routine infrastructure tasks using tools such as Ansible, Python, Postman, PowerCLI, and RESTful APIs.
3. Support modernization by integrating hybrid cloud services, container platforms, and infrastructure-as-code practices
4. Monitor and troubleshoot virtual infrastructure, leveraging tools and metrics to optimize system performance and availability.
5. Implement system hardening and maintain compliance with security standards (e.g. DFARS, CMMC).

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...

• A Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• 3 years hands-on experience administering Linux systems (e.g. RedHat, Ubuntu).
• Scripting or automation experience (e.g. Bash, Python).
• Familiarity with cybersecurity compliance standards (e.g. DFARS, FIPS, STIG).
• Experience with virtualization technologies (e.g. VMware or similar).
• Ability to analyze and resolve complex infrastructure and application issues.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team and across disciplines.
• A collaborative mindset and clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Are able to obtain a Secret level security 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'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have...

• Automating deployments with configuration management tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef.Using container technologies like Docker, Podman, or Kubernetes.
• Monitoring systems with Prometheus, Grafana, ELK stack.
• Integrating and managing authentication and directory services (LDAP, Kerberos).
• Hardening Linux systems using CIS Benchmarks or DISA STIGs.
• Supporting VDI environments (e.g. Horizon, AWS Workspaces).
• Implementing enterprise backup strategies to ensure data protection, VM-level backup and restore, and policy-based retention for virtual infrastructure.
• Familiarity with VM storage management technologies (e.g. vSAN, NFS, iSCSI, Fiber Channel), including storage policies and evaluating performance.
• Familiarity with foundational networking concepts to integrate virtualization platform with physical network infrastructure (e.g. NSX, logical switches, distributed firewalls, microsegmentation, VLAN trunking, VDS, port group configuration).
• Understanding of cloud and hybrid cloud technologies, including basic concepts of VMware Cloud on AWS, Azure VMware Solution (AVS), or integrating vSphere with cloud-native services.
• Familiarity with Git or other version control systems.
• Knowledge of Solaris.

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 at http://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 contact Accommodations@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.

Salary : $90,000 - $230,000