Linux Systems Engineer

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets. Roka Security is seeking a highly skilled Linux Systems Engineer to design, deploy, optimize, automate, and support large-scale Linux infrastructure supporting secure networking and remote-access services. This role is ideal for an engineer with deep expertise in Linux networking, policy-based routing, infrastructure automation, and modern VPN technologies including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPSec. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with engineering, systems administration, and platform engineering teams to deliver highly available, secure, and scalable infrastructure solutions in mission-critical environments. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Linux Infrastructure Engineering: • Design, deploy, administer, and maintain enterprise Linux environments • Develop standardized operating system configurations and hardened baseline builds • Perform operating system upgrades, patch management, lifecycle maintenance, and performance optimization • Troubleshoot complex operating system, networking, and application issues Network Engineering: • Configure and troubleshoot OSPF and static routing, VLANs, LACP, 802.1Q trunking, network namespaces, VRFs, NAT and firewall policies • Analyze and troubleshoot network traffic using tcpdump, Wireshark, iproute2, nftables, and iptables • Design, deploy, and support secure VPN infrastructures using OpenVPN 2.6+, WireGuard, and IPSec • Troubleshoot encryption, routing, MTU, and performance issues while implementing modern cryptographic standards and VPN hardening best practices Configuration Management & Automation: • Automate system provisioning, configuration deployment, compliance enforcement, VPN deployments, and security baseline management • Integrate SaltStack with CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure monitoring platforms Collaboration and Documentation: • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support project initiatives and resolve technical issues • Document system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting steps for knowledge sharing and training purposes • Contribute to knowledge base articles and best practices documentation REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Current Active TS/SCI with ability to pass CI Polygraph Education: • Associate or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field; OR equivalent combination of technical training and hands-on experience Technical Skills: • Operating Systems: Strong hands-on experience with Debian and Ubuntu Linux • Networking: Experience with dynamic and static routing, VLANs, trunking, NAT and firewall policies • VPN: Experience with WireGuard, OpenVPN 2.6+, IPSec, PKI and certificate management. • Automation & Scripting: Experience with Bash, Git, and CI/CD workflows Professional Skills: • Exceptional troubleshooting and root-cause analysis capabilities • Strong documentation and technical writing skills • Ability to operate independently in mission-critical environments • Security-first mindset with strong infrastructure design principles • Excellent collaboration and communication skills PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Experience supporting cloud platforms including Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft Azure • Experience with container technologies including Docker and Kubernetes • Experience supporting confidential computing environments • Industry certifications such as RHCE, LFCE, CCNP, or equivalent advanced certifications COMPENSATION & BENEFITS • Competitive salary • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance • 401(k) with company match • PTO and paid holidays • Ongoing technical training and certification support Salary & Benefits The salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards. Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances. Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.