Linux Systems Engineer

Job Title: Linux Systems Engineer (Mid-Level) Location: Middle River, MD (Hybrid) Employment Type: Full-Time (Hybrid). 3 days per week on-site, plus on-site presence for projects, experimentation, and testing events. Includes occasional outdoor work in varying terrain and weather, and travel 2–3 times per year for up to two weeks. Salary: $110K – $135K Position Overview MCFA is partnering with a defense research organization and leading their search for a Robotics Engineer to support intelligent robotics research. You’ll focus on software and hardware integration for proof-of-concept demonstrations and performance evaluation of autonomous behaviors on individual robots and teams of ground and aerial platforms. Key Responsibilities Administer Linux servers, services, and research systems supporting the ROS Enclave, VPG computing environment, virtual test range, and lab and field platforms (Ubuntu and/or RHEL derivatives)Build, configure, patch, monitor, and troubleshoot Linux hosts used for simulation, data handling, robotics integration, and LVC / hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) experimentationManage researcher and partner access to prototype environments, including accounts, permissions, storage, and secure data-management processesPartner with the Network Engineer and ARL researchers to integrate Linux systems with wired, wireless, tactical, and campus test networksSupport HPC access, data movement, and software transition into the LVC toolkit, including command-line transfer tools, live analytics, and modeling workflowsHelp define the computing and HPC capabilities for VPG integration through requirements gathering, trade-space evaluation, and architecture design. The systems aren’t predetermined, so you’ll help shape them.Develop and maintain SOPs, operating policies, user guides, system diagrams, and usage/performance reportsProvide onsite and remote support for architecture reviews, integration events, demonstrations, and experimentation Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, Systems Administration, Computer Science, or a related technical field3–5 years of Linux systems administration or systems engineering experienceU.S. citizenship and an active U.S. SECRET clearance, or the ability to obtain oneDoD 8140-aligned certification (minimum CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent; legacy DoD 8570 IAT II acceptable), or the ability to obtain one within 3 months of startHands-on Linux administration (Ubuntu and/or RHEL): package, user, and service management, storage, shell scripting, and troubleshootingExperience deploying software with Docker/Podman containers and orchestrating with KubernetesFamiliarity with configuration management and automation tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef)Experience supporting HPC access or high-end simulation / AI development systemsWorking knowledge of networked Linux systems (TCP/IP, VLANs, VPN/remote access, DNS, firewalls) and troubleshooting tools (SSH, rsync, journalctl, tcpdump, Wireshark)Working understanding of system security standards (STIGs, CIS benchmarks, patch and configuration management) Bonus Points Experience with ROS / ROS 2 environments or Linux hosts used with robotic platformsExperience supporting autonomous vehicles, robotic platforms, or field experimentation environmentsLinux+ or RHCSA certificationNetwork administration experienceStrong communication, documentation, and customer-service skills Total Rewards Competitive base salaryHybrid scheduleSupport for required professional certificationsHands-on work shaping HPC and simulation architecture at one of the nation’s premier DoD research sites About MCFA MCFA is a trusted talent acquisition and advisory firm supporting construction, real estate, infrastructure, and public sector clients nationwide. We specialize in helping our partners attract high-impact talent to achieve operational excellence and long-term growth.