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: $91K – $136K
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) experimentation
Manage researcher and partner access to prototype environments, including accounts, permissions, storage, and secure data-management processes
Partner with the Network Engineer and ARL researchers to integrate Linux systems with wired, wireless, tactical, and campus test networks
Support HPC access, data movement, and software transition into the LVC toolkit, including command-line transfer tools, live analytics, and modeling workflows
Help 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 reports
Provide 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 field
3–5 years of Linux systems administration or systems engineering experience
U.S. citizenship and an active U.S. SECRET clearance, or the ability to obtain one
DoD 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 start
Hands-on Linux administration (Ubuntu and/or RHEL): package, user, and service management, storage, shell scripting, and troubleshooting
Experience deploying software with Docker/Podman containers and orchestrating with Kubernetes
Familiarity with configuration management and automation tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef)
Experience supporting HPC access or high-end simulation / AI development systems
Working 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)
Familiarity with configuration management and automation tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef).
Bonus Points:
Experience with ROS / ROS 2 environments or Linux hosts used with robotic platforms
Experience supporting autonomous vehicles, robotic platforms, or field experimentation environments
Linux+ or RHCSA certification
Network administration experience
Strong communication, documentation, and customer-service skills
T otal Rewards:
Compensation is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, and applicable employment laws. The estimated salary range for this position is based on full time status.
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.