Overview:

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary:

We are looking for a seasoned Linux Administrator (RHEL) with experience in system administration, automation, hardening, and platform design. The successful candidate will build, secure, and operate large scale, container centric platforms that enable rapid, reliable software delivery across the organization. This role emphasizes containerization and end to end CI/CD pipelines, with deep expertise in the tools listed below and solid Kubernetes experience.

This role will be located on-site in Cambridge, MA.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

• Support and maintain IT infrastructure systems (e.g. servers, workstations, switches, routers, firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, encryption devices)
• Maintain and update documentation, including standard operating procedures, network drawings, and configuration documentation
• Conduct reviews and technical inspections to identify and mitigate potential security weaknesses ensure security compliance is implemented and that all necessary systems are functional
• Provide resolutions to an assortment of customer defined problems of moderately complex scope using knowledge and resources to diagnose and resolve basic technical issues. Escalate issues that extend beyond Tier II level of support as needed.
• Perform software patching, system deployment, license management, hardware and software management, and lifecycle management
• Work closely with the Information Assurance group to ensure the system accreditation process is followed including maintenance of standard operating procedures, network drawings and configuration documentation
• Coordinate with senior personnel and IT management on all risks impacting IT related services including but not limited to: power outages, environmental changes, natural disasters, employee accident or deliberate acts, maintenance or third party vendor actions
• Develops and tests system specifications and requirements by evaluating, verifying and validating technical and functional performance
• May provide guidance to junior team members
• Performs other duties as assigned

Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of systems administration or networking administration
• Knowledge of LDAP, Active Directory, WSUS, VMware, Veeam (or equivalent), Nessus, or Splunk
• Knowledge of security technologies and architecture, including: encryption, network security, firewall configuration, intrusion detection
• Proficiency working with Windows operating systems, including  Windows 10/Windows Server 2016/2019
• Time management skills
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task
• Ability to work efficiently and independently with minimal supervision
• Self-motivated to meet important deadlines
• Knowledge and understanding of one or more of the following regulations: JAFAN 6/9, NISPOM, JSIG, CNSSI 1253, NIST, RMF, and ICD 503

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, or related field required
• Master's Degree in Information Technology preferred
• Security+ certification or higher professional certifications required

Experience

• 3-5 years experienced in Linux systems administration or networking administration

Additional Job Description:

• 2-3 years building, deploying, and managing containers with rootless Podman (or comparable runtimes).
• Expert‑level Ansible (playbooks, roles, collections) for large‑scale infrastructure.
• Hands‑on experience with Nexus Repository Manager (Docker, Maven, NuGet, raw).
• Knowledge of Packer for immutable image creation (VM, container, cloud).
• Production deployment and operation of HashiCorp Vault (dynamic secrets, policies, auth methods).
• Design, implement, and maintain robust GitLab CI/CD pipelines (including runners, caching, and security scanning).
• Proven experience deploying, managing, and troubleshooting production Kubernetes clusters; comfortable with Helm, custom resources, and networking.
• Ability to design and evaluate end‑to‑end platform architectures, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security across all layers.
• Strong Linux administration (systemd, networking, security hardening) and comfort with rootless container environments.
• Demonstrated track record of reducing manual toil through code‑driven processes and tooling.

Applicants selected for this opportunity will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance

Current Secret clearance is required.

Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.

Job Location - City:

Cambridge

Job Location - State:

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code:

02139-3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is

$82,300.00 - $220,000.00

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.  Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [email protected].