Senior Linux Systems Administrator

Company Overview

Iridium is an award-winning and innovative satellite communications company with bragging rights to the only network that offers voice and data connectivity anywhere in the world.   For over 20 years, Iridium’s unique network and services have supported critical communications needs for individuals, businesses, and the evolving Internet of Things.

At Iridium, we understand the importance of staying connected and the limitations of traditional communications networks. People across the globe, including first responders, humanitarians, global militaries, scientific researchers, and lone workers, as well as ships, aircraft and remote operations all rely on Iridium to stay connected. We take our responsibility for providing these essential communications very seriously and pride ourselves on offering a reliable lifeline when needed.  Likewise, Iridium is committed to providing an exciting and innovative workplace, where employees are challenged to think outside the box and collaborate on new, bold ideas and solutions.  Our talented teams are passionate about their work and the impact our company makes around the world.  Iridium fosters an empowering and inclusive culture that allows employees to genuinely be their best selves.   We are looking for others who want to join this truly unique company that celebrates our employees and provides the opportunity to truly make a difference in the world.

What We’re Looking For:

Iridium is seeking a talented and motivated Senior Systems Security Administrator to join the Iridium Government and Hosted Payload Services - Engineering & Services Support team. As a Senior Systems Security Administrator, you’ll be responsible for identifying and autonomously implementing ideas and solutions as it relates to the administration and maintenance of compute environments supporting Iridium Government services. In this role, you will focus primarily on configuration, rollout, maintenance, data backup and recovery, performance tuning, security upgrades, patching, and troubleshooting across multiple sites and within the government and cloud environment. You will succeed in this role if you can work both independently and collaboratively, effectively manage priorities, and maintain alignment with the cadence of government projects and cybersecurity efforts.

This position requires an active/current Secret Security Clearance or the ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active).

What You’ll Do:

• Be responsible for evaluating and troubleshooting compute systems after STIG’s (Security Technical Implementation Guides) have been applied
• Install, maintain, and upgrade data center infrastructure equipment including Linux servers, Virtual machines, backup and timing systems
• Analyze and automate processes and procedures that promote rapid response to known issues, both independently and with the team
• Work collaboratively with others to monitor networks and equipment daily, responding to alerts and providing on-call support
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve problems impacting network access, login functionality, and application availability
• Independently address trouble tickets, create configuration change orders, test corrective actions

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, MIS, or related field OR equivalent relevant experience in lieu of degree
• 8+ years of relevant experience in the IT and Cyber Security industry  
• Competent with MS office tools, knowledgeable with ticket tracking systems
• Demonstrated expertise in administering and troubleshooting Linux-based systems
• Experience with Vmware / vCenter / Netapp & ESXi
• Proven ability to diagnose and resolve database connectivity and access issues
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues to groups outside of your team or those who are unfamiliar with the topic 
• Have confidence and be able to easily build relationships with leadership and colleagues outside of your team 
• Possess an analytical mindset, with the ability to understand a situation or problem and think critically to make decisions and come up with out-of-the-box solutions 
• Be proactive in providing feedback and be enthusiastic in sharing your knowledge with others 
• Capable of prioritizing your own tasks and potentially the tasks of others while making sure deadlines are met 

Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table:

• Experience using Cisco routers and switches
• Former military experience with security clearance supporting cyber security
• Familiarity working on government contracts
• Experience working in a telecommunications environment 

We’ll also need you to:

• Be able to work in the office at least 3 or more days a week to foster collaboration with the team and stakeholders 
• Be on call, on occasion, to support Iridium and government operations
• Be able to travel up to 1 to 2 times per year
• Be able to lift and carry normal 1 person lift rated equipment (30-50 lbs)
• Be a U.S. Citizen

Work Environment:

This position primarily works in an office setting and is largely sedentary with the majority of the position working with a computer. The role typically requires the use of basic office equipment such as a phone, video, computer, keyboard, mouse, and printer. 

We believe in-person connection drives innovation, strengthens mentorship, and builds culture, while flexibility enables employees to do their best work. Under Iridium’s Hybrid Work Policy, employees are expected to work at least three days per week (approximately 60%) in an Iridium office to support collaboration, relationship-building, and professional growth.

Additional Information

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work for this role and is not a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as needed.

Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.