The Wind Tunnel Division at NASA Ames Research Center is seeking an experienced Linux System Administrator to support operations within the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (UPWT). This contract position, part of the Amentum ATOM (Aerospace Testing, Operations and Maintenance) team, plays a key role in maintaining mission-critical computing systems that directly support wind tunnel test operations.
The selected candidate will work as part of an integrated test team in a fast-paced environment supporting testing of commercial, military, and NASA aerospace vehicles. This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance and shift work may be required.
• Experience in architecting, deploying, and supporting complex IT projects in a heterogeneous environment including physical and virtual configurations.
• Maintain and administer Linux and Windows operating systems, including high-security air-gapped systems that are managed and deployed using automated frameworks across secure environments.
• Support full system lifecycle activities including OS deployment, configuration management, system backups, baseline maintenance, and application installation.
• Manage user accounts, group policies, and authentication mechanisms.
• Lead high performance/high availability design and operations. Monitor, analyze, and resolve system issues identified in system metrics, health indicators and logfiles.
• Ensure system readiness and reliability for mission‑critical test operations across multiple platforms (desktops, servers, real-time systems and embedded controllers).
• Provide timely response to system issues and operational emergencies.
• Collaborate with the Wind Tunnel System Branch and integrated test teams to support test planning and execution.
• Implement security best practices and vulnerability mitigation strategies, while enabling support for open scientific research
• Follow IT operations best practices and maintain clear and accurate technical documentation for system configurations, procedures, and network diagrams.
• Assist with network configuration, troubleshooting and device setup and management.
• Develop scripting tools (e.g., Bash, Python, PowerShell) to automate administrative tasks when beneficial.
• Provide responsive end‑user support through established incident and communication channels.
• Participate in staff meetings, prepare status updates, and collaborate effectively across diverse technical groups.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related discipline and 10+ years of relevant IT or system administration experience.
• Demonstrated experience with:
o Linux (RHEL or similar distributions) system administration
o Windows system administration
o OS deployment and operations frameworks (RHEL/RPM/Kickstart, other)
o Hardware/software troubleshooting and mitigation.
o Network fundamentals and switch and device configuration. Networking credential a plus
o Knowledge of Storage and RAID configuration, system imaging, and management
o Configuration and management of highly secure systems. Security credential a plus
• Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance (required)
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
• Exposure to multi-platform environments (Linux, Windows, real-time OS and embedded controllers).
• Experience supporting operational or test facility environments.
• Familiarity with scripting languages and automation frameworks.
• Ability to adapt quickly, manage multiple priorities, and work collaboratively with engineering and operations staff.
CORE ATTRIBUTES:
• Responsible, dependable, and proactive.
• Adaptable and able to learn quickly.
• A strong communicator with solid interpersonal skills.
• Motivated to support mission success and continuous improvement.
Salary Range: 75,000 - 125,000 - 175,000
Compensation Details:
75,000 - 125,000 - 175,000
The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.
Benefits Overview:
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off and holidays
Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
Educational reimbursement
Parental leave
Employee stock purchase plan
Tax-saving options
Disability and life insurance
Pet insurance
Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
Original Posting:
04/30/2026 - Until FilledAmentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.