Job Description

VES, LLC is seeking a motivated and proactive Junior Linux Systems Administrator to support on-site operations and infrastructure management. This role is ideal for an early-career professional who takes initiative, is eager to learn, and thrives in a dynamic, hands-on environment. This position is onsite at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, with hybrid flexibility

ABOUT VES, LLC

We are a small business headquartered out of Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. We have grown up to approximately 80 employees, many of them getting our footprints established in other areas of the United States. Established in 2014, our core competencies are the development of custom government off the Shelf (GOTS) infrastructure solutions, integrating mission command systems, and prototyping emerging technologies for use in the Army tactical architecture. We are a company built entirely of engineers, focused completely on solving the DoD's hardest software systems integration challenges.

Many software government contractors only hire to fill a slot and then release the person with the contract time is up. We truly strive to be more of a close-knit group, hiring people for their talent and making sure they want to stay for the long haul. We offer highly competitive pay, generous benefits, and a friendly work culture.

The Junior Linux Systems Administrator will support the management and maintenance of Ubuntu Linux-based servers and end-user systems (laptops/desktops) across operational and lab environments, assist end users, and contribute to the reliability and performance of systems. This role requires a self-starter mindset-someone who actively identifies and executes tasks through a ticketing system while remaining responsive to direct assignments as needed. A security-first mindset is essential, with consideration for IT security best practices throughout the full system lifecycle-from initial planning and deployment through ongoing operations and maintenance.

This position also involves hands-on work with physical infrastructure, including racking and stacking servers, running and managing cabling, and assisting with hardware installations and lab environment maintenance. Candidates should be comfortable working in a lab environment and handling physical IT equipment.

This is an entry to early-career position (approximately 0–3 years of experience) and offers strong growth opportunities within a mission-focused technical team.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain Ubuntu Linux systems, including system configuration, patching, and troubleshooting
• Support day-to-day operation and maintenance of physical, containerized, and virtualized server environments
• Manage and track equipment and assets across operational and lab environments, including intake, inventory, and lifecycle management
• Provide Tier 1 help desk support, troubleshooting hardware, software, and connectivity issues
• Support and maintain containerized or virtualized environments (Docker and/or VMware vSphere), including basic provisioning and upkeep
• Perform hands-on infrastructure tasks, including racking equipment, running cables, hardware installation, and lab environment maintenance
• Assist with basic troubleshooting of network infrastructure (e.g., switches, firewalls, cabling, and connectivity issues)
• Monitor systems and proactively identify, prioritize, and resolve issues through a ticketing system
• Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to support system integration, testing, and operational activities
• Maintain accurate system documentation, configurations, and standard operating procedures
• Support on-premises and cloud-based tools and environments as needed
• Continuously develop technical skills and contribute to broader system lifecycle activities, including build, deployment, and maintenance

Required Qualifications

• Must be local to the Aberdeen, MD area
• Ability to work on-site 4–5 days per week
• U.S. Citizenship required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• 0–3 years of relevant professional or internship experience
• Hands-on experience administering Linux systems (Ubuntu or similar distributions), including system configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Strong troubleshooting skills across systems, hardware, and basic connectivity issues
• Solid understanding of foundational networking concepts (e.g., IP addressing, subnetting, routing, basic network troubleshooting)
• Experience with scripting or automation using Python
• Experience with either containerization (Docker) or virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware vSphere), with exposure to system provisioning and maintenance
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently, manage workload through a ticketing system, and proactively identify and complete tasks
• Willingness to learn and expand across the full lifecycle of systems, including containers, virtualization, and infrastructure
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to security-first principles, including applying security best practices throughout system design, deployment, and ongoing operations
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting equipment up to 60 pounds (with assistance as needed)

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to both containerization (Docker) and virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware vSphere)
• Familiarity with the lifecycle of systems or applications, including build, deployment, and maintenance
• Experience with cloud platforms and/or on-premises enterprise tools
• Experience with infrastructure automation and configuration management tools (e.g., Puppet, Ansible, or similar)
• Previous experience supporting DoD or other regulated environments
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field; relevant technical certifications (e.g., Linux+, RHCSA, Security+, VMware); or equivalent hands-on experience

Clearance Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance

VES offers a rich benefits package that includes:

• 401(k) match
• Highly Competitive Salary
• Up to 15 Paid Vacation days / year
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Flexible work/life balance culture

VES is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.