Senior Systems Engineer

At Ridgeline, we are pioneers in the fight against Ubiquitous Technical Surveillance, helping government and enterprise organizations protect what matters most in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. We are a company built for people who thrive on curiosity, creativity, and solving challenges no one else has cracked yet. Our culture rewards initiative, values collaboration over ego, and gives you the freedom to experiment and innovate. We offer meaningful work, flexible remote options, a balanced work life rhythm, and a team of talented engineers and experts who support and inspire one another. Joining Ridgeline means contributing to technology that has real impact while growing your career in a place where your ideas and expertise genuinely matter.

We are seeking an experienced and cleared Senior Systems Engineer to join our infrastructure team. This position is ideal for someone with a bias for action, strong technical ability, and a desire to keep learning. You will engineer, deploy, and maintain Linux based systems and supporting infrastructure in a collaborative and mission focused environment.

If you enjoy building reliable systems, solving problems across the stack, and improving how technology operates, this role will give you the space and responsibility to make an immediate impact.

What you will do:

You will configure, deploy, and maintain the following

* Linux based systems including Red Hat, Ubuntu, and CentOS along with a small number of Windows hosts

* Networking equipment including switches, routers, and firewalls

* Virtualization platforms including VMware ESXi, VSphere, VCenter, and VSAN

* Clear and concise system documentation with useful diagrams and summaries

You will work closely with DevOps and Network Security teams to automate tasks, harden systems, and improve operational visibility.

What you will accomplish within the first six months on the job:

* Deploy hardened Linux systems and bring them into production

* Identify opportunities for improvement across assigned systems and projects

* Partner with DevOps to automate tasks that are performed repeatedly

* Improve system monitoring and visibility in cooperation with Network and Security Operations

* Deliver documentation that improves knowledge sharing and reduces troubleshooting time

Technologies in Our Stack

* Operating systems including Ubuntu & Windows

* Automation tools including Ansible and Jenkins

* Virtualization technologies including VMware ESXi, VCenter, VSphere, VSAN, and Docker

* Networking platforms including Cisco IOS and NX OS, Juniper, and Fortigate

* Security technologies including IPSec, WireGuard, MACsec, and TLS

* Routing protocols including OSPF, VRF, and MPLS

Must Haves

* Active Top Secret Clearance

* Strong technical aptitude and curiosity

* A consistent bias for action

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills

* Solid understanding of networking fundamentals including the OSI model and TCP IP

* Knowledge of secure tunneling protocols such as IPSec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard

* Strong problem solving skills and the ability to work independently

Nice to haves:

* Experience with automation tools including Ansible and Jenkins

* Familiarity with container technologies such as Docker or Kubernetes

* Experience with Cisco IOS and NX OS as well as Juniper and Fortigate platforms

* Understanding of protocols including TLS, MACsec, OSPF, VRF, and MPLS

* Experience working in secure or classified environments

Perks of being a Ridgeliner:

• Flexible PTO + holidays
• Generous 401k match benefit up to 10%, with an automatic 3% safe harbor contribution and additional matching based on employee contributions.
• Medical (HSA & PPO Plans Available), dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Employer Contribution to Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Professional coaching services
• Get the technology you want to do your job
• We have free daily snacks & drinks

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with Ridgeline International through its online applicant system, please contact Ridgeline's Talent Management Department at (703) 544-2424 or contact us throughe-mail at contact_us@ridgelineintl.com