Position Overview
TAP Engineering is seeking a System Administrator II in Annapolis Junction, Maryland to support the operation, performance, and reliability of high-performance computing (HPC) environments spanning multi-vendor servers, clusters, storage, and network infrastructure. This role combines Linux/Unix administration with hands-on storage support and troubleshooting across a complex technical environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux and Unix operating systems
- Support enterprise storage systems, including configuration, maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting
- Manage file systems, system configurations, software installations, and operating system upgrades
- Monitor and troubleshoot servers, storage, network components, and related IT infrastructure
- Diagnose and resolve Tier 1 and Tier 2 technical issues and escalate complex problems as needed
- Support TCP/IP networking and high-speed HPC technologies such as InfiniBand and Slingshot
- Develop and maintain Bash scripts to automate system administration and operational tasks
- Compile, install, and maintain software and applications within Linux environments
- Optimize system performance, resource utilization, and storage capacity
- Assist with capacity planning and infrastructure growth
- Maintain clear technical documentation and communicate system status and issues to stakeholders
- Collaborate with engineers and technical teams to improve system reliability and operational efficiency
Required Qualifications
- Active TS/SCI clearance with appropriate polygraph (most recent poly within the last 7 years)
- DoD 8570 IAT II certification
- Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline or related field and 5+ years of experience, or 10+ years of relevant experience without a degree
- Strong experience with Linux and/or Unix system administration
- Experience with OS installation, file system configuration, software installation, and application troubleshooting
- Hands-on technical storage experience
- Working knowledge of TCP/IP networking
- Experience with Bash scripting, software compilation, and installation
- Understanding of HPC architectures and environments
- Familiarity with high-speed networking technologies such as InfiniBand and Slingshot
- Familiarity with tools such as Slurm, Salt, Ansible, Git, Jira, Confluence, Grafana, Prometheus, and Nagios
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose unique issues across complex systems
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
Compensation
The anticipated salary range for this position is $83,000–$113,000, based on relevant experience, qualifications, and other applicable factors. The compensation range provided is a general guideline and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary.
Clearance Requirement
This position requires an active TS/SCI security clearance with appropriate polygraph. Clearance processing and maintenance will be conducted in accordance with U.S. Government requirements.
Benefits Overview
TAP Engineering offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:
- Paid Time Off: 15–25 days annually based on tenure, plus 11 paid holidays (never use-or-lose)
- Retirement: Up to 15% employer contribution to a 401(k) through match and profit sharing
- Medical Coverage: Free medical insurance for employees, with optional buy-up plans for dependents
- Dental & Vision: Employer-paid plans with optional enhancements
- Insurance Coverage: Employer-paid life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and dependent care FSAs
- Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $36,000 per year for approved coursework
- Additional Benefits: Employee Assistance Program, wellness incentives, discount programs, virtual care, prescription savings, and travel support
- Performance-Based Rewards: Merit increases, performance bonuses, and referral bonuses
Additional Information
TAP Engineering is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
Skills Required
- Active TS/SCI clearance with Full Scope Polygraph; most recent polygraph within the last 7 years
- DoD 8570 IAT II certification
- Bachelor of Science degree in a technical or related discipline, with 5+ years of experience; alternatively, 10+ years of experience without a degree
- Strong Linux and/or Unix systems administration experience
- Experience with operating system installation, file system configuration, software installation, and application troubleshooting
- Hands-on technical storage experience
- Working knowledge of TCP/IP networking
- Experience with Bash scripting, software compilation, and installation
- Understanding of HPC architectures and environments
- Familiarity with InfiniBand and Slingshot high-speed networking technologies
- Familiarity with Slurm, Salt, Ansible, Git, Jira, Confluence, Grafana, Prometheus, and Nagios
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
What We Do
TAP Engineering (LLC) is a small, Maryland-based firm providing secure, trusted microelectronics hardware engineering, firmware development, and research support to the DoD, Intelligence Community, and commercial clients. TAP's engineers and research scientists have an average of 20 years' experience driving technology development from applied research to engineering development, prototype, test, production, and field support.
