Apple OS/Linux Systems Administrator

As an Apple OS/Linux Systems Administrator at Bowhead, your primary responsibilities will include system administration and customer support for servers and workstations in our RDT&E environment. You'll provide technical problem solving, seek improvements in system performance, manage hardware acquisitions, and collaborate with scientists and engineers to facilitate their computational needs, among many others.

To qualify for the Apple OS/Linux Systems Administrator position at Bowhead, candidates should have 2-5 years of experience in system administration of Linux-based workstations. A strong foundation in Linux system management, familiarity with HP and Dell hardware, and the ability to navigate rapidly changing job priorities are essential. Additionally, candidates must meet DoD 8570 Information Assurance Workforce criteria or hold an IAT Level II certification.

At Bowhead, we believe in fostering the professional development of our Apple OS/Linux Systems Administrators. You will have opportunities for further education and training, mentorship from experienced team members, and will work on diverse projects that allow you to expand your skills. The collaborative work environment encourages continuous improvement and learning.

The work environment for an Apple OS/Linux Systems Administrator at Bowhead is dynamic and collaborative. You will interact with a variety of teams within the organization and work on both classified and unclassified networks. The role involves hands-on technical work while participating in strategic planning, making it a great place for innovative thinkers who thrive in fast-paced settings.

Candidates for the Apple OS/Linux Systems Administrator position at Bowhead must be able to maintain a security clearance at the Secret level. This requirement is vital due to the sensitive nature of our work in the RDT&E environment. US Citizenship is also a prerequisite for this role.

When answering this question, be specific about the types of Linux systems you've managed, detailing your hands-on experience with server and workstation setups, and any specific distributions you are familiar with. Discuss any relevant projects or roles that demonstrate your proficiency in troubleshooting, configuring systems, and managing security.

Employ the STAR method in your answer—explain the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Share a specific example that highlights your critical thinking skills, your methodology in diagnosing problems, and how you effectively resolved them. Illustrate your process and include the tools and resources you utilized.

In your response, emphasize your communication skills and approach to teamwork. You might cite examples of past collaboration, emphasizing active listening, understanding project requirements, and adapting to the needs of your colleagues to ensure successful outcomes.

Answer this by discussing specific security issues you've encountered, such as malware, unauthorized access, or compliance with regulations. Explain the steps you took to address these challenges, your role in implementing security measures, and the impact those measures had on overall system security.

Discuss your commitment to continuous learning—mention specific resources like online courses, certifications, webinars, or communities you've joined. Providing examples of recent technologies you've learned about and how they've impacted your work can also demonstrate your proactive approach.

Detail your experience in creating, configuring, and managing user accounts, including your understanding of access controls and best practices in user permission management. Discuss any specific tools you've used to maintain user accessibility while ensuring system security.

Explain your approach to performance monitoring, discussing tools like Nagios, Zabbix, or top commands. Highlight how regularly monitoring system performance can prevent issues and enhance efficiency. Offer a situation where you used monitoring to identify and troubleshoot a performance bottleneck.

Use the STAR method again. Pick a scenario where you successfully adapted to a new technology under pressure. Describe your approach to learning—whether through hands-on projects, collaboration with colleagues, or dedicated research—and the successful outcome that resulted from your quick adaptability.

Explain your strategy for prioritizing tasks based on urgency and impact. Describe how you've successfully managed competing priorities while ensuring all critical systems remain operational. Mention any specific methodologies you use, such as task management tools or frameworks like Kanban.

Reflect on what motivates you in this role, whether it's the satisfaction of solving complex problems, supporting users, or enhancing system performance. Consider sharing a story that illustrates your passion for systems administration and the impact your work has on the team or organization.