Principal Linux System Administrator

As a Principal Linux System Administrator at Raytheon, your primary responsibilities will include IT systems administration in both Linux and Windows environments, leading the installation and configuration processes of Red Hat systems, managing server and storage operations, and providing cross-platform authentication and access management. You’ll be tasked with troubleshooting complex technical problems, working alongside cybersecurity professionals to maintain security standards, and developing technical solutions documentation. Your role will be integral in supporting classified programs and ensuring the smooth operation of our IT infrastructure.

To qualify for the Principal Linux System Administrator role at Raytheon, you typically need a bachelor’s degree coupled with a minimum of 5 years of direct experience, or a master’s degree with 3 years of experience in a related field. Additionally, a solid background in Red Hat Enterprise Linux is required, as well as familiarity with systems like Active Directory and VMware. Importantly, you must be a U.S. citizen capable of obtaining a government-issued secret clearance.

A career as a Principal Linux System Administrator at Raytheon promises to be dynamic and fulfilling. You will engage in interesting projects where your expertise helps address national security concerns. Expect to work in a collaborative environment where innovation is encouraged, and you’ll be offered opportunities for professional growth, including access to competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. Your contributions will also play a significant role in our mission to empower customers through technology.

Yes, obtaining a transferable U.S. government-issued secret clearance is essential for the Principal Linux System Administrator position at Raytheon. This clearance is critical because the role involves working with classified information systems that are crucial to our operations. Candidates must be eligible for the clearance prior to starting the job, ensuring that all team members align with the security standards required.

As a Principal Linux System Administrator at Raytheon, you will have access to a variety of benefits designed to support your well-being and professional development. These include medical, dental, and vision insurance options, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company matching. Additionally, you may receive paid time off, flexible work schedules, an Employee Assistance Program, and opportunities for continued education through our Employee Scholar Program. It's all part of our commitment to supporting you both professionally and personally.

When answering this question, detail your hands-on experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Mention specific projects where you've managed installations and configurations, how you've handled updates, and any troubleshooting you've performed. Highlight your understanding of the system's architecture and any command-line tools you frequently utilize to manage the environment.

In your response, showcase your organizational skills and ability to multitask. Describe any systems you use for tracking tasks, how you assess urgency, and your approach to troubleshooting issues that require immediate attention against routine maintenance tasks. Providing an example from your past experience can be beneficial.

Discuss specific monitoring tools you have used, such as Nagios, Zabbix, or others relevant to Linux environments. Emphasize your understanding of metrics to track and how you interpret these metrics to respond to performance issues effectively. Sharing success stories where your monitoring contributed to enhanced system performance can be compelling.

A well-structured response involves explaining your immediate steps, such as isolating the affected systems, assessing the breach's extent, and conducting forensic analysis. Discuss how you would communicate with the wider team and restore systems to a secure state while ensuring future vulnerabilities are addressed, showing your proactive approach to cybersecurity.

Talk about any direct experience using VMware products in your previous roles. Highlight specific projects or tasks where you implemented virtualization, your comfort level with VMware vCenter, vSphere, and ESX, and how virtualization has benefited the environments you've managed.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer. Be sure to describe the issue clearly, your role in working towards a solution, and the outcome. Emphasizing problem-solving skills and collaboration with team members can highlight your effectiveness in high-pressure situations.

Explain any experience you have with systems like LDAP or Active Directory for managing user access across different platforms. Discuss how you ensure security during these processes and any challenges you've handled, showing your understanding of IT security best practices.

Mention relevant resources you follow, such as blogs, forums, or training courses that focus on Linux security. Discuss any specific communities or networks you engage with and how you implement new security practices in your work to enhance system integrity.

Share a specific instance where you initiated changes or adjustments to improve system performance or decrease downtime. Detail your thought process, the actions you took, and tangible results to illustrate your proactive and results-oriented approach.

Discuss current challenges such as cybersecurity threats, managing cloud integrations, or navigating diverse IT environments. Provide insights on how you believe administrators can overcome these challenges, showcasing your forward-thinking approach and insight into industry trends.