Senior Systems Engineer

Company Description

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.

Job Description

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:

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

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: Ubuntu & Windows

Automation tools: Ansible and Jenkins

Virtualization technologies: VMware ESXi, vCenter, vSphere, VSAN, and Docker

Networking platforms: Cisco IOS and NX‑OS, Juniper, and Fortigate

Security technologies: IPSec, WireGuard, MACsec, and TLS

Routing protocols: OSPF, VRF, and MPLS

Qualifications

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

Additional Information

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

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 through e‑mail at [email protected].

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