Principal System Architect Jobs in Arlington, VA

Imagineeer is a fast-growing SBA 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business headquartered in Arlington, VA, delivering federal AI modernization across health, defense, homeland security, and transportation. We design, test, and deploy secure, AI-ready systems that move agencies from pilots to production without breaking governance, compliance, or mission continuity. Our Mission Studio model creates shared environments where policy, data, security, and operations come together. We are capability-driven and competitive by design, not program-dependent. Our leadership has operated inside the federal systems we now transform, bringing institutional knowledge that accelerates delivery and reduces risk. If real delivery motivates you more than slides, and you want your work to compound across programs and agencies, Imagineeer is growing and we are building the team to match.

About the role

Imagineeer is seeking a Systems Engineer with strong Linux expertise to support and maintain server environments. This role will manage Amazon Linux and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) systems, build and maintain custom Linux images, and ensure the reliability, security, and performance of server infrastructure supporting federal operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administer, maintain, and support ACF Linux server environments, including Amazon Linux and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
• Build, configure, and maintain custom Linux images/AMIs for standardized deployment across environments
• Perform system patching, upgrades, and lifecycle management to maintain security and compliance
• Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement proactive maintenance to ensure high availability
• Automate system administration tasks using scripting tools (Bash, Python, Ansible)
• Manage system security configurations, hardening, and compliance with federal standards (NIST, FISMA, STIGs)
• Support vulnerability remediation efforts across Linux server environments
• Collaborate with DevOps, cybersecurity, and infrastructure teams to support deployments and system integrations
• Maintain documentation for server configurations, custom images, and standard operating procedures
• Partner with Program Management to support contract deliverables and reporting requirements

Qualifications and Skills:

• 6–10 years of experience as a Systems Engineer or Linux Administrator
• Strong hands-on experience with Amazon Linux and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining custom Linux images
• Experience with system patching, hardening, and compliance (STIGs, NIST, FISMA)
• Strong scripting/automation skills (Bash, Python, Ansible, or similar)
• Experience troubleshooting server performance and infrastructure issues
• Ability to obtain and maintain Public Trust clearance
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work effectively in a fully remote, distributed team environment
• U.S. Citizenship or authorization to work in the U.S. (per contract requirements)

Desired Skills and Competencies:

• Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) or Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
• AWS Certified SysOps Administrator or AWS Certified Solutions Architect
• Prior experience supporting federal government contracts
• Familiarity with infrastructure as code and cloud-native Linux deployment practices

Additional Information:

Employment for this position is contingent upon the candidate being a United States citizen and having the ability to successfully obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance, in accordance with applicable federal regulations. All hiring decisions will be made in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.