Senior Linux Engineer – Defence Systems (LCS / Secure Environments)
Rate Guide
Senior Specialist / EL1 equivalent: $1,200 – $1,600 per day (inc GST)
(Indicative only – dependent on clearance currency, depth of Linux engineering experience, and Defence environment fit)
Location of Work
Symonston, ACT (Onsite)
Contract Details
* Initial term: March 2026 – June 2027
* Extension options: Up to 2 × 12 months (subject to performance and funding)
* Engagement type: Time & Materials (ICT labour hire)
* Hours: Up to 40 hours per week (core hours apply)
Role Overview
Babylon Data is seeking a Senior Linux Engineer to support the design, build, operation, and secure maintenance of complex Linux-based environments within a high-assurance Defence capability setting.
This is a hands-on technical role, embedded within a specialist systems integration and validation environment supporting experimentation, test & evaluation, and emerging capability development. The role requires deep Linux expertise, strong security discipline, and experience operating in classified, offline, and tightly governed environments.
This position is not suitable for generalist infrastructure engineers or candidates requiring delivery support from their employer.
Key Responsibilities
* Administer and maintain Linux-based servers and platforms across physical and virtual environments
* Ensure high availability, fault tolerance, and performance of mission-critical systems
* Design and implement secure system and network configurations aligned with Defence security requirements
* Support validation and verification of emerging technologies in controlled environments
* Collaborate with engineering, DevSecOps, and environment teams on secure deployments
* Conduct system audits, vulnerability assessments, and patching activities
* Manage SELinux policies, firewall configurations (iptables / nftables), and secure access controls
* Support accreditation processes and maintain compliance documentation aligned to the ISM
* Deploy and manage large-scale Linux fleet management tools (e.g. Satellite, Ansible)
* Develop and maintain automation scripts (Bash, Python, Ansible)
* Support CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps practices (GitLab, Ansible)
* Work with containerised platforms (OpenStack, OpenShift, Docker, Podman, Kubernetes)
* Standardise system builds and enforce configuration baselines
* Maintain version-controlled infrastructure-as-code repositories
Essential Experience & Skills
* Extensive experience in Linux system administration within secure or mission-critical environments
* Strong Red Hat–based Linux expertise
* Solid knowledge of networking, storage, and virtualisation (KVM, VMware)
* Demonstrated ability to implement security controls and respond to cyber threats
* Experience integrating emerging technologies into secure infrastructure
Desirable Experience
* RHCE, Security+, CISSP, or equivalent security certifications
* ITIL Foundation
* Cloud certifications (AWS / Azure / GCP) supporting hybrid environments
* Monitoring and observability tools (Grafana, Prometheus, Elastic stack)
Security & Compliance Requirements
* Minimum: NV1 clearance at commencement
* Requirement: Willingness to upgrade to NV2 if required during the contract
* Ability to work in controlled-access facilities and comply with Defence security guidance
* Ability to satisfy ITAR compliance requirements
Working Arrangements
* Onsite role – ACT-based
* Some domestic and occasional international travel may be required
* Defence Christmas stand-downs apply unless otherwise directed