Responsible for designing, deploying, and maintaining Linux workstations, configuring using Puppet, resolving system issues, and collaborating on improvements.
At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
As a Senior Linux Systems Administrator, you will play a key role in designing, deploying, and maintaining Vast's Linux workstations. You will be responsible for configuration management using Puppet, development of Ubuntu workstation images, and resolving complex technical issues escalated from Tier 2 support. Your contributions will ensure scalable, secure, and efficient workstation & infrastructure operations.
Responsibilities
- Develop, test, and maintain Puppet manifests and modules for system configuration and compliance
- Create and maintain standardized Ubuntu imaging processes
- Troubleshoot and resolve advanced system and application issues (Tier 2 & 3)
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support ongoing workstation improvements and patching
- Assist with automation of infrastructure and deployment tasks using Terraform or similar tools
- Contribute to identity and access management systems, including LDAP / Active Directory integration
- Document best practices, system configurations, and procedures
Basic Qualifications
- 5+ years of professional experience in Linux system administration (Ubuntu or Debian-based preferred)
- 3+ years of hands-on experience with Puppet in production environments
- Proficient in scripting languages such as Bash or Python
- 2 years Experience with Git
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, Ansible, etc.)
- Exposure to LDAP or Active Directory integration for authentication and authorization
- Experience in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
- Experience with monitoring, logging, and metrics collection tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, ELK stack)
- 2 years experience with K8s or docker
- Understanding of security compliance frameworks (e.g., NIST, FIPS, CIS)
Pay Range
- Senior Linux Systems Administrator: $124,000 - $180,000
Salary Range: California
$124,000—$180,000 USD
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Top Skills
Active Directory
Ansible
AWS
Azure
Bash
Docker
Elk
GCP
Git
Grafana
K8S
Ldap
Linux
Prometheus
Puppet
Python
Terraform
Ubuntu
Vast Long Beach, California, USA Office
2851 Orange Ave, Long Beach, CA, United States, 90755
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