Senior Systems Automation Engineer (90%+ Remote)

Overview

Unison’s products power the business of government to work smoother and smarter, making critical federal processes and acquisitions simpler and more effective. Trusted by over 200,000 federal employees and government contractors, our AI-infused software and deep domain expertise help contract shops, cost engineers, 1102s, program managers, and budgeting professionals cut through friction, keep compliance airtight, and sharpen decisions. Our federal focus brings efficiency, transparency, and clarity to complex data, regulations, and workflows, empowering agencies and executives to spend more minutes on mission and achieve strategic objectives. Unison is how federal business gets done. 

We seek an experienced Systems Engineer specializing in infrastructure automation to establish, expand, and mature our Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practice. The ideal candidate will demonstrate robust expertise in automating systems administration tasks across both cloud (AWS, Azure) and on-premises (VMWare) environments, proficiently managing Windows and Linux platforms. This role is pivotal in driving modernization, ensuring security compliance, and enhancing operational efficiency through automation and innovative technology solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain automated deployment and configuration management solutions (IaC, CAC, DSC) across Windows and Linux infrastructures.
• Implement and optimize automation workflows using tools such as Ansible, Python, PowerShell, Chef, and Puppet.
• Deploy, configure, and manage Microsoft Just Enough Administration (JEA) setups to enhance Least Privilege and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) in alignment with INFOSEC best practices.
• Provide robust support to internal and external stakeholders for both general system and application-specific issues.
• Automate OS patching, maintenance tasks, and routine system administration activities.
• Perform comprehensive evaluations, troubleshooting, and issue remediation for all server environments.
• Establish and uphold server baselines and contribute to infrastructure improvement initiatives.
• Participate in planning hardware, software, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Mentor junior team members, sharing knowledge and best practices.
• Maintain accurate asset management documentation.
• Respond to and resolve critical infrastructure emergencies as part of an on-call rotation.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience leading and executing systems engineering initiatives in dynamic SaaS or hosting infrastructures, with a track record of driving automation and scalability.
• Minimum of 3 years of dedicated experience developing, deploying, and documenting automation/orchestration standards utilizing Ansible, Python, PowerShell, Chef, or Puppet.
• At least 3 years of hands-on administration experience with cloud infrastructure providers (AWS, Azure).
• Expert-level knowledge of Windows Server (2016, 2019) and major Linux distributions (RHEL, Ubuntu).
• Demonstrable skills in troubleshooting complex Linux environments.
• Familiarity with Data Center environmental, operational, and security best practices.
• Strong understanding or experience with FedRAMP and DoD Information Security directives is a plus.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, comfortable interacting with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven problem-solving capabilities, independently managing complex technical issues and implementing solutions effectively.
• Driven to innovate through automation, continuously seeking improvements to operational processes.
• Availability to serve as On-Call Engineer on a rotating basis.
• Exposure to Robotic Process Automation (RPA) technologies such as UI Path or Automation Anywhere is advantageous.
• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field or equivalent practical experience preferred

Clearance: 

Applicants may need to be the subject of a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information, to include U.S. Citizenship. 

Why Join Unison: 

Unison has pioneered the creation of innovative software for federal agencies, program offices, and government contractors worldwide. We believe that there is power in moving in unison. As a 2025 Washington Business Journal Best Places to Work, our culture and values reflect this belief and are central to achieving our mission of powering the business of government. Rather than chasing short-lived tech trends, Unison delivers proven software that simplifies the complexities of federal business. Our technology combines innovative thinking with precise federal know-how, addressing critical details others overlook. Designed with purpose and engineered to endure, our software provides consistent performance, allowing federal agencies and contractors to stay focused on their missions.

Unison provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability status, age, genetics, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.