Systems Integration Engineer

i3 is looking for a Systems Integration Engineer to support US Air Force RPA training systems as well as other RPA-related development activities. The successful candidate for this position will serve as a technical integrator for robust, high-performance on-premises virtualization platforms. They will architect and maintain hybrid operating environments bridging Linux kernel subsystems and Windows infrastructure. They will also optimize low-level hypervisor performance and hardware passthrough for secure, mission-critical operations. Working in this role will include being a member of a highly technical team in a System Integration Lab environment to aid in development of new systems or modification of existing systems to meet customer requirements. This position is located in Huntsville, AL.

• Hypervisor Architecture: Deploy, tune, and maintain QEMU/KVM virtualized environments and libvirt management layers, and Ansible scripting for automation.
• Virtual Machines and Containerization: Deploy, develop and manage virtual machine in multiple environments (Hyper-V, VMWare) and development of container solutions developed using podman and docker.
• Kernel & Hardware Passthrough: Configure Linux kernel parameters, IOMMU groups, and VFIO drivers for dedicated PCIe hardware passthrough (GPUs, NICs, storage controllers).
• VirtIO Optimization: Implement and configure VirtIO device drivers for accelerated networking, storage, and balloon memory handling.
• Hybrid Systems Management: Integrate and maintain heterogeneous systems running Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 9 and Windows OS/Windows Server.
• Network Operations: Configure Layer 2/3 routing, manage network isolation across the 7-layer OSI model, and troubleshoot routing issues with modern Linux networking toolsets.
• Security & Compliance: Apply required security baselines, DISA STIGs, and hardening standards across all physical and virtual assets.

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Experience Level: Mid-to-Senior (3–7+ years)
• Linux Expertise: Advanced proficiency in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 9, system administration, kernel configuration, and bash scripting.
• Windows Administration: Solid operational familiarity with Windows OS and Windows Server environments.
• Virtualization & Passthrough: Proven hands-on experience with QEMU, KVM, VirtIO, and hardware passthrough (PCIe/VFIO/IOMMU).
• Networking Fundamentals: Strong working knowledge of the OSI Model, TCP/IP protocols, Layer 3 routing, subnetting, and Linux firewall management (nftables/iptables).

• Certifications: Security+

Security Clearance

• Secret security clearance required.

Desired & Preferred Skills

• CICD pipeline experience (Gitlab, JIRA, ADO, etc.)
• Familiarity with containerization tools on RHEL (Podman).
• Proficiency with network debugging tools (tcpdump, wireshark, iproute2).

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of office administration and procedures.
• Exceptional judgment capabilities and relationship management skills.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and client service skills; ability to clearly communicate in discussions and written documents, and to deliver feedback clearly and tactfully.
• Interact with a diverse array of customers and staff in a professional and courteous manner.
• Work independently with accountability for accurate and complete results.
• Be extremely organized and exceptionally detail oriented.
• Work well both independently and in a team environment.
• Be energized by a fast-paced work environment.
• Must be able to communicate with others effectively.
• Analyze information and respond appropriately.
• Manage time wisely and prioritize tasks.
• Provide superior customer service. 
• Multi-task in a pleasant manner.
• Work well under pressure.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Regular i3 hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, however, additional hours may be required on occasion. Regular and punctual attendance is required.

i3 is a technically diverse, 100% team member owned business, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama specializing in missile and aviation systems engineering and logistic services, electronic warfare and electromagnetic effects analysis, UAS system integration and flight operations, full lifecycle C5ISR engineering services, cybersecurity and IT/IA innovative solutions and virtual training, simulation & serious game development and implementation. We have established a broad offering of products and capabilities collectively providing decades of experience supporting the full complement of DoD military services, Missile Defense Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and a variety of other Government organizations and private industry customers.

Perks of being a team member owner include:

• Long-term financial security
• Higher job satisfaction
• Greater job security
• Personal and professional growth
• Great company culture

Other outstanding benefits:

• Excellent insurance coverage
• 401(k) match
• Generous PTO
• Health and wellness incentives
• Tuition and certification reimbursement
• Countless opportunities to give back to the community through i3 Cares

We work hard. We compete hard. We play hard. Apply now to join us!