diff --git a/services/baremetal-builder/default.nix b/services/baremetal-builder/default.nix
index 6734bcc..72443b3 100644
--- a/services/baremetal-builder/default.nix
+++ b/services/baremetal-builder/default.nix
@@ -105,6 +105,12 @@ in
     services.resolved.enable = false;
     networking.resolvconf.useLocalResolver = true;
 
+    # Hydra blasts ssh connections and does not multiplex. Loosen some of the
+    # rate limiting.
+    services.openssh.settings = {
+      MaxStartups = "500:30:1000";
+    };
+
 
     bagel.sysadmin.enable = true;