[Hiring] Senior Linux System Administrator @Smith Johnson Tech

Role Description

We are seeking an experienced Linux System Administrator to design, implement, secure, and maintain systems and associated applications, services, and components.

• Achieves in-depth knowledge of company processes, systems, and networks
• Proactively monitors assigned systems to ensure high availability, optimum performance, and security
• Follows established IT policies and procedures to perform audits and ensure compliance
• Ensures data integrity by implementing standard software and hardware solutions
• Works with their leaders to prioritize projects, requests, changes, and tasks
• Documents issues in Jira and communicates progress (through updates, workflow status, due dates, etc.)
• Leads/assists in installation and configuration of information systems and components
• Assists in the design and implementation of information systems
• Responsible for documentation of assigned systems and solutions
• Implements and maintains Linux security hardening, patch management, user and permission administration, and compliance with security standards
• Participates in change management processes and documents system configurations, incidents, and resolutions clearly and in a timely manner
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to prioritize tasks, support project implementations, and improve system architecture
• Implements strong problem-solving skills and works in fast-paced environments, independently and as part of a team
• Performs maintenance on systems minimizing downtime and customer impact
• Performs after-hours maintenance and provide on-call support as needed

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related technical field (e.g., IT, computer science, information systems, engineering, or related field) or 10+ years of experience in lieu of a degree
• Experience administering enterprise Linux systems (e.g., RHEL 7/8/9, Ubuntu 22/24)
• Experience administering virtualization platforms such as VMware vSphere, Red Hat Virtualization (RHV), including VM provisioning, resource allocation, and basic performance tuning
• Experience with LDAP solutions such as Microsoft Active Directory and FreeIPA
• Strong Linux security skills including system hardening, patch management, user management, and configuration management
• Familiarity with monitoring and alerting tools (e.g., Elasticsearch, Logrhythm, Prometheus, Grafana) for proactive system management
• Proficiency with package management tools (YUM, DNF, RPM, APT) and maintaining repositories in offline or air-gapped environments
• Experience with automated deployment and infrastructure as code tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Terraform)
• Familiarity with container concepts and basic experience with container tools such as Docker or Podman
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to document and collaborate effectively
• Must be willing to travel when required (2-3 times annually)
• Must be a U.S. citizen with an active Top Secret clearance
• Active CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent certification that meets or exceeds DoD 8570 IAT Level II (or be able to obtain within a maximum of 30 days after hire)

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related technical field (e.g., IT, computer science, information systems, engineering, or related field) or 15+ years of experience in lieu of a degree
• Advanced experience with virtualization platforms such as Red Hat Virtualization (RHV), VMware vSphere, including VM provisioning, resource allocation, snapshots, and performance tuning
• Familiarity with databases (e.g., Postgres, MySQL) and Linux web services (e.g., Apache, Nginx)
• Proficiency in one or more scripting language
• Practical experience deploying and supporting Virtual Desktop (VDI) solutions (e.g., Leostream/HP Anyware, VMware Horizon, Citrix) and Trusted Thin Client, including image management and troubleshooting
• Understanding of information systems security best practices, DoD security requirements, and use of security tools such as Nessus, SCAP, and applying STIGs
• RHCSA and Red Hat Certified OpenShift Administrator certifications