Lead Linux Server Administrator

LOCATION:

Chicago, IL

Linux infrastructure, automation, containerization, RHEL, cent os. Servicenow for ticketing, 24/7 on call rotation, ansible automation platforms.

The Lead Associate Principal, Linux Server Administration is responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and optimization of enterprise-wide Linux server infrastructure with a focus on automation and containerization platforms across on-premises and cloud environments. This role provides technical leadership and strategic direction for Linux systems architecture, Ansible Automation Platform, Red Hat Satellite, Open Shift, and AWS cloud infrastructure while mentoring team members and ensuring high availability, security, and performance across all Linux systems.

The position serves as the primary technical authority for complex Linux server challenges and drives innovation in infrastructure automation, cloud-native development, hybrid cloud integration, and enterprise disaster recovery solutions.

• 10+ years of progressive hands‑on experience in Linux/Unix system administration
• 5+ years in a technical leadership or senior engineering role
• Strong hands‑on experience with Ansible Automation Platform (AAP)
• Enterprise‑scale Linux patching programs including change management, patch testing, and emergency patching procedures
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing disaster recovery solutions for Linux infrastructure including backup/restore, replication, and failover strategies
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing RHEL OS upgrades across major versions (e.g., RHEL 7 to 8, RHEL 8 to
  9) using Leapp and other upgrade methodologies
• Extensive hands‑on experience with AWS Linux EC2 instances, including Amazon Linux and RHEL on AWS
• Demonstrated experience in AMI creation, customization, hardening, and lifecycle management
• Proven track record of building automated AMI pipelines using tools such as Packer, Ansible, or AWS Image Builder
• Demonstrated experience with AWS cloud services and hybrid cloud architectures
• Extensive hands‑on experience with Open Shift container platform and Kubernetes orchestration
• Demonstrated experience implementing and managing NFS and distributed storage solutions
• Working knowledge of Red Hat Dev Spaces for development environment provisioning
• Proven track record of designing and implementing large‑scale automated Linux infrastructure in hybrid environments
• Strong understanding of Dev Ops principles and CI/CD methodologies
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities and analytical thinking skills
• Outstanding communication skills with ability to explain technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders
• Strong project management capabilities and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Red Hat certifications (RHCE, RHCA) and/or AWS certifications (Solutions Architect, Sys Ops Administrator) highly preferred

• 10+ years of relevant hands‑on Linux system administration experience required
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience with Ansible Automation Platform required
• 3+ years of experience with Red Hat Satellite and Open Shift preferred
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience with AWS Linux EC2 and cloud infrastructure required
• 2+ years of hands‑on experience with AMI creation, management, and automation required
• Demonstrated experience executing RHEL OS upgrades across multiple major versions required
• Extensive experience with enterprise Linux patching programs and disaster recovery planning required
  
  Proven experience implementing CIS benchmarks and security hardening across Linux environments required
• Working experience with ITSM tools (Service Now, JIRA, Confluence) for ticket management and documentation required

• Red Hat certifications (RHCE, RHCA, Red Hat Certified Specialist in Ansible Automation, or Open Shift certifications) strongly preferred
• AWS certifications (AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Sys Ops Administrator, or AWS Certified Dev Ops Engineer) strongly preferred
• Security certifications (Security+, CISSP, or CIS certification) a plus