Senior Linux Administrator

Position Overview

This role focuses on managing and enhancing enterprise Linux platforms and storage solutions across on-premises data centers along with cloud environments, specifically Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and Microsoft Azure. The senior administrator ensures system stability, security, availability, and offers expert troubleshooting support across multiple teams.

Job Summary

Seeking a highly experienced Senior Linux Administrator with comprehensive expertise in on-premises infrastructure and hybrid cloud environments involving OCI and Azure. The role entails managing and optimizing Linux systems to maintain exceptional performance, availability, and security. A strong understanding of Oracle Database on Linux is essential, working closely with database teams to support these platforms.

Core Responsibilities

• Set up, configure, and maintain Linux servers including RHEL, Oracle Linux, CentOS, and AlmaLinux distributions.
• Execute system updates, patching, and security enhancements using enterprise tools like Red Hat Satellite, following formal change management processes.
• Continuously monitor and analyze system performance, resolving issues to guarantee high uptime and service reliability.
• Manage system security by controlling user access, permissions, firewall rules, SELinux policies, and other access controls.
• Deploy and oversee Linux workloads on OCI and Azure, designing scalable and secure cloud infrastructure.
• Administer OCI services such as Compute, VCN, Block Volumes, File Storage, Load Balancer, and IAM, along with Azure components including Virtual Machines, Virtual Networks, Storage, Backup via Recovery Services Vault, monitoring, and Microsoft Entra ID.
• Plan and implement backup, disaster recovery, and high availability strategies within cloud environments using native tools or enterprise backup solutions.
• Manage physical and virtual infrastructures (including VMware), perform provisioning, lifecycle management, and optimize performance.
• Handle enterprise storage management: SAN/NAS concepts, RAID, LUN provisioning, zoning/masking, NFS/SMB integration, with experience in NetApp ONTAP, HPE 3PAR, and IBM storage arrays; familiarity with SAN fabrics such as Brocade or Cisco MDS is advantageous.
• Configure Linux storage layers including multipathing, LVM, udev, filesystems (ext4, XFS), and capacity planning.
• Ensure seamless hybrid integration between on-premises and cloud networks addressing routing, DNS, identity, and operational workflows.
• Develop automation solutions and scripting using Bash, Python, and Shell; utilize configuration management (Ansible) and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform preferred).
• Implement and manage monitoring tools, analyze logs proactively to meet SLA and uptime commitments.
• Promote security best practices and ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Provide L2/L3 support, incident management participation, and prepare technical documentation and standard operating procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 8 years’ hands-on Linux system administration in enterprise settings, including production operations and on-call duties.
• Advanced knowledge of Enterprise Linux (RHEL, Oracle Linux) focusing on systemd, networking, troubleshooting, and performance tuning.
• Expertise in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure services (compute, networking, IAM, storage) and Microsoft Azure components (compute, networking, storage, monitoring, identity).
• Strong experience in storage administration—SAN/NAS concepts, multipathing, LVM, XFS/ext4 filesystems, with familiarity of NetApp, HPE 3PAR, IBM storage systems, and SAN fabric switches.
• Basic proficiency in Oracle Database on Linux including installation, patching support, user and filesystem layouts, listener configurations; familiarity with RMAN backup and Data Guard is a plus.
• Experience with virtualization platforms such as VMware and/or Hyper-V plus knowledge of virtual network and storage integration.
• Proficient in scripting with Bash for automation and operational tools.
• Hands-on experience with configuration management tools like Ansible and Infrastructure as Code tools preferably Terraform.
• Knowledge of patch management using Red Hat Satellite and Azure Update Manager.
• Networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, routing, DNS, DHCP, NTP, and ability to manage firewall and security settings.
• Hands-on experience with backup, restore, and disaster recovery strategies and tools (Azure Backup, ASR, Commvault, Veritas NetBackup, Cohesity, etc.).

Working Conditions

• Work includes participation in an on-call rotation covering planned maintenance and critical incidents.
• Supports hybrid infrastructure encompassing data center and cloud operations; may require after-hours work during upgrades or changes.

Preferred Certifications

• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
• Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Certification
• Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) or equivalent
• Kubernetes or container-related certifications are an advantage.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Proficient working in hybrid cloud and on-premise environments
• Excellent communication and thorough documentation aptitude
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure during critical incidents

Additional Desirables

• Experience with Kubernetes or OpenShift platforms
• Knowledge of additional database systems
• Familiarity with monitoring solutions