Network and Systems Administrator for Linux (Hybrid) - Evanston , IL

Network and Systems Administrator for Linux (Hybrid)

Location: Evanston, IL

Duration: 6 Months

Rate: DOE

This position requires an experienced individual with strong System Administrator experience with Linux environments. This individual must be comfortable deploying software applications, as well as supporting customers on a daily basis. This individual will be responsible for monitoring daily activities to ensure network and system availability to all users and will perform necessary maintenance as instructed. This individual must have strong cybersecurity knowledge of network, server, and desktop systems, and be aware of computer threats and vulnerabilities that exist in the corporate workspace.

Position Responsibilities:

• Support all client's user applications and programs
• Responsible for the setup, upgrade, configuration, and ongoing management of automated patching for Linux servers and VMs, leveraging the Uyuni infrastructure and configuration management platform
• Maintain a schedule to patch all Linux servers and VMs
• Monitor application and server availability and take proactive measures to keep systems and applications running
• Plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures to protect data, software, and hardware
• Implement other upgrades and technology application installs where necessary
• Recommend and implement changes to improve systems and network configurations
• Perform data backups and restores, including disaster recovery operations
• Maintain and review logs related to network, application, and system functions
• Perform routine network and system startup and shutdown procedures and maintain internal controls
• Work closely with the IT team to coordinate patching schedules, minimize downtime, and ensure efforts are in sync with the broader IT strategy.
• Design, configure, test, and maintain computer hardware, networking software, and operating systems software
• Be on call 24x7 to address any critical IT needs that arise
• Perform various other duties as assigned by the management team

Required Experience/Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science is required; advanced degree is a plus
• 4-6 years of experience in Linux System Administrator support
• 2-4 years of general desktop / network / hardware and software support
• Ability to maintain and support Linux environments (SUSE / CentOS / Red Hat)
• Ability to implement robust monitoring solutions to oversee the patching and updating process across all Linux VMs, ensuring they remain operational and comply with internal and external regulations
• Ability to evaluate and implement alternative automated patching systems, which may offer enhancements in efficiency, cost savings, and security
• Responsible for maintaining detailed documentation of the patching process, configurations, and any customizations, facilitating knowledge sharing and continuity of operations.
• Proven ability to interact and create a positive and collaborative working environment with business, vendor, and technical resources
• Good verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact with a diverse group of staff and vendors in a detail-oriented professional organization with extremely high standards
• Ability to work independently and with groups, with limited supervision

Desired Experience/Skills:

• Possess knowledge of underlying technologies including SaltStack for configuration management and orchestration, Spacewalk for Linux systems management
• Ability to utilize scripting languages such as Bash and Python for automation
• Cybersecurity experience (virus and ransomware detection and mitigation) is a big plus
• Other knowledge of security aspects such as networking, access control, firewalls, disaster prevention, recovery and data encryption are highly desired
• Proficiency with API interactions and XML-RPC for integrating and automating across diverse systems and platforms
• Working knowledge of software licensing
• Database administration experience
• The office environment consists of Windows 10 and Windows 11 desktop computers and laptops.