Senior Systems Administrator/Engineer - Linux

Senior Systems Administrator/Engineer

The Senior Systems Administrator/Engineer works under minimal supervision to design, implement, and maintain enterprise Linux infrastructure across on-premises data centers and cloud environments. This role combines traditional systems administration with modern DevOps practices, leveraging containerization technologies, multi-cloud platforms (AWS/Azure), and AI-powered tools to ensure FINRA Infrastructure meets defined quality standards while driving operational excellence and innovation.

Essential Job Functions:

• Review and analyze process and system specifications to ensure delivery requirements are met across hybrid Linux environments.
• Designs, implements, customizes, maintains and administers Linux operating systems in cloud instances and containerized environments.
• Architect and manage containerized infrastructure using Docker and container orchestration platforms, including image management, registry operations, and container security best practices.
• Design and implement cloud infrastructure solutions on AWS (EC2, ECS, Lambda, CloudWatch, IAM) and Azure (Virtual Machines, Container Instances, Monitor, Active Directory) following cloud-native architecture principles.
• Recommends enhancements and updates to Linux operating systems, system software products, Docker containers, and cloud infrastructure components.
• Ensure the Company's Reliability, Availability and Serviceability (RAS) metrics are sustained and improved through proactive monitoring, automation, and continuous optimization across hybrid environments.
• Document test plans as well as create/revise and execute Bash, Python, or other scripting languages for automation and infrastructure-as-code implementations.
• Enforce the DSC (Desired State Configuration) using Ansible.
• Implements and updates monitoring tools for Linux systems, containerized applications, and cloud resources using industry-leading platforms and AI-enhanced observability solutions.
• Monitors operating system and cloud infrastructure performance to achieve optimum performance levels, utilizing AI-powered analytics to predict and prevent issues.
• Leverages AI tools to enhance personal and team productivity, including using AI assistants for code generation, documentation creation, troubleshooting assistance, configuration management, log analysis, and automated reporting.
• Implements AI-driven automation for routine tasks, incident response, and predictive maintenance to improve team efficiency and reduce manual effort.
• Recommends new monitoring approaches and tools, including AI/ML-based anomaly detection and automated remediation solutions. Develop and present related documentation, presentations, and discussion.
• Test and analyze infrastructure setup including Docker containers, Kubernetes clusters, AWS and Azure cloud services, and hybrid networking configurations.
• Oversee implementation of security guidelines to prevent unauthorized access to Linux servers, container environments, and cloud resources, and report any violations following zero-trust principles.
• Interface with other team members and other teams to ensure technology solutions and staff are aligned with customer expectations and overall technology vision, including DevOps, Security, and Application Development teams.
• Document and communicate status in a timely manner including metric reporting through AI-assisted documentation tools and automated dashboards.
• Champion the collaborative resolution of defects. Work across organization to deliver solutions that meet joint requirements in hybrid Linux, container, and cloud environments.
• Lead/Co-lead internal process improvement initiatives focused on automation, containerization, and AI adoption. Provide feedback on processes by offering suggestions.
• Evaluates industry trends, standards and new technologies including emerging AI/ML tools, container technologies, cloud services, and Linux ecosystem innovations to recommend change.
• Mentor and supervise junior staff in project-level tasks, Linux administration best practices, Docker containerization, cloud operations, and effective use of AI productivity tools.
• Assist with adherence to technology policies and comply with all security controls across Linux systems, container platforms, and cloud environments.
• Ensure all work products meet/exceed FINRA standards for Linux infrastructure, containerization, cloud architecture, and operational documentation.
• Participate in periodic Disaster Recovery (DR), Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) testing and reporting, including validation of backup/recovery procedures for Linux systems, containerized applications, and cloud resources.
• Manage vendor relationships and related budget for Linux enterprise support, cloud service providers (AWS/Azure), container platforms, monitoring tools, and AI-powered solutions.
• Demonstration of FINRA's values.

Key Skills:

• AWS or Azure
• Docker
• Linux scripting, such as Python, bash, and ansible
• Using AI development tools

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or related discipline with at least five (5) years of related experience, or equivalent training and / or work experience.
• Past senior level systems administrator experience in a production data center environment.
• Knowledge of industry leading monitoring and diagnostic tools
• Knowledge of at least one operating system and at least one contemporary scripting language.
• Knowledge of communication and network technologies.
• Exposure to common operational practices like metrics reporting, change management, incident management, problem management and communication ITIL & ISO:9000 framework experience/certification preferred.
• Strong written and verbal technical communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships that improved the quality of work products.
• Should be well organized, thorough, and able to handle competing priorities.
• Ability to maintain focus and develop proficiency in new skills rapidly.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment.

Work Conditions:

• Hybrid work environment, with defined in-person presence requirements.
• Occasional travel and extended hours may be required.
• On-call duties (on a rotational basis) may be required.

For work that is performed in CO, FL, TX, IL, PA, MA, MD, VA, Washington, DC, NY and NJ, please refer to the chart below for the salary range for the corresponding location. FINRA complies with all state and local pay transparency laws and regulations requiring the disclosure of salary ranges for the position. In addition to location, actual compensation is based on various factors, including but not limited to, the candidate's skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations.

CO/FL/TX: Minimum Salary $97,700, Maximum Salary $176,100

IL/PA: Minimum Salary $107,500, Maximum Salary $194,100

MA/MD/VA/Washington, DC: Minimum Salary $112,300 Maximum Salary $202,500

NY/NJ: Minimum Salary $112,300, Maximum Salary $211,400

#LI-Hybrid

To be considered for this position, please submit an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

The information provided above has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work of the position. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required.