Network and Systems Administrator (Linux)

Job Title: Network and Systems Administrator (Linux)
Location: Evanston, IL (Hybrid)
Duration: 6 Months

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 is 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.