Sr. IT Support Administrator – Linux and Datacenter Support

This job is Hybrid Remote - this person will need to be able to work in our Chicago datacenter at least one day per week and live close enough to be called to the site for critical instances.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Systems Administrator to join our dynamic IT team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the design, implementation, administration, and maintenance of Linux-based systems and enterprise datacenter infrastructure. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the reliability, security, and scalability of our IT systems and services.

Key Responsibilities:

• System Administration:
  • Manage and maintain Linux servers, ensuring optimal performance, availability, and security.
  • Automate routine system administration tasks using scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python, or Ansible).
• Datacenter Operations:
  • Oversee local datacenter operations, including hardware installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.
  • Monitor and maintain environmental controls, power systems, and network connectivity within the datacenter.
• Performance Optimization:
  • Perform regular system performance tuning, capacity planning, and resource optimization.
  • Diagnose and resolve complex hardware and software issues.
• Security and Compliance:
  • Implement and enforce security best practices, including system patching, vulnerability assessments, and access controls.
  • Ensure compliance with organizational policies and industry standards such as ISO 27001 or NIST.
• Backup and Recovery:
  • Manage backup systems and disaster recovery procedures to safeguard critical data and ensure business continuity.
• Collaboration and Support:
  • Work closely with application teams, network engineers, and other stakeholders to support IT initiatives.
  • Provide tier-3 technical support for escalated issues, mentoring junior team members as needed.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate documentation of systems, configurations, and processes.
  • Prepare periodic reports on system health, incidents, and performance metrics.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Linux system administration and datacenter management.
• Strong expertise in Linux operating systems such as Red Hat, CentOS, or Ubuntu.
• Hands-on experience with virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, ProxMox) and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).
• Proficiency in configuring and troubleshooting storage solutions (SAN/NAS).
• Knowledge of networking principles, including TCP/IP, DNS, and firewalls.
• Familiarity with configuration management tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications such as RHCE, AWS Solutions Architect, or VMware VCP.
• Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Prior involvement in high-availability and disaster recovery implementations.