Independent Contractor Linux Jobs in Columbus, OH

Job Title
Infrastructure Engineer III
Location
Columbus, OH — Full-time, onsite
Work Authorization
This role is not open to C2C, third parties, or visa sponsorship. GC-EAD candidates may be considered.
Position Summary
The Infrastructure Engineer III is responsible for independently ensuring the efficient operation of in-house information systems that support core organizational functions. This role serves as a strategic technical resource, creates scalable workflows, mentors team members, acts as a subject-matter expert, and researches emerging solutions to expand the capabilities of the Service team. Infrastructure engineering roles commonly include designing, building, deploying, maintaining, and improving IT systems to support business operations efficiently.
Essential Responsibilities

• Provide direction in infrastructure system deployment and maintenance.
• Design, supervise, and participate in technology and platform implementations supporting corporate network, server, application, and voice infrastructure.
• Assist with ensuring high availability of infrastructure systems that support internal employee functions and external customer contact.
• Collaborate with IT leadership, executive stakeholders, and decision-makers to define business requirements and systems goals.
• Create and deploy new applications and enhancements to existing applications, software, and operating systems.
• Assess the effectiveness and efficiency of existing systems and develop new strategies to improve them.
• Perform cost-benefit and ROI analyses for proposed systems to support management decisions.
• Interact and negotiate with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure system-related products and services.
• Conduct server and security audits, system backup procedures, disaster recovery activities, and related continuity strategies.
• Maintain documentation for system configuration, standard processes, and service records.
• Complete in-depth testing and end-user reviews for modified and new systems.
• Monitor and test system performance and assist with end-user training for supported systems.
• Serve as a mentor and escalation point for team members.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or equivalent education/work experience preferred.
• 7+ years of relevant infrastructure experience strongly preferred.
• Prior experience troubleshooting hardware and software preferred.
• Proven experience with systems planning, implementation, security principles, and software management best practices preferred.
• Extensive technical knowledge of networking concepts such as Meraki, Cisco, and VoIP, as well as core platforms including VMware, Windows Server, Linux, SQL, Exchange, and SolarWinds or similar monitoring tools preferred.
• Familiarity with standard ITIL processes preferred. Infrastructure positions often require broad system administration knowledge, virtualization, monitoring, security, and communication skills.

Core Capabilities

• Team collaboration and leadership.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Adaptability and problem-solving.
• High attention to detail.
• Customer-centric mindset.

Preferred Profile
This role is best suited for someone who can operate independently, think strategically, and still handle hands-on infrastructure support when needed. The ideal candidate can balance operational stability, vendor coordination, technical documentation, and leadership responsibilities while helping improve infrastructure maturity and service delivery. Experienced infrastructure engineers commonly support server administration, monitoring, disaster recovery, security, and technology integration across enterprise environments.