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Linux Systems Administrator

6+ Month Contract

Hybrid in Natick, MA

Key Responsibilities:

Linux System Management:

• Manage and maintain 1000+ Unix/Linux cases across the organization, ensuring operational efficiency and security compliance.
• Serve as the primary Systems Administrator for Linux Endpoints, including servers and workstations, ensuring full compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Monitor and support Linux-based systems to ensure optimal performance, security, and reliability.

Policy Development and Compliance:

• Review and contribute to the development of policies and responsibilities related to Linux Endpoint Management, in collaboration with the Policy Owner.
• Ensure Linux endpoints comply with security and operational policies.

Linux Endpoint Management Strategy:

• Lead and contribute to the development and implementation of our Linux Endpoint Management strategy.
• Collaborate with Platform Engineering to define scope, requirements, and strategies for managing Linux endpoints.
• Work closely with software development teams to implement pilot projects for Linux Endpoint Management.
• Review and develop detailed project plans, identifying initial use cases (e.g., build machines vs. desktops) and establishing clear goals and timelines for successful implementation.

Implementation and Communication:

• Draft and communicate policies, management guidelines, and implementation strategies for Linux Endpoint Management across the organization.
• Lead initial pilot projects to implement Linux Endpoint Management, ensuring timely execution, testing, and monitoring.
• Inventory and track Linux devices for pilot teams, updating asset inventories with key attributes.
• Establish and manage devices in the Linux Management Platform for streamlined automation and configuration.

Automation & Configuration Management:

• Leverage Linux Management Platform for the configuration and management of new Linux VMs, ensuring adherence to management standards such as hardened configurations, encryption, security tools, and patching.
• For existing VMs, ensure timely OS updates, security patching, and installation of monitoring and management tools including, AV/EDR and other Security tools/agents).
• Implement and monitor system security and compliance, ensuring all systems are properly configured and up-to-date with the latest security patches and software updates.

Security & Monitoring:

• Implement system hardening configurations, including encrypted VM setups and security tools.
• Ensure all systems adhere to security best practices, including device encryption, patch management, and secure configurations.
• Develop and maintain a robust methodology for updating and patching systems, ensuring continued compliance and protection against vulnerabilities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Proven experience managing Linux-based systems in an enterprise environment, including both servers and workstations (min 5 years)
• Strong expertise with Linux systems, security, and endpoint management platforms and tools.
• Solid understanding of system hardening, VM configuration, and patch management methodologies.
• Familiarity with automation tools and techniques for system management and configuration.
• Excellent communication skills and experience working with cross-functional teams to implement and manage policies.
• Excellent project management skills and evidence of relevant capabilities/experience.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex issues in a timely manner.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of Linux systems and endpoint management projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with large-scale Linux endpoint management and automation.
• Familiarity with managing systems in a cloud environment (AWS, Azure, etc.).
• Experience with Ansible for configuration management and automation.
• Familiarity with IT security tools and methodologies, such as MS Defender, Rapid7, and encryption standards.
• Experience with Ansible, Puppet; Foreman; Chef; Atlassian Jira; Confluence; Service Now.
• Experience with VMWare; vSphere; AWS; Azure; Terraform; Docker.