Principal Linux Administrator

Sierra Space•Louisville, CO

About The Position

The Principal IT Systems Engineer is a senior-level role designed for professionals with extensive expertise in systems administration, cloud computing, and large-scale IT project implementation. This position is responsible for designing, deploying, and managing complex IT infrastructure, ensuring compliance with IT governance, and leading advanced cybersecurity practices. The role involves developing cloud architecture, implementing security measures, and managing large-scale IT projects from conception to completion. Additionally, the Principal IT Systems Engineer will perform advanced systems administration tasks, develop automation scripts, and collaborate with cross-functional teams on IT projects and initiatives. Furthermore, this role will be required to develop and maintain existing on-premises Linux environments support various programs within the company. In this role, you will design, deploy, and manage scalable and secure IT infrastructure while developing and implementing cloud architecture and deployment strategies using platforms such as AWS or Azure. In addition you will also be responsible for continuation of deployment and maintenance of several on-premises Linux environments working closely with DevOps for developing big bang solutions within our air gapped environments. You will ensure IT governance and compliance across all systems and processes, as well as implement advanced cybersecurity practices to protect company data and systems. Leading and managing large-scale IT projects from conception to completion will be a key responsibility, along with performing advanced systems administration tasks, including performance tuning and system optimization. You will utilize performance analysis tools to monitor and improve system performance and manage and troubleshoot complex networking and distributed computing environments. Additionally, you will develop and maintain automation scripts to streamline IT processes and improve efficiency, while programming in administrative languages such as Perl, Python, VBScript, or Windows PowerShell. Collaboration with cross-functional teams to support IT projects and initiatives will be essential, as will writing proposals, technical papers, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders. Acting as a vendor liaison and representing the company in presentations to customers, clients, and professional peers will also be part of your role. Finally, you will stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies to continuously improve your skills and knowledge.

Requirements

Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +10 yrs experience).
Typically 12+ years of related experience.
10 plus years proven experience as a Linux Administrator or similar role.
Expertise in systems administration plus 5+ years of cloud computing platforms, such as AWS or Azure.
Expertise with physical server hardware on prem (Dell and HPE)
Expertise with storage arrays and filers (HPE Nimble, Pure FlashBlade Pure FlashArray, Qumulo)
In-depth knowledge of Linux operating systems (e.g., Red Hat, CentOS, Ubuntu).
Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python).
Familiarity with network protocols and services (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP).
Experience with Red Hat Satellite Server.
Experience with Red Hat IdM.
Experience with DevOps practices and tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins).
Experience with virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware).
Relevant certifications (e.g., RHCSA, RHCE) are a plus.
Proficiency in IT governance and compliance.
Experience with advanced cybersecurity practices.
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
Ability to design and implement large-scale IT projects.

Nice To Haves

Advanced certifications in relevant IT fields (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, RedHat).
Proficiency in advanced scripting and automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef).
Experience deploying/maintaining of HPC Clusters
Experience with setting up build-machines and software development support
Experience with Artifactory and repos such as Python and Conda
Understanding of containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, Singularity).
Familiarity with database management (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL).
Experience with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools like Terraform, Ansible, or CloudFormation.
Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git, SVN).
Knowledge of storage technologies (SAN, NAS, DAS).
Familiarity with cloud storage solutions like AWS S3, Azure Blob Storage.
Experience working in aerospace industry and Mission Control
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Design, deploy, and manage scalable and secure IT infrastructure.
Develop and implement cloud architecture and deployment strategies using platforms such as AWS or Azure.
Responsible for continuation of deployment and maintenance of several on-premises Linux environments working closely with DevOps for developing big bang solutions within our air gapped environments.
Ensure IT governance and compliance across all systems and processes.
Implement advanced cybersecurity practices to protect company data and systems.
Lead and manage large-scale IT projects from conception to completion.
Perform advanced systems administration tasks, including performance tuning and system optimization.
Utilize performance analysis tools to monitor and improve system performance.
Manage and troubleshoot complex networking and distributed computing environments.
Develop and maintain automation scripts to streamline IT processes and improve efficiency.
Programming in administrative languages such as Perl, Python, VBScript, or Windows PowerShell.
Collaboration with cross-functional teams to support IT projects and initiatives.
Write proposals, technical papers, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
Act as a vendor liaison and representing the company in presentations to customers, clients, and professional peers.
Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies to continuously improve your skills and knowledge.