Unix Systems Administrator – Permanent – Lancashire

Hybrid working, 3 days on site, 2 days remote 
Possible travel to other sites may be required

Essential :- At least 10 years’ experience working in IT Operations. 5 years Linux Administration. Linux/Unix variants based on RedHat, i.e. Oracle Linux 9x, CentOS etc. Linux Virtualisation KVM & Containers. Microsoft Azure Hosting. Databases such as MySQL, Influx, Loki etc & associated replication methodologies. Configuration of services such as DNS, Apache, NTP using Text Configuration files. Encryption methodologies including, SSL, TLS, CSR, P12/PFX, Cypher Suites etc. Expert level technical knowledge of Linux Subsystems incl. Networking, DNS, NTP, HTTP/HTTPS, SSH, SFTP, FTP, rcp, Web Servers (Apache), CUPS. Syslog etc. Very high Level of Email Subsystems, such as Exim, Postfix, sendmail etc. Expert - Linux Scripting/programming incl. bsh, ksh, awk, perl, PHP, C, C , Python. Solid technical & analytical skills, with ability to interpret & present data clearly. Good Security skills for threat detection & protection solutions. Working knowledge of IT Applications/Portals, such as Service Desk, Auditing Tools etc. Excellent communication skills & ability to build strong working relationships, daily interaction with various team members & senior business stakeholders will be required. 

The Unix Systems Administrator Responsibilities

The primary element of this role of Linux DevOps Engineer is to ensure the effective Daily BAU availability of my clients Linux & Unix Platforms to support the business operation for both on-prem & cloud (primarily Azure plus other platform providers).  Administration & Performance Monitoring of Linux/Unix Systems across various monitoring platforms, escalations, & service level adherence. This role will work closely with the various IT Operations Teams & Heads, including but not limited to: Service Desk, Infrastructure, EDI, Web, SAP, & I.T. Management.

Unix Systems Administrator objectives

• Provision of Linux Systems & Services as required by the business with associated SLAs & resilience for both cloud & on-prem.
• System Configuration & Patching to maintain systems standards
• Provision of Print Services to Support Warehouse Operations.
• Provision of suitable backup & recovery solutions should a failure occur.
• Regular testing of Backup & Recovery Systems in line with Audit requirements.
• Ensure each server is protected by adequate security measures to prevent compromise.
• Ensure all servers & backups are protected from ransomware attacks.
• Monitoring & Alerting of all server hardware, software & services.
• Upgrading of obsolete operating systems to maintain supported patchable systems. Regular patching of Linux/Unix Systems.
• Monitoring of Linux by utilising the various portals & alert mechanisms in use. Such as Nagios, Grafana, Security Operating Centre (SOC), Vulnerability Management (Tenable Nessus), Microsoft M365 & Azure Security Portals etc.
• Escalation of Critical & High Security Alerts to the required I.T. Teams & Senior Management.
• Administration of security identified vulnerabilities to ensure they are actioned & resolved in a timely manner for all Linux platforms.
• Create & Coordinate Incidents, ensuring full incident details are accurately recorded. Participate in Reviews of Incidents for continuous improvement & monitoring.
• Production of Weekly KPI’s & Information input to Monthly Board Reports.
• Participation in enhancements &/or optimisation projects in-line with the Linux Server Roadmap.
• Annual Internal & External Penetration Testing of Linux systems & remediation.
• 3rd party Supplier Management.
• Assignment & Management of Linux Related Tickets raised on IT Service Desk.

Unix Systems Administrator knowledge, skills & experience

• At least 10 years’ experience working in IT Operations/DevOps with an expert level of technical knowledge of various Linux hardware & software.
• Linux Administration minimum of 5 years’ hands-on experience using command line.
• Strong knowledge of various Linux/Unix variants based on RedHat, i.e. Oracle Linux 9x, CentOS etc. Linux Virtualisation KVM & Containers. Microsoft Azure Hosting.
• Operational knowledge of Databases such as MySQL, Influx, Loki etc & associated replication methodologies.
• Configuration of services such as DNS, Apache, NTP using Text Configuration files. Good working knowledge of encryption methodologies including, SSL, TLS, CSR, P12/PFX, Cypher Suites etc.
• Expert level technical knowledge of Linux Subsystems including but not limited to Networking, DNS, NTP, HTTP/HTTPS, SSH, SFTP, FTP, rcp, Web Servers (Apache), CUPS. Syslog etc.
• Very high Level of technical knowledge of Email Subsystems, such as Exim, Postfix, sendmail etc. Expert technical knowledge of Linux Scripting/programming including but not limited to bsh, ksh, awk, perl, PHP, C, C ,  Python.
• An understanding of XML, templates & structures would be useful.
• Knowledge of printing solutions down to printer language level for PCL, PDF would be helpful.
• A working knowledge of Unix Variants such as IBM AIX, PowerVM, HMC would be useful but not essential.
• Solid technical & analytical skills, with ability to interpret & present data clearly.
• Good Security skills for threat detection & protection solutions.
• Knowledge of Organisational Planning Tools & Project Management methodologies.
• Strong analytical & problem-solving skills with good attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of IT Applications/Portals, such as Service Desk, Auditing Tools etc.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.