Senior Linux System Administrator

Job Description:

Alabama Medicaid Agency is seeking an experienced Senior Linux System Administrator to manage, maintain, secure, and optimize enterprise Linux infrastructure across on-premises and Microsoft Azure environments, including Azure CommercialC and Azure Government.

The ideal candidate should have 8+ years of hands-on Linux System Administration experience, with strong expertise in Ubuntu Server LTS, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Microsoft Azure infrastructure, Azure DevOps, Docker, and Linux security hardening. The candidate will be responsible for supporting production and non-production Linux environments, implementing security and compliance standards, automating administrative tasks, and maintaining reliable infrastructure operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administer, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain production and non-production Ubuntu and RHEL Linux servers.
• Implement CIS-aligned security hardening and compliance practices using Azure Defender for Cloud and Azure Policy.
• Manage Linux patching and lifecycle activities using Ubuntu Pro, Livepatch, Extended Security Maintenance (ESM), and APT.
• Develop and maintain Bash and PowerShell scripts for cross-platform automation and scheduled administrative tasks.
• Manage Azure DevOps repositories, pipelines, and CI/CD workflows supporting Linux infrastructure.
• Support Docker workloads running on standalone Linux virtual machines, including Azure Key Vault integration for secrets management.
• Manage Azure Container Registry (ACR), including image push/pull operations and vulnerability scanning.
• Maintain SSSD-based identity integration, sudoers governance, and PAM configurations.
• Manage LVM, XFS/EXT4 filesystems, partitions, and dedicated mounts in accordance with CIS security guidelines.
• Support security audits, auditd logging, compliance remediation, and infrastructure security improvements.

Skill Requirements:

• Minimum 8+ years of hands-on Linux System Administration experience in enterprise or government environments.
• Strong expertise in current Ubuntu Server LTS releases and working experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
• Experience managing Linux virtual machines in Microsoft Azure, including networking, Managed Identity, and Azure Key Vault.
• Hands-on experience with Azure DevOps repositories, pipelines, and CI/CD workflows.
• Experience managing Docker containers on standalone Linux servers, outside Kubernetes or managed container platforms.
• Advanced Bash scripting skills and working proficiency in PowerShell.
• Strong understanding of Linux security and administration, including:
• UFW and SSH Hardening
• AppArmor
• SSL/TLS Certificate Management
• systemd and Kernel Tuning
• PAM and SSSD
• auditd and Log Rotation
• Experience with Linux storage administration, LVM, filesystems, partitions, and mount management.
• Ability to work independently within a small, cross-functional IT and security team.

Preferred Skills:

• Certifications such as Canonical/Ubuntu, CISSP, CompTIA Security+, AZ-900, or AZ-104.
• Previous experience in healthcare or public-sector IT environments.
• Familiarity with HIPAA technical safeguards, MARS-E, and CMS security requirements.
• Experience with CIS security benchmarks and Azure-native security tools.
• Experience supporting development infrastructure with changing workload requirements.

Other Requirements:

• Must be available to work 100% onsite at the Alabama Medicaid Agency's main office in Montgomery, Alabama.
• Remote work is not permitted.
• Must successfully pass state and federal background checks due to access to sensitive healthcare information (PHI/PII).
• No visa sponsorship is available.
• Candidates must confirm eligibility for potential conversion to Merit employment.
• No travel or expense reimbursements will be provided.