Linux / VMware System Administrator

Linux / VMware System Administrator:

Direct Client is looking to hire a systems administrator II, who will be responsible for supporting a highly available hybrid infrastructure spanning both onpremises Windows and Linux servers and cloud-based environments.

The Systems Administrator II will be responsible for supporting a highly available hybrid infrastructure spanning both onpremises Windows and Linux servers and cloud-based environments. This role focuses on ensuring seamless connectivity between cloud and onprem systems, supporting database migration initiatives, and maintaining secure, reliable, and performant enterprise services. The ideal candidate brings strong experience in load balancing, firewalls, and foundational networking, along with a growing skillset in cloud operations and infrastructure modernization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support and maintain cloud-integrated infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure, or hybrid architectures), including Windows and Linux VMs, storage services, identity platforms, and cross-environment connectivity.
• Assist in designing, establishing, and optimizing secure connectivity between cloud environments and onpremise data centers, including VPNs, direct connect solutions, routing, and identity federation.
• Participate in database replication\migration activities, including planning, coordinating, and executing replications\migrations between onprem databases and cloud-managed database services
• Perform system administration tasks for enterprise applications including patching, automated deployments, configuration updates, performance tuning, log analysis, backups, and capacity planning as well as coordination with vendors as needed.
• Administer and troubleshoot F5 BigIP traffic managers, including VIP configuration, pool management, SSL profiles, and health monitoring.
• Assist in managing Palo Alto firewalls, including security policies, NAT rules, and general operational support.
• Collaborate with the network team to diagnose and resolve Layer 2/3 networking issues such as routing, switching, VLANs, and load balancing interactions.
• Develop and maintain documentation for systems, processes, and standard operating procedures.
• Support incident response activities by investigating system issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Perform vulnerability management activities, including scanning systems, reviewing findings, prioritizing risks, and implementing remediation actions to maintain a secure infrastructure.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to support new system deployments, infrastructure upgrades, and automation initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of hands-on experience supporting Windows and Linux server environments.
• Experience with hybrid infrastructure, cloud services, or cloud migration activities.
• Strong understanding of high-availability architectures and system redundancy.
• Proficiency with PowerShell, Bash, or other scripting languages for automation and troubleshooting.
• Experience with virtualization technologies such as VMware or HyperV.
• Knowledge of cloud-integrated infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure, or hybrid environments), including connectivity between onpremises and cloud resources.
• Solid understanding of TCP/IP networking, DNS, DHCP, routing, and switching fundamentals.
• Familiarity with monitoring and alerting platforms (e.g., Splunk, CrowdStrike, Security Onion, WhatsUp Gold).

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience administering F5 BigIP load balancers and Palo Alto firewalls.
Hands-on experience with cloud networking or database migration projects.
Familiarity with automation or configuration management tools.
Relevant certifications such as MCSA/MCSE, RHCSA/RHCE, PCNSE, F5 CA/CE, or Network+

Soft Skills:
Strong problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking.
Effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Strong documentation and organizational skills.