Specialist/Senior Specialist Linux Administrator

As a Specialist/Senior Specialist Linux Administrator at SciTec, your primary responsibilities include installing and configuring workstations and servers, troubleshooting systems running RedHat Enterprise Linux, managing VMware virtualization infrastructure, and ensuring the security and integrity of systems through patch management and continuous monitoring. You will also be involved in networking configuration and other duties as assigned, making your role versatile and impactful.

To be considered for the Specialist/Senior Specialist Linux Administrator position at SciTec, you should have a bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Network Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field. Additionally, three to ten years of Linux administration experience is required, along with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance. Preferred qualifications include experience with RedHat Enterprise Linux versions, VMware vSphere, and knowledge of automation using various scripting languages.

While prior government contract experience is not an explicit requirement for the Specialist/Senior Specialist Linux Administrator role at SciTec, having such experience can be advantageous. Understanding the unique challenges and expectations of U.S. government contracts will help facilitate your success in this position, especially since SciTec works exclusively on these contracts.

To boost your candidacy for the Specialist/Senior Specialist Linux Administrator role at SciTec, it would be beneficial to possess skills in RedHat Enterprise Linux, VMware vSphere, and automation practices using shell, Perl, or Python. Familiarity with Kubernetes, configuration management tools like Ansible, and experience with networking hardware will also make you a more attractive candidate as these skills align with our current needs.

The salary range for the Specialist/Senior Specialist Linux Administrator position at SciTec is between $100,000 and $140,000 per year. However, several factors including your work experience, education, and specific skills will be considered when extending an offer, ensuring a competitive compensation that reflects your value.

When asked about Linux system hardening during your interview for the Specialist/Senior Specialist Linux Administrator position, explain that it involves securing a Linux system by reducing its surface of vulnerability. Discuss practices like disabling unnecessary services, enforcing strong password policies, configuring firewalls, and implementing regular updates and patches to maintain system integrity.

In approaching troubleshooting in a RedHat Enterprise Linux environment, emphasize the importance of a systematic method. Start with gathering information about the issue, checking logs, and identifying any recent changes that may have affected the system. Use command-line tools to diagnose problems and explain how you prioritize issues based on their impact on operations.

Discuss your direct experience managing VMware virtualization infrastructure, highlighting specific tasks such as deploying new virtual machines, managing resource allocation, and ensuring high availability. If applicable, mention any performance tuning or troubleshooting you've performed to optimize VM operations, and speak to how you have integrated VM management with overall system administration responsibilities.

When asked about patch management in an interview for the Specialist/Senior Specialist Linux Administrator role, outline your process for regularly assessing system vulnerabilities and applying patches. Discuss tools or methodologies you've used to automate the patching process, as well as how you ensure minimum downtime and system stability during updates.

Be prepared to talk about your proficiency in scripting languages that are relevant to the Specialist/Senior Specialist Linux Administrator role. Highlight your experience with languages like Python, Perl, or Bash, and provide examples of how you've used scripting to automate tasks, manage configurations, or streamline processes in your previous positions.

When discussing a technical problem, use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique. Describe the context of the challenge, your specific responsibilities, the actions you took to troubleshoot or resolve the issue, and the positive outcome it led to. This showcases not only your technical skills but your problem-solving abilities.

In response to questions about ensuring system security, mention practices like implementing firewalls, conducting regular audits, applying security patches, and maintaining strict access controls. Highlight your commitment to monitoring system behavior and using tools to check for vulnerabilities, thereby maintaining data integrity.

Discuss various tools and methodologies you've used for continuous monitoring in a Linux environment, such as Nagios, Prometheus, or logs analysis. Describe how you set alerts for abnormalities or potential security threats and how you adapt your monitoring strategies based on system requirements and previous incidents.

You should be prepared to speak on configuration management in the context of the Specialist/Senior Specialist Linux Administrator role. Discuss your familiarity with tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef, explaining how you've utilized them to automate configurations and ensure consistency across your systems. Sharing specific use cases will demonstrate your practical experience.

In explaining virtualization, detail it as the creation of virtual (rather than actual) versions of resources, including servers, storage devices, and networks. Discuss the benefits such as resource efficiency, cost savings, improved scalability, and simplified management, emphasizing how these factors directly contribute to enhanced operations at SciTec.