Software Engineer III - Linux Systems Administrator

As a Software Engineer III - Linux Systems Administrator at Cognizant, your primary responsibilities will include managing Linux systems to ensure optimal performance and security, working with HPC environments particularly using the SLURM scheduler, and utilizing AWS offerings to enhance system capabilities. You'll also be tackling technical troubleshooting for production systems while collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate and operate systems seamlessly.

To be considered for the Software Engineer III - Linux Systems Administrator position at Cognizant, you need proven experience in Linux Administration, familiarity with High Performance Compute (HPC) environments, and knowledge of the SLURM scheduler. Additionally, understanding AWS offerings such as parallel clusters and batch services is crucial. Problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to work within the North America timezone for technical support are also required.

Cognizant prioritizes professional growth for their employees, including Software Engineer III - Linux Systems Administrator. Opportunities for ongoing training, access to the latest technology, and collaborative projects with cross-functional teams are encouraged to enhance your skill set. The supportive environment fosters career progression and equips you with tools to stay at the forefront of industry advancements.

At Cognizant, the work environment for a Software Engineer III - Linux Systems Administrator is dynamic and collaborative, designed to encourage innovation. You will work closely with various teams, which makes communication and collaboration essential. The company values positivity, teamwork, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, providing a culture where your contributions are recognized.

Cognizant offers a comprehensive benefits package for the Software Engineer III - Linux Systems Administrator role, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid holidays, paid time off, a 401(k) plan, and contributions to long-term and short-term disability. Additionally, enjoy benefits like paid parental leave and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan to support your financial future.

To ensure optimal performance and security, I regularly monitor system metrics using tools like top, iostat, and vmstat. I implement security updates and patches promptly, conduct regular audits, and employ best practices for system hardening. Additionally, using automation tools such as Ansible can help ensure consistency in configuration and compliance.

In my previous roles, I have managed and configured the SLURM scheduler for various HPC projects. This included setting up compute nodes, defining job queues, and optimizing resource allocation to maximize throughput. I also performed troubleshooting to resolve job scheduling issues, ensuring efficient workload distribution across the cluster.

I have worked extensively with AWS services including EC2 for deploying Linux instances, S3 for storage solutions, and AWS Batch for managing batch processing jobs effectively. My experience with AWS ParallelCluster has allowed me to create and manage HPC clusters tailored to client needs, optimizing performance and costs.

One significant challenge involved identifying a performance bottleneck in a production system. I utilized monitoring tools to pinpoint the issue to resource contention among processes. I implemented optimized configurations for resource allocation, adjusted SLURM settings, and improved job scheduling, which ultimately enhanced system performance.

I believe in maintaining clear and concise documentation for system configurations and procedures. I use markdown format or Confluence for creating easy-to-follow guides and ensure they are regularly updated. This practice not only assists in troubleshooting but also helps onboard new team members effectively.

My troubleshooting approach involves a systematic analysis of the issue. I first gather system logs and metrics to understand the problem, then replicate the issue in a controlled environment if possible. I use established tools and commands for diagnostics, and if needed, I collaborate with team members to brainstorm solutions.

Collaboration is vital in my role as a Linux Systems Administrator. It enables the sharing of knowledge, faster problem resolution, and a cohesive approach to projects. Working effectively with developers, network engineers, and other stakeholders ensures that system integrations are smooth and operational challenges are addressed collectively.

To stay updated, I regularly follow industry blogs, participate in online forums, and attend relevant webinars and conferences. I also engage with communities such as Linux.org and AskUbuntu, continuously learning about new tools and technologies that can enhance my skills and understanding of best practices in Linux administration and HPC.

I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact on business operations. I use tools like Kanban boards or ticketing systems to track outstanding issues and assess their priority level. Regular communication with stakeholders also aids in determining which tasks need immediate attention and which can be scheduled for later.

I have extensive experience with automated deployments using tools such as Puppet, Chef, and Ansible. Automation reduces manual errors and increases deployment efficiency. I have implemented these tools to streamline the configuration management process, allowing for rapid scaling and consistent deployment across multiple systems.