Sr. IT Support Administrator (Chicago area)

Sr. IT Support Administrator – Linux and Datacenter Support

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Systems Administrator to join our dynamic IT team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the design, implementation, administration, and maintenance of Linux-based systems and enterprise datacenter infrastructure. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the reliability, security, and scalability of our IT systems and services.

Key Responsibilities:

• System Administration:
  • Manage and maintain Linux servers, ensuring optimal performance, availability, and security.
  • Automate routine system administration tasks using scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python, or Ansible).
• Datacenter Operations:
  • Oversee local datacenter operations, including hardware installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.
  • Monitor and maintain environmental controls, power systems, and network connectivity within the datacenter.
• Performance Optimization:
  • Perform regular system performance tuning, capacity planning, and resource optimization.
  • Diagnose and resolve complex hardware and software issues.
• Security and Compliance:
  • Implement and enforce security best practices, including system patching, vulnerability assessments, and access controls.
  • Ensure compliance with organizational policies and industry standards such as ISO 27001 or NIST.
• Backup and Recovery:
  • Manage backup systems and disaster recovery procedures to safeguard critical data and ensure business continuity.
• Collaboration and Support:
  • Work closely with application teams, network engineers, and other stakeholders to support IT initiatives.
  • Provide tier-3 technical support for escalated issues, mentoring junior team members as needed.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate documentation of systems, configurations, and processes.
  • Prepare periodic reports on system health, incidents, and performance metrics.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Linux system administration and datacenter management.
• Strong expertise in Linux operating systems such as Red Hat, CentOS, or Ubuntu.
• Hands-on experience with virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, ProxMox) and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).
• Proficiency in configuring and troubleshooting storage solutions (SAN/NAS).
• Knowledge of networking principles, including TCP/IP, DNS, and firewalls.
• Familiarity with configuration management tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications such as RHCE, AWS Solutions Architect, or VMware VCP.
• Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Prior involvement in high-availability and disaster recovery implementations.