Job Description:

Senior Linux Systems Administrator (DV Cleared / DV Eligible)

Location: Near Reading (Hybrid)
Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Excellent Benefits + £5,000 DV Allowance (where applicable)

Senior Linux Systems Administrator

We're partnering with a leading organisation delivering secure technology solutions that support some of the UK's most critical national infrastructure programmes.

This is an opportunity to join a highly skilled engineering team responsible for maintaining and evolving a large-scale data platform that underpins advanced cyber security and data science capabilities. Working within a DevOps environment, you'll help deliver continuous improvements across a secure, mission-critical infrastructure.

Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be eligible to obtain Developed Vetting (DV) Security Clearance.

The Opportunity

As a Senior Linux Systems Administrator, you'll play a key role in supporting and enhancing enterprise Linux environments while driving automation and operational excellence across the platform.

You'll work alongside experienced infrastructure, security and DevOps engineers, solving complex technical challenges in an environment where reliability, performance and security are paramount.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer, maintain and optimise enterprise Linux server environments across production and development platforms.
• Manage VMware vSphere infrastructure, including ESXi hosts, virtual machines and resource allocation.
• Develop and enhance infrastructure automation using Ansible and related tooling.
• Troubleshoot complex operating system, networking, storage and performance issues.
• Support secure platform operations within a highly regulated environment.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to deliver continuous improvements through DevOps best practices.
• Assist with integration and interoperability between Linux and Windows Server environments where required.

Essential Skills

• Strong Linux administration experience (RHEL, Rocky Linux or similar)
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Shell scripting (Bash)
• Infrastructure automation experience
• Continuous Integration / DevOps experience
• Strong understanding of enterprise IT infrastructure
• Knowledge of IT security principles

Desirable Experience

• VMware vSphere / ESXi administration
• Ansible or similar configuration management tools
• Networking, storage and Linux permissions
• Windows Server administration
• Experience supporting highly secure or regulated environments

Security Requirements

Due to the sensitive nature of this work, applicants must be eligible to obtain Developed Vetting (DV) Security Clearance.

To be eligible, you will typically need to have:

• Lived in the UK continuously for the past 10 years.
• Be willing to undergo comprehensive government security vetting.

A DV allowance of £5,000 per annum may be payable whilst holding active clearance and working within a qualifying role.

Working Pattern

• Based near Reading
• Week 1: Monday-Friday on-site
• Week 2: Monday-Thursday on-site, Friday remote
• 37.5 hours per week

Benefits

• Annual performance bonus
• Excellent pension contribution
• Private healthcare options
• 24/7 online GP for you and your immediate family
• Enhanced family leave
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Flexible benefits package including dental and gym membership options
• Ongoing technical training and career development
• Opportunity to work on nationally significant technology programmes

*Rates depend on experience and client requirements