Senior Linux System Administrator

Our client is seeking a Senior Linux Engineer for a contract-to-hire role at their Houston, TX office. Want to apply Read all the information about this position below, then hit the apply button. Overview We are looking for a seasoned technical leader to guide the design and administration of large-scale Linux-based environments. This position blends architectural planning with hands-on engineering, supporting a mission-critical server footprint and ensuring the stability, scalability, and security of core platforms. The ideal candidate has extensive Linux/Unix experience, strong cloud knowledge, and a track record of successfully delivering infrastructure projects in demanding operational settings. Primary Responsibilities Infrastructure Engineering & Design Develop end-to-end infrastructure solutions for enterprise workloads using Linux/Unix technologies. Create long-term roadmaps supporting modernization, cloud adoption, platform upgrades, and hybrid integrations. Ensure system designs meet high requirements for resiliency, security, compliance, and performance. Platform Engineering & Operations Oversee day-to-day oversight, upkeep, and optimization of a large fleet of Linux servers. Troubleshoot complex issues affecting availability, performance, or capacity in fast-paced operational environments. Build automation frameworks for provisioning, patching, deployment, and configuration using tools such as Terraform and Ansible. Technical Program & Project Leadership Lead infrastructure initiatives from planning through execution, managing schedules, risks, resources, and communications. Coordinate across engineering, operations, and business teams to ensure alignment with organizational objectives. Deliver project outcomes that meet scope, timelines, and operational needs. Leadership & Team Development Provide mentorship and guidance to Linux administrators and engineers. Encourage a high-performing culture dedicated to reliability, responsiveness, and continuous improvement. Support incident management activities with expert-level troubleshooting and decision-making. Cloud & Hybrid Environments Implement and support cloud solutions using major providers, including Oracle Cloud and other hyperscale environments. Evaluate cloud capabilities and recommend optimal placements for workloads based on cost, performance, and security needs. Design connectivity and hybrid cloud strategies that integrate on-prem and cloud resources seamlessly. Security & Governance Ensure platforms adhere to security best practices, including hardening, privileged access management, and compliance controls. Work with internal teams to maintain audit readiness and meet regulatory, industry, and corporate standards. Required Background Degree in a technology-related discipline or equivalent professional experience. 10+ years working with Linux/Unix systems in both engineering and architectural capacities. Experience supporting environments with hundreds of servers or similarly large deployments. Hands-on experience with Oracle Cloud and familiarity with AWS or Azure. Proficiency in automation, scripting, and infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, Ansible, Python, Shell/Bash). Strong understanding of networking, virtualization, storage, and high-availability architectures. Demonstrated experience leading technical teams and supporting high-stakes, always-on environments. Preferred Background Relevant cloud certifications (OCI, AWS, Azure). Experience with container platforms such as Kubernetes. Knowledge of clustering, disaster recovery strategies, and performance tuning. Project management credentials (e.g., PMP or similar). xrczosw Strong communication skills and comfort engaging with stakeholders at all levels.