Senior Linux/Unix Systems Architect/Administrator (Cloud & Infrastructure)

Location : Houston ,TX (onsite )

Duration : Contract to Hire

Job Title : Senior Linux/Unix Systems Architect/Administrator (Cloud & Infrastructure)

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Linux/Unix Systems Architect/Administrator who can balance strategic architecture responsibilities with hands-on system administration. This dual role requires someone who can design enterprise-scale infrastructure solutions while also leading operations and administration for approximately 400 Linux servers in a high-stress, mission-critical environment.

The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in Linux/Unix administration, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), and AWS or Azure, combined with proven project management experience. This ensures the ability to not only design and deploy solutions but also manage timelines, resources, and cross-team collaboration for successful delivery of infrastructure initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Architecture & Design
• Architect and implement secure, scalable, and highly available Linux/Unix infrastructure solutions across OCI, AWS, or Azure.
• Develop roadmaps for cloud adoption, hybrid integrations, and modernization projects.
• Align infrastructure design with business continuity, performance, and compliance requirements.
• Systems Administration & Operations
• Lead administration, monitoring, patching, and troubleshooting for ~400 Linux servers.
• Provide senior-level support for performance, scalability, and availability issues in a mission-critical environment.
• Automate system provisioning, configuration, and deployment using Terraform, Ansible, or similar tools.
• Project Management
• Plan, lead, and deliver infrastructure projects from initiation through completion.
• Manage resources, schedules, risks, and communications across multiple stakeholders.
• Ensure project milestones are met and outcomes align with strategic goals.
• Leadership & Team Management
• Lead and mentor a team of Linux/Unix engineers and administrators.
• Drive operational excellence and ensure effective incident response in high-pressure conditions.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Cloud & Hybrid Infrastructure
• Leverage OCI services (Compute, Storage, Networking, Identity) for enterprise workloads.
• Compare OCI, AWS, and Azure capabilities to recommend best-fit solutions.
• Architect and support hybrid connectivity and cloud migration strategies.
• Security & Compliance
• Ensure systems follow best practices for security hardening, patching, and access controls.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory, industry, and organizational standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of Linux/Unix systems administration and architecture experience.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale Linux environments (400+ servers).
• Expertise in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI); experience with AWS or Azure.
• Strong background in project management for infrastructure initiatives.
• Proficiency with automation and scripting tools (Terraform, Ansible, Python, Bash, Shell).
• Strong knowledge of networking, virtualization, storage, and high-availability systems.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing teams and mission-critical operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• OCI, AWS, or Azure professional certifications.
• Experience with Kubernetes or other container orchestration platforms.
• Background in disaster recovery planning, clustering, and performance optimization.
• PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.