Windows/Linux Admin

Job ID: TX-26R0401)

Hybrid/Local Windows/Linux Admin (15+) with RHEL, OS migration/upgrade, legacy modernization, Ansible, PowerShell, CIS/NIST, Vulnerability Remediation, DR, Audit experience

Location: Austin, TX (DPS)
Duration: 8 Months

Skills:
8 Required RHEL and Windows OS

Description:
The Support System Administrator will be responsible for supporting the migration and modernization of EOL systems, including legacy systems running older versions of Windows and Red Hat Enterprise Linux . The role will focus on upgrading these systems to supported OS versions (e.g., Windows Server 2016/2019/2022, RHEL 5/6/7/8/9) to ensure improved security, performance, and operational continuity.

Key Responsibilities:
System Assessment & Planning:
Assess Legacy Systems: Conduct detailed assessments of existing EOL systems, including Windows Server (2012 and older) and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL 5, 6,7 and newer).
Identify Priorities: Prioritize migration based on system criticality, security risks, and operational needs.
Develop Migration Strategy: Create a comprehensive plan for transitioning legacy RHEL and Windows systems to supported versions, including risk assessments, upgrade paths, and timelines.

System Migration:
Legacy OS Migration: Migrate RHEL 5/6 and older Windows Server systems to newer, supported OS versions (RHEL 8/9, Windows Server 2022/2025).
Upgrade Path Planning: Perform in-place upgrades as a last resort. Primary job is to perform a reinstallation, following best practices to ensure compatibility and minimize downtime.
Data Backup & Recovery: Implement data backup and recovery strategies before, during, and after the migration, with a focus on reducing potential data loss during the upgrade process.
Post-Upgrade Validation: Validate the system s functionality after the upgrade (e.g., performance checks, compatibility testing of critical applications, system services, and networking configurations).

Configuration Management:
System Reconfiguration: Reconfigure system services and settings (e.g., networking, storage, security settings) after OS upgrade.
Configuration Management Tools: Utilize tools like Ansible for RHEL configurations and PowerShell for Windows configurations to maintain consistency across systems.
Automation Scripting: Write and maintain automation scripts for repetitive tasks across both Windows and Linux systems.

Security Enhancements:
System Hardening: Perform system hardening tasks on RHEL and Windows Server systems before and after migration to mitigate security risks.
Patch Management: Apply security patches and updates for both RHEL and Windows servers. Ensure that legacy systems are brought up to current patch levels before the upgrade.
Vulnerability Remediation: Run vulnerability scans and perform security updates to address any issues uncovered during the migration process.
Compliance Assurance: Ensure all systems meet internal security policies, compliance regulations, and industry standards (e.g., CIS Benchmarks, NIST).

Troubleshooting and Support:
Issue Resolution: Act as the point of escalation for system issues encountered during the migration process, especially for legacy RHEL 5/6 and older Windows versions.
Post-Migration Support: Provide ongoing support for both Windows Server and RHEL systems after migration, addressing system issues, performance concerns, or compatibility problems.
Problem Solving: Troubleshoot OS-level issues and application problems on both Windows and RHEL systems post-migration, ensuring high availability and reliability.

Documentation and Reporting:
Migration Documentation: Maintain detailed documentation of the migration process, including steps taken, configurations changed, and any issues encountered and resolved.
System Configuration Records: Update system configuration records post-migration to reflect the new OS and environment. This will be reflected in the CMDB as well as the TRP list.
Progress Reporting: Provide regular updates and reports to stakeholders on migration status, challenges, and milestones achieved.

Collaboration and Coordination:
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other IT teams (e.g., networking, database admins, application owners) to ensure smooth integration of migrated systems.
Vendor Coordination: Coordinate with third-party vendors or support services as needed, especially for issues related to legacy systems or proprietary software running on older OS versions.
End-User Communication: Communicate with end-users and stakeholders about any system downtime, changes, or disruptions during the migration process.

Training and Knowledge Transfer:
Documentation for Internal Teams: Create detailed user manuals and internal documentation on managing updated systems.
Knowledge Sharing: Share insights and lessons learned from the migration process to help other teams with similar future upgrades or transitions.

Backup & Disaster Recovery:
Backup Solutions: Ensure that backup solutions are in place for both Windows and RHEL systems
Disaster Recovery Planning: Update disaster recovery plans for systems post-migration and test recovery procedures to ensure business continuity.

Post-Implementation Review:
System Audits: Conduct post-migration audits to verify that all systems are fully functional, secure, and compliant.
Post-Migration Optimization: Identify any post-migration system performance improvements, optimizations, or further enhancements needed.