Systems Engineer(Linux)-Onsite

Systems Engineer I (Linux Focus | Contract-to-Hire | 100% Onsite Denton, TX)

Location: Denton, TX

Contract Length: 3-6 contract to hire

Industry Preference: Higher Education Experience
Background Requirement: Must pass a criminal background Fingerprint check upon hire.

"U.S. Citizens and those authorized to work in the U.S. are encouraged to apply. We are unable to sponsor at this time."

Additional Notes From Hiring Manager:

Seeking a junior-level System Engineer contractor due to a senior engineer being "underwater."
The contractor will provide support to the senior engineer.
The position is intended to convert to full-time once approved by HR (target salary around $60k).
Skills and Experience:
Experience or basic understanding of virtualization.
Linux experience is a must, particularly Red Hat. This is currently the area of greatest need.
Experience with monitoring systems (Nagios, SolarWinds, WhatsUp Gold - focus on understanding rather than specific tool).
Data center experience is a plus (understanding data center protocols).
Familiarity with patching, especially with systems like AutoBox (automation tool that makes suggestions of what needs to get patched from Rapid7 environment.)
Responsibilities:
Involvement in standing up a private cloud.
Stabilizing listservs.
Assisting with the transition away from VMware.
Moving monitoring systems to WhatsUp Gold.
General data center operations.
Challenges:
Wearing many hats and constantly shifting priorities.
Logistics:
100% onsite role, with potential for occasional work from home for life issues.
Standard 8-5 with flexible hours.

Systems Operations & Support (70%)

• Perform daily administration and support for Linux servers (Red Hat preferred) and related infrastructure.
• Assist with patching, backups, and monitoring using tools such as Nagios, SolarWinds, and WhatsUp Gold (or similar systems).
• Support virtualization platforms and contribute to the ongoing transition away from VMware.
• Help stabilize listservs, maintain monitoring systems, and support the buildout of a private cloud environment.
• Participate in general data center operations, ensuring reliability, uptime, and environmental stability.

Documentation & Collaboration (20%)

• Maintain runbooks, system diagrams, and operational documentation for configuration, patching, and incident response.
• Follow established change management and problem resolution processes.
• Collaborate closely with internal IT teams and provide professional, customer-focused support.

Projects & Professional Growth (10%)

• Contribute to infrastructure modernization and automation initiatives, including patching and vulnerability management tools such as AutoBox and Rapid7.
• Expand skills in scripting, infrastructure automation, and cloud administration (Azure, AWS).
• Pursue growth within a clearly defined Systems Engineer career track (I II III) with associated salary advancement.

Education/Experience Qualifications

• Bachelor s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience).
• Practical experience with Linux systems administration (Red Hat strongly preferred) required.
• Familiarity with virtualization and monitoring systems such as Nagios, SolarWinds, or WhatsUp Gold.
• Understanding of data center operations, networking fundamentals, and patch management processes.
• Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
• Relevant certifications (CompTIA Linux+, Red Hat, Microsoft, AWS, etc.) a plus.

Why You ll Love This Opportunity

• Work on mission-driven infrastructure projects that support public-sector services and operations.
• Learn from senior engineers in a collaborative, hands-on environment.
• Gain experience across Linux, virtualization, and private cloud technologies.
• Defined career growth path with long-term conversion potential.