Linux Systems Engineer

Job#: 3013991

Job Description:

Title: Linux Systems Engineer/SME

Location: 100% Remote

Length: 1-year+ contract with potential to extend

*If interested and qualified for the positions, please reach out to the professional recruiter, Nicole, with your most up to date resume at

A successful candidate will lead the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of mission-critical OT platforms across Windows and Linux environments. This includes partnering with IT, cybersecurity, and operations teams to deliver secure, scalable, and automated infrastructure solutions. This role demands a strategic mindset and deep technical expertise in enterprise systems, identity security, and cloud integration, ensuring platforms are resilient, compliant, and aligned with industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and maintain enterprise-grade systems across Windows Server and Linux platforms, ensuring high availability, security, and compliance in OT environments.
• Architect and optimize Linux systems for performance and scalability, including advanced security hardening (SELinux, firewalls, SSH) and lifecycle management using automation tools (Ansible, Puppet).
• Lead identity integration across Active Directory and Linux directory services, ensuring seamless authentication and authorization.
• Develop and enforce IAM strategies, including IGA and PAM solutions, while collaborating with cybersecurity teams to implement zero-trust principles.
• Drive automation of provisioning, configuration, and patching through advanced scripting (PowerShell, Bash, Python) and orchestration frameworks.
• Oversee software deployment and configuration management using SCCM, Intune, and Linux-native tools.
• Integrate and secure hybrid cloud platforms (Azure, AWS), ensuring regulatory compliance and operational resilience.
• Troubleshoot complex system issues across Windows and Linux, including kernel, networking, and storage, and lead root cause analysis and remediation.
• Configure and maintain core Linux services (DNS, DHCP, NTP, syslog) and support containerization/orchestration initiatives (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Monitor and optimize system performance, implementing proactive measures for disaster recovery and business continuity.
• Produce and maintain architectural documentation, operational procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Act as a technical advisor in a Scaled Agile (SAFe) environment, influencing system roadmaps and enterprise architecture decisions.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster knowledge-sharing across teams.

Required Qualifications:

• Expertise in Linux system administration, including performance tuning and advanced troubleshooting.
• Strong knowledge of Linux security frameworks and compliance standards.
• Hands-on experience with Linux automation and configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef).
• Familiarity with Linux networking concepts and tools (iptables, netfilter, tcpdump).
• Extensive experience in enterprise systems engineering, with proven leadership in designing and managing large-scale Windows and Linux environments.
• Advanced knowledge of Windows Server (2016/2019/2022) and Linux distributions (RHEL, Debian, Ubuntu).
• Deep understanding of Active Directory architecture and Linux identity management (LDAP, Kerberos, SSSD).
• Proficiency in IAM, IGA, and PAM technologies (e.g., SailPoint, CyberArk).
• Strong scripting and automation skills across PowerShell, Bash, and Python.
• Expertise in SCCM, Intune, and Linux-native configuration management tools.
• Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS) and hybrid integration strategies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven track record of leading enterprise migrations and modernization initiatives.
• Experience implementing zero-trust architectures and advanced security frameworks.
• Familiarity with containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes) in OT contexts.
• Knowledge of virtualization technologies (VMware, Hyper-V) and disaster recovery planning.

Soft Skills:

• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
• Exceptional communication and documentation skills for technical and executive audiences.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence architectural decisions.
• Commitment to continuous learning and innovation.

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.