Lead Linux DevOps Systems Engineer

***We are unable to sponsor for this permanent full-time role*** ***Position is bonus eligible*** Prestigious Financial Institution is currently seeking a Senior Linux DevOps Systems Engineer with strong DevOps and Python automation experience. Candidate will be responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and optimization of enterprise-wide Linux server infrastructure with a focus on automation and containerization platforms across on-premises and cloud environments. This role provides technical leadership and strategic direction for Linux systems architecture, Ansible Automation Platform, Red Hat Satellite, OpenShift, and AWS cloud infrastructure while mentoring team members and ensuring high availability, security, and performance across all Linux systems. The position serves as the primary technical authority for complex Linux server challenges and drives innovation in infrastructure automation, cloud-native development, hybrid cloud integration, and enterprise disaster recovery solutions. Responsibilities: Lead the design, deployment, and maintenance of enterprise Linux server environments (RHEL, CentOS, Ubuntu, SUSE, Amazon Linux) with hands-on configuration and troubleshooting across on-premises and AWS cloud infrastructure Plan, execute, and manage enterprise-wide Linux patching strategies including security patches, kernel updates, and critical vulnerability remediation across thousands of servers Develop and maintain comprehensive disaster recovery (DR) plans for Linux infrastructure including RPO/RTO targets, failover procedures, and recovery testing schedules Implement and enforce CIS (Center for Internet Security) benchmarks and security baselines across all Linux systems including automated compliance scanning, remediation, and reporting Plan, execute, and manage RHEL operating system upgrades across enterprise environments including in-place upgrades (Leapp), migration strategies, and rollback procedures Develop and implement infrastructure automation strategies using Ansible Automation Platform (AAP) including playbook development, workflow orchestration, and automation controller management Manage and optimize Red Hat Satellite infrastructure for system provisioning, patch management, and content lifecycle management across the enterprise Implement and manage automated patching workflows using Red Hat Satellite, Ansible, and AWS Systems Manager for both on-premises and cloud environments Design, deploy, and manage AWS Linux EC2 instances including instance configuration, auto-scaling, and integration with AWS services Create, maintain, and manage AMI (Amazon Machine Image) lifecycle including image hardening, patching, golden image development, and automated AMI pipeline creation Implement AMI versioning strategies, testing procedures, and distribution processes across multiple AWS accounts and regions Design and implement disaster recovery solutions including backup strategies, replication technologies, failover automation, and multi-region/multi-site architectures Design and maintain NFS storage solutions and distributed file systems for enterprise applications Architect, deploy, and manage OpenShift container platforms and Kubernetes environments in hybrid cloud configurations Implement and support Red Hat Dev Spaces for cloud-native development workflows Conduct regular DR drills and testing to validate backup and recovery procedures Develop and maintain security hardening standards based on CIS benchmarks, STIG requirements, and organizational security policies Manage incidents, requests, and change management processes using ITSM tools such as ServiceNow including ticket resolution, escalations, and SLA compliance Maintain technical documentation, knowledge base articles, runbooks, and operational procedures in Confluence Establish and enforce Linux server security standards, hardening procedures, and compliance protocols across on-premises and cloud environments Oversee system performance monitoring, capacity planning, and optimization initiatives across all platforms Provide escalation support for complex technical issues and lead incident response efforts Collaborate with cross-functional teams including networking, storage, security, and application development Drive continuous improvement initiatives and evaluate emerging Red Hat, AWS, and cloud-native technologies Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, runbooks, and standard operating procedures Participate in on-call rotation and provide 24/7 support for critical systems as needed Lead vendor management activities and coordinate with Red Hat and AWS support Provide technical mentorship and guidance to Linux administrators and junior team members Lead technical training sessions and knowledge transfer initiatives on Ansible, Satellite, OpenShift, AWS, patching, and DR procedures Qualifications: 10+ years of progressive hands-on experience in Linux/Unix system administration 5+ years in a technical leadership or senior engineering role Strong hands-on experience with Ansible Automation Platform (AAP) including automation controller, execution environments, and workflow development Proven expertise in Red Hat Satellite for system lifecycle management and content management Extensive experience planning and executing enterprise-scale Linux patching programs including change management, patch testing, and emergency patching procedures Demonstrated experience designing and implementing disaster recovery solutions for Linux infrastructure including backup/restore, replication, and failover strategies Demonstrated experience planning and executing RHEL OS upgrades across major versions (e.g., RHEL 7 to 8, RHEL 8 to 9) using Leapp and other upgrade methodologies Extensive hands-on experience with AWS Linux EC2 instances, including Amazon Linux and RHEL on AWS Demonstrated experience in AMI creation, customization, hardening, and lifecycle management Proven track record of building automated AMI pipelines using tools such as Packer, Ansible, or AWS Image Builder Demonstrated experience with AWS cloud services and hybrid cloud architectures Extensive hands-on experience with OpenShift container platform and Kubernetes orchestration Demonstrated experience implementing and managing NFS and distributed storage solutions Working knowledge of Red Hat Dev Spaces for development environment provisioning Proven track record of designing and implementing large-scale automated Linux infrastructure in hybrid environments Strong understanding of DevOps principles and CI/CD methodologies Excellent problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking skills Outstanding communication skills with ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders Strong project management capabilities and ability to manage multiple priorities Red Hat certifications (RHCE, RHCA) and/or AWS certifications (Solutions Architect, SysOps Administrator) highly preferred INDC Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Benefits: 401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Work Location: Hybrid remote in chicago, IL 60605