Senior Software Engineer

Position Title: Systems Engineer - Linux RedHat & Data Center Infrastructure

Client: Agency of the United Nations

Rate: Based on Experience

Contract: Consultancy

Location: Remotely

Period of Assignment: Initial term of 6 months, with possible extension subject to business needs, budget availability, and consultant performance.

DropaCode is looking for a Systems Engineer - Linux RedHat & Data Center Infrastructure to work remotely from Europe for a United Nations Agency. You will be responsible for the complete operational and physical upkeep of the Data Centre. This includes managing VMware virtualization, Windows, and Linux systems, along with the critical support and maintenance of all storage and backup solutions and domain name services.

You will be responsible for:

• Provide expert-level support for Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems, addressing issues and optimizing performance.
• Design, develop, and maintain automated solutions for the efficient deployment and provisioning of Red Hat Enterprise Linux virtual machines.
• Perform streamlined upgrades for Linux virtual machines, minimizing disruption and ensuring system stability.
• Create, test, and maintain robust scripts to automate routine and complex tasks, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Manage the RHEL servers patching.
• Manage and secure the chrooted BIND (named) environment on all DNS servers, ensuring robust security and operational integrity.
• Administer and optimize both internal and external DNS services, ensuring reliable name resolution and network accessibility.
• Document and standardize DNS management procedures to enhance reliability and security across the infrastructure.
• Perform the administration of the 6 hosts VMware vSphere 8 farm (VVF) using vCenter and Aria Operations.
• Perform the administration of 2 DELL PowerStore 3200T iSCSI shared storage.
• Manage the DELL PowerProtect (PPDM) Backup system, DataDomain physical and virtual backup devices.
• Administer the iSCSI network dedicated to VMware infrastructure datastores, maintaining optimal performance and reliability.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware-related issues, coordinating with external vendors for timely replacements and interventions to minimize downtime.
• Implement and uphold stringent security protocols across the entire data centre infrastructure to safeguard critical assets.
• Undertake additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor, contributing to the overall success of the team and department.

Your profile:

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in the information and communications field as Systems Engineer.
• Proficient hands-on experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (e.g., CentOS, Fedora) in an enterprise environment.
• Experience with Linux VM lifecycle management, including deployment, patching, and upgrades.
• Strong understanding of Linux networking, storage, and security.
• Extensive experience in developing and maintaining automation scripts for repetitive tasks.
• Proven experience with configuration management tools like Ansible specifically for deploying and managing Linux VMs.
• In-depth experience managing highly available internal and external DNS services, particularly with BIND (Berkeley Internet Name Domain).
• Hands-on experience with configuring and securing chrooted BIND environments, understanding the security implications and best practices.
• Experience with DNSSEC implementation, zone transfers, and troubleshooting common DNS resolution issues.
• Deep understanding and hands-on experience with VMware ESXi and vCenter Server, including installation, configuration, management, and troubleshooting.
• Lifecycle management of VMware components, including patching and upgrading vCenter and ESXi hosts.
• Demonstrable experience with iSCSI network configuration and management, including setting up iSCSI initiators on ESXi hosts, configuring iSCSI targets on storage arrays, and optimizing performance.
• Hands-on experience with Dell EMC PowerStore (or similar enterprise storage arrays), including array configuration, updates, upgrades, volume provisioning, snapshot management, replication, and basic troubleshooting.
• Strong hardware troubleshooting skills and experience in diagnosing server, storage, and network hardware issues.
• Proven ability to liaise effectively with external hardware vendors (e.g., Dell EMC technical support) for advanced troubleshooting, warranty claims, parts replacement, and onsite interventions.
• Experience in implementing and enforcing security best practices within a data centre and virtualized infrastructure, including hardening guides, access controls, patching strategies, and vulnerability management.
• Working experience with:
• RedHat Enterprise Linux Operating System
• Managing Bind DNS and VMware
• Implementing ISCSI and other network protocols
• PowerStore
• Backup systems
• Solid understanding of project and service management methodologies.
• Able to work with geographically dispersed teams to effectively support many systems and users.
• Expert knowledge in spoken and written English.

Desirable:

• Working experience with containers or RH OpenShift.
• Basic knowledge in French is desirable, but not mandatory.

Appropriate Microsoft/Linux/VMware Certification.