Patch Management Analyst​/Data Center Infrastructure​/L1 – Junior

Title
- Patch Management Analyst / Data Center Infrastructure / L1 – Junior

Location
- Cary, NC / Jacksonville, FL - (hybrid
-3 days onsite a week)

ROLE SUMMARY

The L1 Data Center Patch Management Analyst supports the execution of server patching activities across physical and virtual infrastructure. The role involves co-ordinating maintenance windows, executing approved patch scripts, validating server health post-patching, and maintaining accurate records in the CMDB and ITSM systems.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute server OS patches (Windows Server, RHEL/CentOS/Ubuntu) as per the approved change schedule.
• Perform pre-patching health checks: disk space, service status, backup verification, and snapshot creation.
• Apply patches through WSUS, SCCM, Satellite (Red Hat), or Ansible playbooks under supervision.
• Validate server functionality post-patch: verify services, check event logs, and perform application smoke tests.
• Document patch execution steps, outcomes, and any deviations in the ITSM change record.
• Monitor patch compliance dashboards and flag non-compliant servers to L2.
• Coordinate scheduled maintenance windows with application teams and stakeholders.
• Support rollback activities in case of patch-induced failures.
• Assist in maintaining accurate server inventory and patch status in the CMDB.
• Escalate unresolved patch failures, service degradation, or security vulnerabilities to L2.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• Basic administration of Windows Server (2016/2019/2022) and/or Linux (RHEL, Ubuntu).
• Familiarity with WSUS, SCCM, or Red Hat Satellite for server patching.
• Introductory knowledge of virtualisation platforms (VMware vSphere / Microsoft Hyper-V) and snapshot management.
• Ability to read system logs (Windows Event Viewer, /var/log) to identify post-patch issues.
• Awareness of change management and CMDB concepts in ITSM platforms.
• Understanding of backup validation and pre-requisite checks before patching.

SOFT SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Methodical and detail-oriented – accurately follows patching checklists.
• Good communication skills for coordinating maintenance windows with application teams.
• Ability to work in shift-based or on-call environments (including weekends/nights).

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS

• Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) – advantageous
• CompTIA Server+
• ITIL 4 Foundation

Compensation and Benefits

A candidate’s pay within the range will depend on their skills, experience, education, and other factors permitted by law. This role may also be eligible for performance-based bonuses subject to company policies. In addition, this role is eligible for the following benefits subject to company policies: medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, life, accidental death & dismemberment, and disability insurance; employee assistance program;

401(k) retirement plan; 10 days of paid time off per year (some positions are eligible for need-based leave with no designated number of leave days per year); and 10 paid holidays per year.

Disclaimer

HCL is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees regardless of race, religion, sex, color, age, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, physical disability or genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with federal, state, and/or local law. Should any applicant have concerns about discrimination in the hiring process, they should provide a detailed report of those concerns to  for investigation.