Linux Systems Administrator

Job Title and Department

Linux Systems Administrator – Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Location:

NC State University, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. with after-hours as needed

• Manage and maintain approximately 100 servers (Dell / Lenovo / HP) running Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Ubuntu Linux in the server room, ensuring stability, security, and performance.
• Install, configure, and maintain software on NFS network file shares; ensure accessibility for users via Module implementation.
• Utilize container technologies (Docker and Apptainer) to provide alternative deployment methods for research and course needs.
• Work with campus Puppet and Ansible for automated server configuration and deployment tasks and baseline security settings (e.g., CIS, NIST).
• Educate users on conda, PIP, and Jupyter notebooks to manage Python environments and libraries for AI/ML needs in courses and research.
• Provide technical support to end-users for Linux-related issues, troubleshooting hardware and software problems, and timely incident resolution.
• Create and maintain new departmental Linux services (e.g., a Slurm cluster, Jupyter Hub pilot, Open OnDemand-based remote access farms).
• Collaborate with researchers and students to support HPC usage; install ECE-specific software within the cluster; coordinate with the campus Office of Research Computing.
• Assist Linux Desktop Support with support of Linux workstations as needed.

• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and two years of experience in operations analysis and design, systems programming, or closely related area OR an equivalent combination of education, training and relevant experience.

Other Required Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Linux Systems Administrator, managing Linux servers (physical and VMs) within an academic institution or national computing lab.
• Strong knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Ubuntu Linux operating systems.
• Proficiency installing software via dnf/apt, compiling, and using Docker or Singularity/Apptainer.
• Experience with configuration management tools like Puppet and Ansible.
• Strong understanding of Linux command-line tools and programming concepts; experience with shell scripting, Python, and Git.
• Ability to support conda, PIP, and Jupyter notebooks.
• Knowledge of remote access, clustering, backup, auditing, and virtualization technologies in Linux environments.
• Understanding of networking concepts (DHCP, DNS), NFS, and client-based firewalls.
• General hardware troubleshooting and repair skills.
• Experience supporting Nvidia GPU cards and drivers within Linux.
• Experience supporting researchers in HPC usage.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to learn new complex systems quickly.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills for collaboration with researchers and team members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Open OnDemand, Slurm clusters, and Jupyter Hub services.
• Experience with Modules or Lmod systems.
• Experience configuring Linux systems to meet security baselines (CIS or NIST).
• Certifications such as RHCE or CompTIA Linux+ are a plus.
• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.

• Valid NC Driver's License required