Key Responsibilities
Platform Engineering & Automation
- Enhance and extend our enterprise Ansible Automation Platform (AAP) implementation, building sophisticated automation workflows for Linux provisioning, configuration management, and orchestration
- Design and maintain CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions integrated with Ansible playbooks and AAP for automated OS image baking, testing, and deployment
- Develop and optimize golden image pipelines for RHEL and other Linux distributions across Azure, AWS, and VMware environments using Infrastructure as Code principles
- Create reusable Ansible roles, collections, and Python-based automation tools that enable self-service capabilities for application teams
- Build integration workflows between GitHub Actions, AAP, and enterprise tooling via REST APIs (ServiceNow, monitoring platforms, CMDB, orchestration tools)
- Drive containerization initiatives, supporting application teams with RHEL-based container strategies and platform readiness
- Continuously improve automation framework performance, reliability, and maintainability based on operational feedback
Enterprise Linux Operations & Architecture (30%)
- Serve as subject matter expert for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) across all versions and deployment models
- Architect and manage Red Hat Satellite infrastructure for patch management, content lifecycle, and GxP compliance reporting
- Own the Linux platform lifecycle: planning, hardening standards (CIS, STIG), patching strategies, and end-of-life migrations
- Design and implement scalable solutions for Linux workloads across multi-cloud and hybrid environments
- Establish and enforce Linux standards, best practices, and architectural patterns aligned with pharma GxP compliance requirements
- Evaluate and integrate emerging Linux technologies and distributions as business needs evolve
- Ensure Linux platforms meet validation requirements for GxP-regulated systems
Stakeholder Partnership & Integration (20%)
- Partner with application owners, Oracle DBAs, integration teams, and development groups to understand requirements and embed them into standardized platform offerings
- Translate complex business and application requirements into technical Linux platform capabilities
- Collaborate with Cloud Engineering, Security, Network, and Storage teams on cross-functional initiatives
- Lead technical discovery sessions and provide consultative guidance on Linux platform capabilities
- Participate in architecture review boards and provide Linux expertise for new initiatives and M&A integrations
- Work with Quality Assurance and Validation teams to ensure Linux automation supports GxP compliance and validation activities
Technical Leadership & Escalation Support (10%)
- Function as Tier 3/4 escalation point for Service Desk and IT Operations on all Linux-related incidents and problems
- Lead root cause analysis for critical Linux platform issues and drive permanent remediation
- Mentor junior engineers and operations staff on Linux fundamentals, automation techniques, and troubleshooting methodologies
- Provide on-call support rotation for critical production Linux infrastructure
Create and maintain technical documentation, runbooks, and knowledge base articles aligned with GxP documentation standards
Expected Skills
Technical Expertise
- 5+ years of hands-on Linux system administration experience with deep expertise in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL 7, 8, 9)
- Proficient with Ansible Automation Platform (AAP/Tower/Controller), including complex workflow development, role creation, dynamic inventories, and job templates
- Experience with GitHub Actions for CI/CD pipeline development and integration with Ansible automation workflows
- Scripting capabilities in Python and Bash for automation, API integration, and systems programming
- Experience managing Red Hat Satellite (6.x) for content management, patch orchestration, and compliance reporting
- Strong understanding of Linux internals: systemd, kernel parameters, storage management (LVM, filesystems), networking, and security (SELinux, firewalld)
- Experience with cloud-native Linux deployments in AWS (EC2, Systems Manager, AMI building) and Azure (VMs, Azure Automation, custom images)
- Hands-on experience with VMware vSphere Linux guest management and integration
- Proficiency with Git/GitHub for version control, branch strategies, and Infrastructure as Code workflows
- Experience consuming and developing REST APIs for system integration and automation
- Understanding of CI/CD principles and GitOps methodologies
- undefined
Platform & Integration Experience
- Working knowledge of application requirements for Oracle databases, middleware platforms, and enterprise integration patterns
- Experience with package management (RPM, yum/dnf) and custom repository management
- Understanding of configuration management principles and desired state configuration
- Familiarity with monitoring and observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana, Splunk, Datadog, or similar)
- Experience building and maintaining golden images with security hardening and compliance controls built-in
Soft Skills & Business Acumen
- Excellent communication skills with ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
- Proven track record of partnering with application teams and understanding business requirements
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with methodical problem-solving approach
- Self-directed with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced pharmaceutical environment
- Customer service mindset with experience in escalation management
- Collaborative team player who can work effectively across organizational boundaries
Preferred Qualifications
- Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) or Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)
- Experience in regulated pharmaceutical/life sciences environments with GxP system validation
- Knowledge of additional Linux distributions (Ubuntu, SLES, Oracle Linux, Amazon Linux)
- Container platform experience (OpenShift, Kubernetes, Docker/Podman)
- Infrastructure as Code tools: Terraform, Packer for image building
- Experience with HashiCorp Vault or secrets management platforms
- Cloud certifications (AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator)
- Agile/DevOps methodology exposure and experience working in sprint-based delivery models
- Experience with security hardening and compliance automation (SCAP, OpenSCAP, Ansible security roles)
- Understanding of GAMP 5 principles and CSV (Computer System Validation) processes
- GitHub Advanced Security or similar DevSecOps tooling experience
