About the Role
As a Linux Systems Administrator, you will make an impact by designing and executing automated, zero-touch patch management workflows that keep our large-scale virtual infrastructure secure, compliant, and running at peak performance. You will be a valued member of the Infrastructure & Cloud Operations team and work collaboratively with your manager, peer systems engineers, and security and compliance stakeholders.
In this role, you will:
Design, develop, and maintain Ansible playbooks, roles, and Automation Platform (AAP) workflows to automate OS patching, kernel upgrades, service restarts, and pre/post-patch validation across RHEL/Ubuntu and VMware ESXi environments
Manage and troubleshoot VMware ESXi hosts and virtual machines via vCenter/ESXi API, including snapshot management, guest tool updates, and host patching
Own compliance and reporting by ensuring all servers meet security standards, generating automated compliance reports, and maintaining thorough patch documentation
Manage infrastructure as code using Git for version-controlled Ansible playbooks, enforcing idempotent configuration across the environment
Provide L2/L3 incident support for Linux and VMware issues, conducting root cause analysis to prevent recurrence and performing daily administration tasks including user management, LVM, SAN/NFS storage, and security hardening
What You Need to Have to Be Considered
Hands-on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and/or CentOS administration experience; RHCSA or RHCE certification preferred
Proven expertise writing and implementing Ansible playbooks, roles, and workflows using Ansible Tower, AWX, or Ansible Automation Platform (AAP)
Strong working knowledge of VMware vSphere/ESXi 7.x or 8.x, including VM provisioning, datastore management, and host patching via vCenter
Proficiency in Bash or Python scripting for task automation, along with familiarity with patching tools such as Red Hat Satellite and YUM/DNF
Working knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, SSH, NFS, and SAN/LVM storage concepts
These Will Help You Stand Out
Experience with Git, GitLab, or Jenkins for automation workflow orchestration and CI/CD pipeline management
Familiarity with infrastructure as code (IaC) principles and maintaining idempotent configuration at scale
Background in generating automated security compliance reports and documenting patch outcomes for audit purposes
RHCE certification or VMware Certified Professional (VCP) designation
The Cognizant community:
We are a high caliber team who appreciate and support one another. Our people uphold an energetic, collaborative and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
- Cognizant is a global community with more than 300,000+ associates around the world.
- We don’t just dream of a better way – we make it happen.
- We take care of our people, clients, company, communities and climate by doing what’s right.
- We foster an innovative environment where you can build the career path that’s right for you.
About us:
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, building the bridge between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, realize tangible returns and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Disclaimer:
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.