About the group:
Cognizant’s Cloud, Infrastructure, and Security Services Practice (CIS), is all about accepting digital transformation by driving core modernization holistically across layers. We help customers transform infrastructure and workplace to meet the constantly evolving needs of the digital era. Our broad approach delivers key results for our customers by achieving cloud driven modernization and workplace and operational transformation to own the business in a secure environment.
*Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*
Job Title: Senior Linux Administrator
Location: Remote
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Linux Administrator with strong expertise in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), VMware ESXi/vSphere, Ansible Automation Platform (AAP), and Patch Automation. The candidate will be responsible for managing enterprise Linux infrastructure, VMware virtual environments, vulnerability remediation, OS patching, automation initiatives, and platform reliability.
The ideal candidate should possess deep hands-on experience in Linux administration, VMware virtualization, infrastructure automation, security compliance, and automated patch management using Ansible.
Key Responsibilities
Linux Administration
• Administer and support large-scale Linux environments (RHEL, CentOS, Rocky Linux, Oracle Linux).
• Perform OS installation, upgrades, migrations, and lifecycle management.
• Configure and maintain user management, storage, LVM, file systems, NFS, and security policies.
• Monitor server performance, capacity planning, and system health.
• Troubleshoot complex OS, kernel, filesystem, and performance issues.
VMware ESXi Administration
• Manage VMware vSphere, ESXi hosts, clusters, vCenter, and virtual machines.
• Perform VM provisioning, resource optimization, snapshot management, and host maintenance.
• Support ESXi upgrades, patching, and cluster maintenance activities.
• Collaborate with storage and network teams for virtualization solutions.
Ansible Automation
• Develop and maintain Ansible Playbooks, Roles, and Inventories.
• Build Infrastructure as Code (IaC) solutions for Linux administration tasks.
• Automate:
o Server provisioning
o Configuration management
o User administration
o Compliance validation
o Health checks
o Patch deployment
• Utilize Ansible Tower/AWX/AAP for scheduling and orchestration.
Patch Automation & Vulnerability Management
• Design and implement automated Linux patching solutions using Ansible.
• Execute monthly and emergency patching activities.
• Manage patch compliance reporting and audit requirements.
• Perform pre-checks, patch deployment, reboot coordination, validation, and reporting.
• Remediate security vulnerabilities identified through Tenable, Qualys, Rapid7, or other scanning tools.
• Support CIS benchmark hardening and security compliance initiatives.
Security & Compliance
• Perform Linux hardening based on CIS standards.
• Support SOX, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and corporate security compliance requirements.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and remediation activities.
• Manage SSH key authentication, certificate renewals, and access controls.
Automation & Scripting
• Create Bash, Shell, Python, or Ansible-based automation solutions.
• Automate recurring operational activities and reduce manual interventions.
• Integrate automation workflows with ServiceNow, Jenkins, GitLab, or APIs.
Incident & Problem Management
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for critical incidents.
• Participate in change management, release management, and DR activities.
• Provide L3/L4 infrastructure support.
Required Skills
Operating Systems
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
• CentOS
• Rocky Linux
• Oracle Linux
Virtualization
• VMware ESXi
• VMware vSphere
• vCenter Administration
Automation
• Ansible
• Ansible Tower / AWX / AAP
• YAML Playbooks
Scripting
• Bash Shell
• Python
Patching Tools
• Red Hat Satellite
• Ansible Automation Platform
• Patch Management Frameworks
Security
• Vulnerability Management
• CIS Hardening
• CVE Remediation
• Security Compliance
Preferred Skills
• OpenShift / Kubernetes
• Terraform
• Git/GitLab
• Jenkins
• ServiceNow Integration
• Cloud Platforms (AWS/Azure)
• Monitoring Tools (SolarWinds, Nagios, Prometheus)
Certifications (Preferred)
• RHCSA / RHCE
• VMware VCP
• Red Hat Ansible Automation Certification
• AWS/Azure Certification
Soft Skills
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to drive automation initiatives and mentor junior administrators.
• Experience working in enterprise/global delivery environments.
Nice-to-have for Senior-Level Candidates
• Experience managing 500+ Linux servers
• Enterprise patch automation at scale
• VMware cluster patching automation
• Integration of Ansible with ServiceNow and CI/CD pipelines
• Infrastructure modernization and transformation projects
Compensation: We are offering between $94,000 – $109,000. Applications will be accepted until July 24, 2026.Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in Canada without requiring employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits 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.
*Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*
What we offer
- The chance to work with impact. Here, you’re empowered to bring your biggest thinking to help our company and clients improve everyday life.
- Ownership over your career. Stay at the top of your game through our award-winning learning and development ecosystem. And when your ambitions change or we offer new opportunities, we help you pivot by providing reskilling, on-the-job learning and guidance to find new roles that might be a better fit.
- The opportunity to thrive on a high caliber team with heart. We celebrate each other’s experiences and perspectives and promote a sense of belonging through our affinity groups and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- A comprehensive total rewards package, including a competitive salary and a pension plan with matching contributions.
- Flexible health and financial benefits to support you and your eligible dependents—from day one.
- True work-life balance. Be at your best through paid time off, flexible work arrangements, volunteering opportunities, social events, and so much more.
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.
Other employment-related information
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, provincial or local laws.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.
Language requirements vary depending on roles, but we ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you’ll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.
