At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and manage Linux and HPC platforms, ensuring secure and reliable environments.
- Company: Join a leading tech firm focused on enterprise and research computing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and great benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge technology and enhance your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Linux administration and HPC cluster management required.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Overview
In this role you will own the Linux and HPC platform stack, delivering secure, reliable enterprise and research-computing environments.
You will manage Linux systems, HPC clusters, and workload scheduling while ensuring performance and resilience at scale.
You’ll work with cross-functional teams to diagnose cross-domain issues and drive continuous improvement.
The role offers hands-on technical ownership and operates across on-premise and cloud-enabled HPC platforms.
- Pay / Benefits
- competitive benefits
- professional development
Responsibilities
- Administer, patch, harden and upgrade Linux server platforms (Red Hat Enterprise Linux or equivalent)
- Manage core Linux services (identity, SSH, DNS, time, repos, filesystems, logging, scheduled tasks)
- Automate tasks with shell scripts and configuration-management/orchestration tools
- Monitor performance, availability and security; resolve cross-system issues
- Maintain build standards, documentation and runbooks
- Operate and support HPC clusters (SLURM: queues, partitions, policies, jobs, accounting)
- Support NVIDIA Base Command Manager and Azure Cycle Cloud for cluster provisioning and lifecycle management
- Collaborate with engineers and users to diagnose job, compiler and MPI issues; plan maintenance activities
- Administer hardware lifecycle, Cisco compute platforms, and Net App storage integration
- Troubleshoot networking, storage connectivity and end-to-end dependencies
- Apply secure configuration, backup/DR recovery, incident response and change management processes
- Provide technical guidance and knowledge transfer to colleagues and service-desk teams
- Key requirements
- Hands-on Linux administration experience in complex enterprise or research environments
- Experience supporting HPC clusters and diagnosing cross-layer issues
- Strong SLURM administration and workload troubleshooting
- Bash or similar scripting for task automation
- Experience with Linux performance, patching, security hardening and vulnerability remediation
- Experience with shared file services (NFS, permissions, throughput)
- Networking fundamentals and distributed-system dependencies
- Experience delivering controlled technical change and maintaining documentation in ITSM
- Bachelor's degree in computing, engineering or related field or equivalent
- Desirable: experience with NVIDIA Base Command Manager, Bright Cluster Manager, Net App, Infini Band, MPI workloads, Ansible, Git, virtualization/containers
- Desirable: certifications in Linux, HPC, Cisco, NVIDIA (advantageous)
- Independent working style
- Strong communication to specialists and non-specialists
- Attention to detail and operational discipline
- Linux administration (RHEL or equivalent)
- HPC cluster management
- SLURM workload scheduler
Senior IT Systems Administrator (Linux & HPC) in Surrey employer: KBR
KBR is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, providing employees with the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects while driving commercial success. With a hybrid working model, employees enjoy flexibility and a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and development, particularly in the vibrant London/South East region. The company prioritises employee well-being and offers competitive benefits, making it an attractive place for those seeking rewarding careers in contract management and strategy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior IT Systems Administrator (Linux & HPC) in Surrey
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what KBR values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges KBR might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at KBR!
✨Direct Apply to KBR
Let's not forget to apply directly through the KBR website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior IT Systems Administrator (Linux & HPC) in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at KBR.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at KBR. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at KBR
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
