At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and operation of enterprise Linux platforms for container workloads.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking consultancy that values diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with Linux platforms, OpenShift, and strong technical skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous learning and development.
Contract: Initial 6-Month Contract with potential to extend.
Location: London - Hybrid (3 days in office)
Rate: £450 - £500 inside umbrella
About the role:
We are establishing a new Linux and container platform capability within EMEA to support modern, resilient, and scalable infrastructure services. This role is critical to the design, build, and operation of that capability.
The Linux Engineer lead is a hands-on technical role responsible for the engineering, stability, and operational readiness of enterprise Linux platforms underpinning containerised workloads, with a strong focus on OpenShift.
Main duties:
- Key engineer for Linux platforms supporting enterprise container workloads
- Technical authority for Linux underpinning OpenShift within EMEA
- Supports platforms designed to host business-critical and production workloads
- Works across Platform Engineering, Automation, Security, and Operations team
- Design, build, and operate enterprise Linux platforms (primarily RHEL) supporting OpenShift and Kubernetes environments
- Act as a technical authority for Linux and container platform engineering within EMEA
- Engineer and maintain OpenShift clusters with a focus on stability, performance, lifecycle management, and upgrade readiness
- Ensure Linux platforms are built and maintained in line with security hardening standards and operational best practice
- Collaborate closely with Automation Engineering to ensure Linux and OpenShift platforms are fully automated using Ansible and GitLab-based workflows
- Provide technical input into platform architecture, capacity planning, and production readiness assessments
- Support the onboarding of production workloads onto OpenShift, ensuring operational, monitoring, and support requirements are met
- Participate in on-call escalation and incident bridges once platforms are hosting production workloads
- Work out of hours and at weekends where required to support platform changes, incidents, or maintenance activities
- Act as a senior escalation point for complex Linux and container-related incidents
- Integrate Linux and OpenShift platforms with enterprise monitoring and logging solutions, including Splunk
- Collaborate with Security teams to ensure platforms meet regulatory, audit, and compliance requirements
- Maintain high-quality documentation, standards, and operational runbooks
- Continuously develop technical skills and maintain deep expertise in Linux and container platform technologies
Knowledge and Experience required:
- Strong, hands-on experience engineering and operating enterprise Linux platforms (RHEL)
- Proven experience administering and supporting OpenShift in production or production-like environments
- Solid understanding of Kubernetes concepts, architecture, and operational models
- Experience using Ansible for Linux configuration management and platform automation
- Experience working with Git-based workflows, preferably GitLab
- Familiarity with enterprise monitoring and logging solutions, including Splunk
- Experience operating platforms in regulated, change-controlled environments
- Strong understanding of production operations, incident management, and platform resilience
Skills and aptitudes required:
- Highly technical, hands-on engineer with a strong sense of ownership
- Comfortable acting as a senior technical escalation point
- Able to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to engineering and non-engineering stakeholders
- A dependable self-starter who can operate with minimal supervision
- Calm and effective under pressure during incidents
- Detail-oriented with a strong focus on platform stability and quality
- Collaborative mindset, able to work across multiple teams and regions
Education:
Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
Linux Engineer Lead employer: Pontoon
Contact Detail:
Pontoon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Linux Engineer Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions related to Linux and OpenShift. We recommend setting up mock interviews with friends or using platforms that offer interview prep to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through personal projects or contributions to open-source. This not only demonstrates your expertise but also gives you something tangible to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Linux Engineer Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Linux platforms and OpenShift. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Linux Engineer Lead role. Share your passion for Linux and container technologies, and let us know what excites you about this opportunity.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: When filling out your application, be specific about your technical expertise. Mention your hands-on experience with RHEL, Kubernetes, and Ansible. We love seeing candidates who can clearly communicate their technical prowess!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pontoon
✨Know Your Linux Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Linux knowledge, especially RHEL and OpenShift. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with these platforms, as well as any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Automation Skills
Since automation is key in this role, be ready to talk about your experience with Ansible and GitLab workflows. Share specific examples of how you've automated processes in the past and the impact it had on platform stability and efficiency.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to explain complex technical concepts to both engineering and non-engineering stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, focusing on how your technical expertise can benefit the team and the organisation.
✨Demonstrate a Collaborative Mindset
This role requires working closely with various teams, so highlight your experience in cross-team collaboration. Share examples of successful projects where teamwork was essential, and how you contributed to achieving common goals.