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- Tasks: Manage and improve Linux systems in a dynamic datacentre environment.
- Company: Join smartTrade Technologies, a leader in trading and connectivity platforms.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a cutting-edge team shaping the future of financial technology.
- Qualifications: Experience with Linux systems and a passion for datacentre operations.
- Other info: Exciting career path with hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
smartTrade Technologies builds mission‑critical trading and connectivity platforms for global financial markets. Our low‑latency infrastructure supports real‑time services across EMEA, North America, and APAC. We operate our own private cloud infrastructure in Equinix Datacenter with hybridization on IBM Cloud and AWS.
We are seeking a hands‑on Linux Systems & Datacenter Administrator to join our Europe Operations team. You’ll be the on‑the‑ground owner for our Slough (Equinix) environment and a key contributor to our global private cloud. The role blends Linux systems administration (Ubuntu), containerized compute (LXD/LXC, some Docker), networking, and datacenter operations. You will partner with engineering, network, and security teams to ensure reliability, performance, and change control in a 24×7, market‑facing environment. This is a production‑oriented role: you’ll prepare, review and execute changes, troubleshoot live issues, execute maintenance windows, and continuously improve our platform through automation and rigorous documentation.
Our Environment
- Servers: Dell, HPE, Supermicro.
- Storage: LVM, software and hardware RAID (mdadm, MegaRAID, LSI, …).
- Containers: LXD/LXC (primary), some Docker.
- Networking (day‑2 ops): VLANs, LACP, ACLs, routing basics; vendors include Dell, Supermicro, Arista, Juniper, VyOS.
- Applications & Data: MySQL, Elasticsearch, Kafka, Java, Apache HTTPD, …
- Automation & IaC: Git/GitLab, Chef, Terraform; scripting with Bash/Python.
- Monitoring/Observability: Centreon, Observium (plus logs pipelines).
What You’ll Do
- Operate and improve Linux fleets (Ubuntu) in production.
- Manage LXD/LXC container platforms (no hypervisors/VM stacks).
- Provide level‑3 incident response for infrastructure issues (systems, containers, network paths, storage), restoring service within SLAs and driving post‑mortems.
- Own datacenter operations in Slough: rack/stack, cabling, optics, power planning, servers installation, console/OOB, manage inventory, RMA logistics, and vendor coordination (Equinix Smart Hands, carriers, OEMs).
- Perform day‑2 network operations on switches and firewalls (ACLs, VLANs, LAGs, routing basics), and collaborate closely with network engineering for changes.
- Automate with Chef for configuration management and Terraform for IaC on AWS where applicable.
- Build reliable tooling for repeatable ops (config generation, pre‑change checks, deployments, and validation).
- Contribute to change management (runbooks, maintenance windows, rollback plans) and keep documentation current (network diagrams, inventories, SOPs).
- Participate in a Follow‑the‑Sun operations model, coordinating with your EMEA/APAC peers.
What You’ll Bring
- 2‑3+ years operating Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, RedHat) in production environments.
- This position requires occasional on‑call availability outside of standard business hours to respond to urgent or critical operational issues. Flexibility to be contacted outside regular working hours is required.
- Previous datacenter work exposure: rack/stack, structured cabling (fiber/copper), PDUs, console/OOB, vendor/Smart Hands coordination, and accurate inventory. If no prior experience, willingness to learn and work in such environments.
- Containers: exposure to LXC or Docker in a production environment and their inner workings.
- Server hardware & storage: LVM, software RAID, MegaRAID tooling, firmware/BIOS/BMC (iDRAC/iLO/IPMI), and hands‑on diagnostics and replacements.
- Networking fundamentals for day‑to‑day ops: VLANs, LACP, trunking, ACLs, static routes, BGP, DNS/DHCP, link/MTU issues; ability to execute well‑scoped changes on Dell/Arista/Juniper/VyOS under peer review.
- Automation & SCM: Bash/Python, Git/GitLab; experience with Chef or Ansible or Puppet in production.
- Clear runbook‑style writing, disciplined change control, and calm, structured troubleshooting under time pressure.
Nice to have
- Familiarity with Equinix processes (cross‑connects, tickets, remote hands) and carrier coordination.
- Ops exposure to MySQL, Elasticsearch, Kafka, Java services, Apache; ability to collaborate with app teams on infra‑adjacent issues.
- Experience with Centreon and Dynatrace (or equivalent monitoring/observability stacks).
- Config management/IaC depth (Ansible, Puppet, Terraform modules, Secret management), and CI pipelines in GitLab.
- Deeper networking (EVPN/VXLAN, BGP, multicast) and/or traffic engineering.
Work Hours & Travel
- Standard business hours aligned to Central European Time with flexibility for maintenance windows.
- Rotational Weekend work (Friday/Saturday/Sunday) for planned changes and datacenter work; comp day granted during the week.
- Travel: Twice a week in Slough Equinix datacenters, once a month in London city center, and exceptional travels outside UK.
Datacenter Engineer - London employer: SmartTrade
Contact Detail:
SmartTrade Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Datacenter Engineer - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend meetups, conferences, or even online webinars. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your applications. A quick email or LinkedIn message can show your enthusiasm and keep you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great way to ask any questions you might have about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews like it’s game day! Research the company, understand their tech stack, and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs. Practise common interview questions and have your own questions ready to go.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles we have available, so you can stay ahead of the game.
We think you need these skills to ace Datacenter Engineer - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Datacenter Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Linux systems, datacenter operations, and any relevant automation tools. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention your hands-on experience with LXD/LXC or Docker!
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love candidates who can demonstrate their troubleshooting abilities, especially in high-pressure situations like datacenter operations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SmartTrade
✨Know Your Linux Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Linux skills, especially Ubuntu. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with Linux systems administration and any challenges you've faced in production environments.
✨Get Familiar with Containers
Since the role involves LXD/LXC and some Docker, it’s crucial to understand how these container technologies work. Be ready to explain your experience with them and how you've used them in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Networking Knowledge
Networking fundamentals are key for this position. Prepare to talk about VLANs, ACLs, and routing basics. You might even be asked to solve a networking problem on the spot, so practice explaining your thought process.
✨Demonstrate Your Automation Skills
The role requires automation with tools like Chef and Terraform. Be ready to share examples of how you've implemented automation in your previous roles, and discuss any scripts you've written in Bash or Python.
