Linux Systems Administrator

Overview

System Administrator Linux & Networking

Location: Cambridge

Employment Type: Permanent

Sector: Technology / Engineering

Our client, an innovative technology company with a highly technical user base, is seeking an experienced System Administrator with deep Linux and networking expertise to support, maintain, and optimise their on-premise infrastructure. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys both solving complex system challenges and collaborating across engineering teams. Youll work with modern hardware environments and contribute to architectural decisions around infrastructure, virtualisation, and cloud.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of Linux servers (specification, procurement, installation, configuration, and maintenance)
• Operate and ensure the reliability of on-premise networking infrastructure
• Monitor system performance, diagnose issues, and drive continuous improvements
• Support decision-making around on-prem vs cloud hosting architecture
• Work closely with software and hardware engineering teams to enable reliable operations
• Apply updates, patches, and secure configurations following best practices
• Manage user accounts, permissions, and access control policies
• Deliver backup and recovery processes to safeguard data integrity and availability
• Maintain clear documentation for processes, configurations, and troubleshooting
• Respond to helpdesk requests and provide specialist Linux support to end-users
• Keep current with emerging tools, standards, and best practices in Linux system administration

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a System Administrator in a commercial environment
• Strong proficiency with Linux (preferably Debian/Ubuntu)
• High level expertise with CLI and shell tools
• Solid networking knowledge including IEEE802.3, IEEE802.11, IPv4, IPv6 and security fundamentals
• Proven troubleshooting and analytical ability across complex environments
• Comfortable working independently in a technically advanced environment
• Able to work from Cambridge office at least 3 days per week (5 preferred)
• Degree or HND in Computer Science / IT preferred (or equivalent professional experience)

Nice to have

• Experience with monitoring and observability tools (e.g. Prometheus, Grafana, Icinga)
• Familiarity with Cisco Meraki / Catalyst networking equipment
• Experience with virtualisation platforms (VMware, Proxmox etc)
• Understanding of cloud technologies
• Basic scripting (Bash / Python)
• Exposure to backup solutions and disaster recovery processes

Who This Suits

This role is ideal for a technically strong Linux specialist who thrives in a fast-paced, engineering-led environment. You will be supporting users who expect high uptime, strong performance, and rapid troubleshooting from their infrastructure stack.