Senior Infrastructure Engineer (Linux Administrator)

Company Description

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. 

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.  

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Job Description

Duties:

• Installing, configuring, and maintaining Linux based operating systems (Rocky Linux, Red Hat, CentOS, Ubuntu, etc.)
• Planning and installing IT hardware and systems such as PCs, workstations, servers, backup systems, telecommunications systems, similar devices, components, networks and associated software, including commissioning, taking operational standards into account, if necessary, at the user's workstation.
• Planning and implementing user-specific solutions by providing existing application programs and modifying hardware and software (e.g., upgrades). Adding and/or programming additional modules (e.g., macros, scripts, database queries) and integrating them into the program environment.
• Analyzing and resolving user problems as well as system and program errors, e.g., by advising users via Global Repository Help Desk, replacing components and devices, and making software adjustments. Collaborating with internal/external IT departments for problems that cannot be resolved independently.
• Advise on the selection and procurement of IT devices and standard programs/systems considering operational standards and user-specific requirements. Provide functional training to users.

• Plan, manage, and implement IT projects for the realization of software and hardware solutions for development (largely standardized Linux solutions with user-specific adaptations).
• Review the requirements of the development departments regarding technical feasibility. Review and determine existing technical solutions for suitability and applicability. Clarify solutions with the departments and Conduct cost calculations based on the selected solutions. Coordinate deadlines with the departments. Obtain quotes from suppliers.
• Structure projects and break them down into individual work steps for estimating the time required. Monitor compliance with objectives (quality, costs, and deadlines) and, if necessary, propose and initiate corrective measures. Report on the project status.
• During the implementation phase, adapt technical solutions or have them adapted by internal/external service providers. Transfer the systems into regular operation.
• Maintaining documentation of systems, procedures and configurations and reports regular system performance and system usage.
• Informs the supervisor about status/deviations in the process flow, disruptions, problems, and makes constructive suggestions for resolving any problems that arise.

Training and experience:

• Knowledge and skills are required, typically acquired through completed at least four years of specialized vocational training and at least two years of specialized training (e.g., technical training).
• Planning and managing subprojects, processing inquiries, developing solutions, calculating time and costs, and coordinating schedules require additional knowledge and skills acquired through many years of professional experience.

Qualifications

Skills and Experience:

• Minimum 4 years of experience in managing large-scale Linux environments.
• Must possess at least a bachelor’s degree in electrical/Electronic Engineering and/or Computer Engineering/Science or equivalent. Master’s degree is preferable.
• Familiarity with monitoring tools like Nagios, Zabbix, Prometheus and Grafana to ensure system health and uptime.
• Strong knowledge of securing Linux systems using firewall, SELinux and encryption technologies.
• Proficiency in using automation tools like Ansible, Puppet or Chef and scripting (Bash, Python).
• Hands-on experience with virtualization technologies like VMware, KVM.
• Experience with cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS.
• Strong understanding of networking concepts, including TCP/IP, DNS and HTTP protocols, and experience in configuring network interfaces.
• Experience in implementing backup strategies, conduct routine tests, and ensure systems are prepared for disaster recovery scenarios
• A self-starter with the ability to manage your time effectively, keen attention to detail and use your own initiative
• Effective communication skills at all levels of the organization and collaborative abilities.
• Excellent communication skills particularly in English (fluently spoken and written) in addition to any local language spoken at the place of work.

• The ability and motivation to persistently pursue and achieve / drive effective results which drive the business forward.
• Collaboration and Influencing with a Global mindset, cultural awareness.
• Proven matrix and stakeholder management skills/experience working virtually in diverse teams.
• The ability to make effective, timely decisions in a complex, global market by sourcing and analysing critical information. 
• The understanding and recognition of the organisation’s commercial environment and positioning themselves, their role and their actions in order to support the organisation’s commercial success.
• The ability to engage, challenge and work effectively with others.
• The ability to build an effective network of relationships both internally and externally, understanding their customers’ needs.
• Willing and able to identify and support change and continuous improvement in own and wider business environment.
• Ability to interact with cross functional teams in a matrix environment.
• Ability to work in an international and multi-cultural environment

Professional competencies

• Ability to be resourceful as well as strong at probing and translating information into insight
• Substantial experience of creating multi-platform propositions within a creative environment which supports the market and industry teams
• Experience of collaborating in a cross functional and cross-cultural organisation, with the ability to support the bridge between the markets (sales) teams and the industry (vertical) teams.
   

Planning and Decision Making:

• IT planning for Linux based systems and ensuring they comply to cyber secure features by appropriate decision making consistently.
• Prioritization of system patches based on vulnerability and system criticality.

Impact and Scope:

• Ensure the reliability, security, and performance of Linux-based systems, managing infrastructure, automation, and troubleshooting to support business continuity and growth.

Additional Information

Job Purpose: To support Services Department in providing a high quality filed service to our customers at site in 24 x 7 environment. The Services Department is the interface between external customers, internal departments such as stores, sales, commercial, procurement, finance, etc. and the Field Service Engineers. The Services team requires the ability to deal effectively with all customers and to be able to manage customers’ expectations appropriately and with the objective of achieving required levels of satisfaction and recommendation from customers.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)