Senior Linux Engineer - Central Govt - Secure Environment - 6-12 months - SC Clearance Required
A major central-government client is seeking an experienced Senior Linux Engineer to support and enhance a secure, multi-environment Linux estate. This role requires advanced hands-on Linux engineering capability, strong automation skills, deep troubleshooting expertise, and the ability to operate confidently across high-assurance environments. You will collaborate closely with engineering, operations, DevOps and project teams to maintain platform stability, drive automation, uplift engineering capability, reduce technical risk, and ensure stakeholder confidence.
Please note: due to the nature of the work, active SC clearance is essential. Unfortunately we cannot consider candidates without it.
Key Responsibilities
Linux Engineering & Technical Ownership
- Maintain and support Linux infrastructure across physical, virtual and cloud-integrated platforms.
- Troubleshoot and deliver services across DNS, NTP, RHEL Directory Services, Proxy, Satellite, CEPH and database technologies.
- Monitor, alert and maintain ROSA Linux infrastructure across all environments.
Operational Delivery & Change Management
- Support BAU and project implementation activities with full documentation and handover artefacts.
- Own and implement changes across the Linux estate within agreed governance processes.
- Ensure all deployments meet internal and regulatory security standards.
Automation, DevOps & Continuous Improvement
- Deliver automation using Ansible, Bash, Python and associated tooling.
- Identify platform trends and proactively implement preventative measures.
- Drive system upgrades and ensure Linux tooling is kept current.
Governance, Reporting & Compliance
- Produce documentation, processes and policies to strengthen governance and reporting.
- Lead Incident, Problem and Risk Management within the Linux engineering area.
Collaboration, Stakeholder & Vendor Coordination
- Work closely with engineers, vendors and product owners on delivery and roadmap planning.
- Support and mentor junior engineers as needed.
Ideal Candidate
Essential
- Significant experience as a Senior Linux Engineer in large, complex enterprise environments.
- Advanced Linux troubleshooting (up to 4th line).
- Strong Bash and Python Scripting ability.
- Strong understanding of SSH, DNS, NTP, SSL, HTTPS and related protocols.
- Experience with Ansible automation.
- Experience with VMware or Hyper-V.
- Strong experience with monitoring systems and certificate management.
- Experience with PostgreSQL, MariaDB, MongoDB and SQL.
- Strong understanding of on-prem and cloud-based infrastructure.
- Experience of Agile/DevOps environments.
Desirable
- Relevant Computer Science/IT qualification.
- Cloud experience (AWS, Azure or GCP).
- CEPH or large-scale Linux storage experience.
TL;DR
Job Title: Senior Linux Engineer
Start Date: ASAP
Location: East Kilbride/London (Hybrid/Remote)
Contract Length: 6-12 months
Day Rate: £600 (Inside IR35)
IR35: Inside IR35
Clearance: Active SC clearance required (DV eligible)