Senior Linux Administrator

Whizdom; Canberra; On-site; AUD 171,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

Whizdom in Canberra is seeking a Senior Linux Systems Administrator to join a defence-focused team. You will design, deploy, and support secure Linux infrastructure and data platforms, ensuring resilience, security, and compliance across critical environments.

The role requires an active NV2 Australian Government Security Clearance and offers a salary package circa $190,000 plus Super, with flexibility for exceptional candidates.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in systems administration or related IT environments.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent industry experience.
• Strong Linux administration experience in secure/enterprise environments.
• Experience administering Active Directory, Group Policy and IAM.
• Hands-on networking experience (firewalls, routing, DNS, VLANs).
• Experience with Kubernetes (K8s) environments and related tooling.

Responsibilities

• Architect, deploy and maintain secure Linux server environments.
• Administer AD, Group Policy, IAM and network services.
• Configure and manage firewalls, routers, switches, DNS, and related infra.
• Lead system maintenance: install, configure, test, troubleshoot, optimize.
• Provide support and guidance to end users for access and config issues.
• Manage patching, change control, vulnerability remediation and compliance.
• Implement system hardening per ASD Essential Eight and best practices.
• Conduct security audits and support compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with internal/external stakeholders for technical guidance.
• Maintain production Kubernetes environments across on-prem deployments.
• Monitor, scale and troubleshoot containerized apps using Prometheus and Grafana.

Skills

Linux Admin

Active Directory

IAM

Networking

Leadership

Scripting

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Kubernetes

Prometheus

Grafana

PowerShell

Bash

Python

Job description

Senior Linux Systems Administrator

Permanent Opportunity | Canberra, ACT | NV2 Security Clearance Required | Circa $190,000 + Super

About Our Client

Our client is a mission-driven technology organisation delivering secure, scalable data solutions across highly regulated and critical environments. Their work supports complex, high-impact programs spanning government, defence-aligned initiatives, healthcare, and commercial sectors.

As a growing and innovative business, they pride themselves on building high-performing teams that value ownership, curiosity, trust and technical excellence. This is an opportunity to join an organisation where your work directly contributes to systems that matter.

About the Role

An exciting permanent opportunity exists for an experienced Senior Linux Systems Administrator to join a highly skilled team based in Canberra.

Working within secure, defence-focused environments, you will lead the design, deployment and ongoing support of critical Linux infrastructure and data management platforms. You will be responsible for ensuring systems remain secure, compliant, resilient and operationally effective while providing technical leadership across system administration, networking and infrastructure operations.

This position requires an active NV2 security clearance and offers a salary package of circa $190,000 + Super, with flexibility available for exceptional candidates.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the President, you will:

• Architect, deploy and maintain secure and resilient Linux server environments.
• Administer Active Directory, Group Policy, Identity and Access Management (IAM) and network services.
• Configure and manage firewalls, routers, switches, VLANs, DNS and related infrastructure.
• Lead system maintenance activities including software installation, configuration, testing, troubleshooting and performance optimisation.
• Provide technical support and guidance to end users, resolving access, configuration and system issues.
• Manage patching, change control, vulnerability remediation and configuration compliance.
• Implement system hardening in accordance with the ASD Essential Eight and security best practices.
• Conduct regular security audits and support compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders, providing technical advice and recommendations.
• Maintain and support production Kubernetes (Kubernetes/K8s) environments across multiple on-premises deployments.
• Monitor, scale and troubleshoot containerised applications using tools such as Prometheus and Grafana.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• 10+ years' experience in systems administration, infrastructure management or related IT environments.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent industry experience.
• Strong expertise in Linux systems administration within secure or enterprise environments.
• Proven experience administering Active Directory, Group Policy and IAM solutions.
• Hands-on networking experience, including firewalls, routing, switching, DNS and VLANs.
• Experience supporting and maintaining Kubernetes (K8s) environments.
• Scripting and automation skills using tools such as PowerShell, Bash and/or Python.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring or guiding technical teams.
• CCNA, CCNP or equivalent networking experience highly regarded.
• Australian Citizenship and a current NV2 Australian Government Security Clearance (mandatory).

What's on Offer?

• Permanent position based in Canberra.
• Salary package circa $190,000 + Super, with flexibility for the right candidate.
• Opportunity to support nationally significant defence and government programs.
• Highly collaborative and technically advanced environment.
• Exposure to secure, mission-critical systems and emerging technologies.
• Genuine opportunity to influence infrastructure strategy and operational excellence.

Applicants will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including identity and work rights verification, security clearance validation and any additional client-mandated checks.