Senior System Administrator

Nomad Digital; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading connectivity solutions provider in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking an experienced Senior System Administrator. This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, focusing on the design and maintenance of global network infrastructure. Candidates should have extensive experience with Linux systems, network security, and automation tools. The company promotes inclusivity and offers various employee benefits.

Benefits

Health Care Cash Plan

Life Cover & Critical Illness Cover

Contributory Pension Scheme

25 Days of Annual Leave

Option to buy an extra 5 days of annual leave

Qualifications

• 5 years minimum experience configuring and maintaining network infrastructure.
• Experience with Linux-based systems (Ubuntu/Debian).
• Knowledge of security best practices and OWASP Top 10.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain the global network and server infrastructure.
• Automate infrastructure provisioning and management.
• Serve as a 3rd line escalation point for complex infrastructure incidents.

Skills

Network security management

Linux administration

Automation tools (Puppet, Ansible)

Cloud infrastructure (Azure)

Kubernetes management

VPN management

Monitoring solutions (Zabbix)

Communication skills

Education

RHCE or equivalent experience

CCNA or equivalent networking experience

Kubernetes Certified Administrator

Tools

VMware

FortiGate Firewalls

Job description

About Nomad Digital

Nomad Digital is the world's leading provider of passenger and fleet connectivity solutions to the railway industry. Founded in 2002, and headquartered in the UK, Nomad serves more than 80 global customers in over 40 countries. Nomad designs, builds, deploys and manages passenger Wi-Fi and on-board passenger infotainment systems, and also provides remote online condition-based monitoring and maintenance solutions for optimising fleet management, operational performance and fuel economy.

When you join Nomad Digital, you will join a forward-thinking, fast-growing, and collaborative environment with access to the latest technology. You will work with experts who innovate together, creating teamwork and trustworthiness.

Overview

Nomad has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior System Administrator to join our global Engineering division in Newcastle/the UK. This role combines deep technical expertise with mentorship, serving as a final escalation point for complex issues while elevating the overall technical capability of the team. The Senior Engineer will drive technical excellence and ensure that the infrastructure robustly supports Nomad's business objectives.

The senior engineer will provide informal training to the team on Nomad processes, policies, tools, and products to ensure that quality standards meet or exceed business expectations. The environment is built, deployed, and maintained with a lean mindset in support of business objectives.

This role can be based from our Newcastle head office with a hybrid working arrangement or fully remote within the UK.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain Nomad's global network and server infrastructure, including data centres, VMware, and Azure cloud environments.
• Automate infrastructure provisioning, configuration, and management using tools such as Ansible or Puppet.
• Configure and manage network security, including FortiGate firewalls, Linux-based firewalls, VPNs, and routing protocols like BGP.
• Administer and secure Linux-based systems (Ubuntu/Debian).
• Serve as a 3rd line escalation point for complex infrastructure incidents, performing deep-dive troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Develop, maintain, and proactively analyse infrastructure monitoring solutions (e.g., Zabbix) to identify bottlenecks, optimise resource utilisation, and ensure system reliability.
• Manage and support containerised applications using Kubernetes, including cluster administration and lifecycle management.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for infrastructure architecture, standard operating procedures, and disaster recovery plans.
• Collaborate with InfoSec teams to conduct security audits and implement remediation plans based on security best practices (e.g., OWASP Top 10).
• Drive continuous improvement by evaluating, prototyping, and recommending new technologies and automation opportunities to modernise the infrastructure.

Qualifications

Essential

• RHCE or equivalent experience
• CCNA or equivalent networking experience
• Kubernetes Certified Administrator or equivalent experience

Desired

• Microsoft Azure Certified or equivalent experience
• Computer Science degree or similar level of experience

Experience

• Must have 5 years minimum experience configuring and maintaining network infrastructure
• Linux-based systems: Ubuntu/Debian
• Automation tools such as Puppet, Ansible, etc.
• Security knowledge, OWASP Top 10, NMAP scanning
• Data center Infrastructure
• Asset management
• Monitoring solutions like Zabbix
• VMware
• FortiGate Firewalls
• Routing protocols such as BGP
• VPN management and deployment
• Azure infrastructure management

Other Essential Requirements

• Good communication, planning and co-ordination skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Adaptability to meet business demands
• Ability to learn on the job
• Travel required: Yes

Key Behavioral Competencies

• Attention to detail
• Ability to think proactively in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to multitask effectively ensuring timelines are met
• Proficiency in testing, validating, and implementing designs into production systems
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision to develop and execute implementation procedures, test plans, and equipment configurations
• Good verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate with internal and external customers
• Self-motivated to take ownership of projects and deliverables

UK Employee Benefits

• Health Care Cash Plan
• Life Cover & Critical Illness Cover
• Contributory Pension Scheme via Aviva
• 25 Days of Annual Leave with enhanced leave based on tenure
• Option to buy an extra 5 days of annual leave per year
• Employee Referral Scheme / Employee Recognition Schemes
• Company Sick Plan

Our Commitment

Nomad Digital is committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer, and to providing equal opportunities in employment and freedom from unlawful discrimination on the grounds of age, race, ethnic or national origin, sex, pregnancy and maternity, marital or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability, religion or beliefs.

We encourage and welcome all job applicants, especially those from diverse backgrounds, and ensure everyone is treated equally and without discrimination. Where possible we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements or reasonable adjustments on request. To discuss further, please email [e-mail].