Linux Systems Administrator

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NC State University is seeking a Linux Systems Administrator to support the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering’s courses and research initiatives. You will manage Linux servers, deploy software with containers, and help build an HPC-enabled IT ecosystem for education and discovery.

You will automate configurations with Puppet/Ansible, assist users with Python environments and Jupyter notebooks, and collaborate with researchers to advance HPC capabilities and security baselines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant experience or equivalent.
• Proven experience managing Linux servers in an academic or national computing lab.
• Strong knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Ubuntu.
• Experience with container technologies and configuration management.
• Familiarity with HPC and Open OnDemand preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain servers running Red Hat and Ubuntu in the server room.
• Install and maintain software on NFS shares.
• Use Docker and Apptainer for software deployment.
• Automate configurations with Puppet and Ansible.
• Educate users on Python environments (conda, PIP) and Jupyter notebooks.
• Provide user support for Linux issues.
• Create and maintain departmental Linux services like Slurm, JupyterHub, Open OnDemand.
• Collaborate with researchers to support HPC usage.
• Assist Linux Desktop Support with workstation issues.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Linux server administration

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Ubuntu Linux

Docker

Apptainer/Singularity

Puppet

Ansible

Python

Git

Conda / PIP / Jupyter

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

NVIDIA GPU drivers

Networking basics

Shell scripting

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Docker

Apptainer

JupyterHub

Slurm

Open OnDemand

Puppet

Ansible

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Linux Systems Administrator to help support the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering’s academic courses and cutting‑edge research initiatives. This role is ideal for someone with deep expertise in Linux server administration and software installation who thrives in a collaborative research computing environment.

As part of our team, you’ll play a vital role in advancing research and innovation through the creation of a robust and efficient IT infrastructure. You’ll have the opportunity to work on varied and meaningful projects, providing excellent benefits, a supportive work culture, and ongoing opportunities for professional growth and development.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain approximately 100 Dell / Lenovo / HP servers running Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Ubuntu Linux in our server room, ensuring stability, security, and performance.
• Install, configure, and maintain commercial and open‑source software on our NFS network file shares, ensuring accessibility for users via our module implementation.
• Utilize container technologies such as Docker and Apptainer to provide alternative methods of software deployment to address research and course needs.
• Work with the campus Puppet and Ansible management systems to automate server configuration and deployment tasks, and baseline settings to meet security standards such as CIS or NIST.
• Educate users on the usage of conda, PIP, and Jupyter notebooks to manage Python environments and libraries for our growing AI/ML needs within our courses and research.
• Provide technical support to end‑users regarding Linux‑related issues, troubleshooting hardware and software problems, and resolving technical incidents in a timely manner.
• Create and maintain various new departmental Linux services – for example, a Slurm cluster, JupyterHub pilot, and Open OnDemand based remote access farms – to keep ECE’s research capabilities relevant.
• Collaborate with ECE researchers and students to support their usage of the campus High‑Performance Computing (HPC) service; install ECE specific software within the cluster when appropriate, and coordinate this effort with the re‑organized campus Office of Research Computing to streamline ECE usage of central resources.
• Assist Linux Desktop Support position with the support of Linux workstations as needed.

Other Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications – Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience in operations analysis and design, systems programming, or a closely related area OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.

Other Required Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Linux Systems Administrator, managing and maintaining Linux servers (physical and VMs) within an academic institution or national computing lab.
• Strong knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Ubuntu Linux operating systems.
• Proficiency installing software through dnf/apt, compiling, and using application container technologies such as Docker or Singularity/Apptainer.
• Experience with configuration management tools like Puppet and Ansible.
• Strong understanding of Linux command‑line tools as well as programming and version control concepts; in particular shell script, python, and git.
• Ability to support the use of conda, PIP, and Jupyter notebooks.
• Detailed understanding of remote access, clustering, backup, auditing, and virtualization technologies within a Linux environment.
• Understanding of fundamental networking concepts including DHCP / DNS, network file systems, and client‑based firewalls.
• General hardware troubleshooting and repair skills.
• Experience supporting the installation, configuration, and monitoring of Nvidia GPU cards and required drivers and software within Linux.
• Experience supporting researchers in utilizing High‑Performance Computing (HPC).
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to quickly learn new complex systems.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with researchers and other team members effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous support of Open OnDemand service.
• Previous support of Slurm‑based cluster.
• Previous support of JupyterHub service.
• Experience with Modules or Lmod systems.
• Experience configuring Linux systems to meet security baselines such as CIS or NIST.
• Certifications such as Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) or CompTIA Linux+ are a plus.
• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related degree from an appropriately accredited institution.

Required Licenses or Certifications

Valid NC Driver's License required.

Equal Opportunity Statement

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.