Linux Systems Engineer

Objective Partners; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site fitness access

Catered meals

Regular team engagement events

Job summary

Objective Partners in Chicago seeks a Linux Systems Engineer to own and evolve our high-performance infrastructure powering low-latency trading and large-scale research clusters. You will drive kernel tuning, automation via Ansible/Salt/Chef, and internal tooling to ensure peak throughput and reliability.

Responsibilities include managing the global Linux environment, implementing IaC practices, and supporting weekend change windows to align with market schedules.

Qualifications

• Must have strong Linux deployment management skills.
• Proficiency with at least one enterprise-level IaC framework (Ansible/SaltStack/Chef).
• Advanced Python or Shell scripting for automation.
• Deep knowledge of Linux kernel configuration and systemd.
• Able to support occasional weekend change windows to align with global markets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full lifecycle of a global, high-performance Linux environment for trade execution and research.
• Use configuration management tools to maintain consistency and scalability across clusters.
• Perform kernel tuning and hardware performance analysis to minimize latency.
• Manage system initialization and core OS services during maintenance windows.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts for complex admin tasks and monitoring.

Skills

Linux expertise

Infrastructure as Code

Python or Shell scripting

Kernel & systemd knowledge

Weekend support availability

Tools

Ansible

SaltStack

Chef

Job description

Linux SystemsEngineer

Location: Chicago, IL

About the Opportunity

Join a premier global quantitative trading firm at the intersection of high-performance computing and financial markets. We are looking for a driven engineer to manage and evolve the critical infrastructure that powers our low-latency execution systems and massive-scale research clusters. This is a high-impact role within a fast-paced environment where your technical contributions directly influence the success of a world-class fintech organization.

Responsibilities

• Infrastructure Management: Oversee the full lifecycle of a global, high-performance Linux environment, ensuring maximum uptime and reliability for trade execution and quantitative analysis.

• Automation & Configuration: Utilize advanced configuration management tools to maintain consistency and scalability across diverse computing clusters.

• System Optimization: Perform deep-level kernel tuning and hardware performance analysis to minimize latency and maximize computational throughput.

• Technical Operations: Manage system initialization processes and core OS services while participating in critical weekend maintenance and deployment cycles to ensure seamless market connectivity.

• Internal Tooling: Develop and maintain sophisticated automation scripts to streamline complex administrative tasks and system monitoring.

Requirements (must-have)

• Linux Expertise: Demonstrated mastery in managing large-scale Linux deployments using open-source methodologies.

• Infrastructure as Code: Proficiency in at least one enterprise-level configuration management framework (such as Ansible, SaltStack, or Chef).

• Scripting Mastery: Advanced proficiency in Python or Shell scripting for automation and system integration.

• Systems Internals: Thorough knowledge of Linux kernel configuration, systemd, and modern computer hardware architecture.

• Availability: Ability to support occasional weekend change windows to align with global market schedules.

Preferred Qualifications (nice-to-have)

• Previous experience in high-frequency trading (HFT) or low-latency financial environments.

• Experience managing large-scale distributed computing or "Big Data" research clusters.

Compensation & Benefits

• Highly competitive base salary and performance-based bonus structure.

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision.

• Premium workplace perks: On-site fitness access, catered meals, and regular team engagement events.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, ethnic origin, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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