Senior Systems Administrator (Linux/Cloud)

Placements24; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career development

Certifications support

Health and retirement benefits

Midrand office

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Senior Systems Administrator based in Midrand, Gauteng. In this role you will install, configure, and maintain Linux servers across on-premises and cloud environments, ensuring reliability and security for mission-critical applications.

You will manage cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), virtualization (VMware, KVM), and automation scripts (Bash, Python). Strong networking and troubleshooting skills are essential, along with the ability to document

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of Linux systems administration experience.
• Proven cloud deployment experience on AWS, Azure or GCP.
• Strong scripting skills in Bash and Python.
• Solid networking knowledge (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPNs).
• Experience with virtualization (VMware) and containers (Docker).
• Familiarity with CM tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef).
• Monitoring experience with Nagios, Zabbix or Prometheus.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain Linux servers.
• Manage and optimize server hardware, OS, and software.
• Administer and support cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Implement and manage virtualization (VMware, KVM).
• Ensure system security through patching, hardening, and monitoring.
• Manage DNS, DHCP, firewalls, and VPNs.
• Develop scripts to automate tasks (Bash, Python).
• Monitor performance and troubleshoot to ensure uptime.
• Document configurations, procedures, and best practices.
• Provide IT support to end-users and staff.
• Participate in capacity planning and technology road mapping.

Skills

Linux Administration

Scripting (Bash Python)

Networking fundamentals

Troubleshooting

Independent and team work

Security hardening

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or IT

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

VMware

Docker

KVM

Ansible

Puppet

Nagios

Zabbix

Prometheus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive software development company, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Systems Administrator with extensive experience in Linux environments and cloud platforms. This critical role is based in Midrand, Gauteng , and is responsible for the installation, configuration, maintenance, and optimization of server infrastructure, both on-premises and in the cloud. You will play a key part in ensuring the stability, security, and performance of our client's IT systems. The ideal candidate possesses strong troubleshooting skills, a deep understanding of networking, scripting capabilities, and a proactive approach to system management. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned administrator to make a significant impact within a growing organization that values operational excellence and technological advancement in the Midrand area. We aim to build and maintain a robust and reliable IT infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain Linux servers (e.g., Ubuntu, CentOS, Red Hat Enterprise Linux).
• Manage and optimize server hardware, operating systems, and related software.
• Administer and support cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Implement and manage virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, KVM).
• Ensure the security of systems through patching, hardening, and monitoring.
• Manage network services, including DNS, DHCP, firewalls, and VPNs.
• Develop and maintain scripts for automating system administration tasks (e.g., Bash, Python).
• Monitor system performance and troubleshoot issues to ensure optimal uptime and reliability.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, and access controls.
• Implement and maintain backup and disaster recovery solutions.
• Document system configurations, procedures, and best practices.
• Provide technical support to end-users and other IT staff.
• Participate in capacity planning and technology road mapping.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in systems administration, with a focus on Linux environments.
• Proven experience managing and deploying applications on cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Strong proficiency in Linux operating systems and command-line administration.
• Expertise in scripting languages such as Bash and Python for automation.
• Solid understanding of networking protocols and technologies (TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS, etc.).
• Experience with virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware vSphere).
• Knowledge of containerization technologies like Docker is a plus.
• Familiarity with configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef).
• Experience with monitoring tools (e.g., Nagios, Zabbix, Prometheus).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to manage critical infrastructure for a growing software company.
• Exposure to modern cloud technologies and system administration tools.
• A stable and professional working environment in Midrand, Gauteng .
• Opportunities for professional development and certifications.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits package.
• Be a key player in maintaining IT operational excellence.