UNIX System Administrator Specialist - Pioneering Clean Energy

Company Description:

In the face of a world projected to double its electricity consumption by 2050, the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is on a mission to shape the future of global energy. Fusion, the powerful process fuelling the Sun and Stars, emerges as a promising solution for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our planet urgently requires. At the forefront of realising fusion energy, UKAEA collaborates with industry and research partners, aiming to bring fusion electricity to the grid with the support of tomorrow's power stations. Our commitment is underscored by core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.

Job Description:

As a key player in the energy revolution, joining UKAEA comes with a plethora of benefits, including an exceptional defined benefit pension scheme, corporate bonuses, flexible working options, and a supportive workplace culture committed to equality and inclusivity.

The UNIX Systems Group, an integral part of the Computing Division at UKAEA, seeks a Unix Systems Administrator Specialist to contribute to the Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions unit. In this role, you will play a critical part in designing, configuring, and maintaining UNIX-based systems, ensuring seamless operations, and promptly addressing technical issues. This role is indispensable for managing system configurations and implementing project-related activities within the broader scope of the Computing Division's responsibilities.

Additional Responsibilities:

- Maintain and Configure UNIX/Linux-based Systems: Oversee systems such as JET data warehouse, Firewall Tunnelling system, Sunray Servers, backup HPC clusters, and general-purpose servers running core infrastructure and cloud-based systems for optimal performance and security compliance.

- Take charge of projects related to Linux systems, demonstrating leadership and expertise in system development and implementation.

- Provide support for applications running on Solaris, Linux, and other UNIX-based platforms. Maintain Linux systems configurations through a comprehensive configuration management system.

- Work closely with the Information & Cyber Security team to implement access controls, security policies, and protocols, ensuring protection against unauthorized access and potential threats. Maintain and configure UNIX-based storage systems.

- Develop and manage OS and application configurations, ensuring consistency across all managed machines.

- Apply timely patches, updates, firmware, and security fixes to maintain system integrity and minimize vulnerabilities.

- Offer advanced support for Linux systems, addressing complex technical challenges.

Essential Requirements:

HND equivalent/Degree in a relevant STEM subject or equivalent experience.

Significant knowledge of the Linux Operating System.

Significant practical experience managing Linux or Solaris Systems in a Research Environment.

Significant experience with configuration management tools such as Cfengine or Ansible.

Good understanding of current network protocols.

Good interpersonal and communication skills.

Desirable Requirements:

Proficiency in writing well-documented code in high-level languages or scripts such as Java, C, Python, or Perl.

Experience with cluster schedulers such as SLURM.

Experience in preparing technical aspects for procurements.

Hands-on experience with Solaris 10 and Solaris 11.

Experience in managing Unix systems other than Linux.

Expertise in configuring and managing Solaris Global zones.

Experience in managing Linux systems at scale.

Experience in managing technical projects.

Additional Information:

We actively encourage applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and women. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion is championed by our Executive team, supported by our EDI Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors.