About The Group

Cognizant’s Cloud, Infrastructure, and Security Services Practice (CIS), is all about accepting digital transformation by driving core modernization holistically across layers. We help customers transform infrastructure and workplace to meet the constantly evolving needs of the digital era. Our broad approach delivers key results for our customers by achieving cloud driven modernization and workplace and operational transformation to own the business in a secure environment.

Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*

Job Title: Senior Linux Administrator

Location: Remote

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Linux Administrator with strong expertise in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), VMware ESXi/vSphere, Ansible Automation Platform (AAP), and Patch Automation. The candidate will be responsible for managing enterprise Linux infrastructure, VMware virtual environments, vulnerability remediation, OS patching, automation initiatives, and platform reliability.

The ideal candidate should possess deep hands-on experience in Linux administration, VMware virtualization, infrastructure automation, security compliance, and automated patch management using Ansible.

Key Responsibilities

Linux Administration

Administer and support large-scale Linux environments (RHEL, CentOS, Rocky Linux, Oracle Linux). Perform OS installation, upgrades, migrations, and lifecycle management. Configure and maintain user management, storage, LVM, file systems, NFS, and security policies. Monitor server performance, capacity planning, and system health. Troubleshoot complex OS, kernel, filesystem, and performance issues.

VMware ESXi Administration

Manage VMware vSphere, ESXi hosts, clusters, vCenter, and virtual machines. Perform VM provisioning, resource optimization, snapshot management, and host maintenance. Support ESXi upgrades, patching, and cluster maintenance activities. Collaborate with storage and network teams for virtualization solutions.

Ansible Automation

Develop and maintain Ansible Playbooks, Roles, and Inventories. Build Infrastructure as Code (IaC) solutions for Linux administration tasks.

Automate

Server provisioning Configuration management User administration Compliance validation Health checks Patch deployment Utilize Ansible Tower/AWX/AAP for scheduling and orchestration.

Patch Automation & Vulnerability Management

Design and implement automated Linux patching solutions using Ansible. Execute monthly and emergency patching activities. Manage patch compliance reporting and audit requirements. Perform pre-checks, patch deployment, reboot coordination, validation, and reporting. Remediate security vulnerabilities identified through Tenable, Qualys, Rapid7, or other scanning tools. Support CIS benchmark hardening and security compliance initiatives.

Security & Compliance

Perform Linux hardening based on CIS standards. Support SOX, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and corporate security compliance requirements. Conduct vulnerability assessments and remediation activities. Manage SSH key authentication, certificate renewals, and access controls.

Automation & Scripting

Create Bash, Shell, Python, or Ansible-based automation solutions. Automate recurring operational activities and reduce manual interventions. Integrate automation workflows with ServiceNow, Jenkins, GitLab, or APIs.

Incident & Problem Management

Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for critical incidents. Participate in change management, release management, and DR activities. Provide L3/L4 infrastructure support.

Required Skills

Operating Systems

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)

CentOS Rocky Linux Oracle Linux

Virtualization

VMware ESXi

VMware vSphere vCenter Administration

Automation

Ansible

Ansible Tower / AWX / AAP YAML Playbooks

Scripting

Bash Shell

Python

Patching Tools

Red Hat Satellite

Ansible Automation Platform Patch Management Frameworks

Security

Vulnerability Management

CIS Hardening CVE Remediation Security Compliance

Preferred Skills

OpenShift / Kubernetes

Terraform Git/GitLab Jenkins ServiceNow Integration Cloud Platforms (AWS/Azure) Monitoring Tools (SolarWinds, Nagios, Prometheus)

Certifications (Preferred)

RHCSA / RHCE

VMware VCP Red Hat Ansible Automation Certification AWS/Azure Certification

Soft Skills

Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities. Excellent communication and stakeholder management. Ability to drive automation initiatives and mentor junior administrators. Experience working in enterprise/global delivery environments.

Nice-to-have for Senior-Level Candidates

Experience managing 500+ Linux servers

Enterprise patch automation at scale VMware cluster patching automation Integration of Ansible with ServiceNow and CI/CD pipelines Infrastructure modernization and transformation projects

Compensation: We are offering between $94,000 – $109,000. Applications will be accepted until July 24, 2026.Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in Canada without requiring employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future