Linux Systems Administrator III

Iridium is an award-winning and innovative satellite communications company with bragging rights to the only network that offers voice and data connectivity anywhere in the world.   For over 20 years, Iridium’s unique network and services have supported critical communications needs for individuals, businesses, and the evolving Internet of Things.

At Iridium, we understand the importance of staying connected and the limitations of traditional communications networks. People across the globe, including first responders, humanitarians, global militaries, scientific researchers, and lone workers, as well as ships, aircraft and remote operations all rely on Iridium to stay connected. We take our responsibility for providing these essential communications very seriously and pride ourselves on offering a reliable lifeline when needed.  Likewise, Iridium is committed to providing an exciting and innovative workplace, where employees are challenged to think outside the box and collaborate on new, bold ideas and solutions.  Our talented teams are passionate about their work and the impact our company makes around the world.  Iridium fosters an empowering and inclusive culture that allows employees to genuinely be their best selves.   We are looking for others who want to join this truly unique company that celebrates our employees and provides the opportunity to truly make a difference in the world.

What We’re Looking For:

If you have 5+ years of hands-on experience in administering and maintaining VMware / Linux, yo’ll be excited about the Linux Systems Administrator (III) position on Iridium’s Information Technology Network Systems team! As a Systems Administrator, you will be responsible for the administration and maintenance of multiple groups within Iridium’s IT environment as well as working with users to maintain accounts and troubleshoot issues for both local (AZ) and remote sites across the company. Working in this role, you will gain valuable experience, knowledge, and skills in Linux, VMware, UCS, containerization (Kubernetes), and other systems/platforms. In addition you’ll within a team to maintain functional network infrastructure and equipment, perform network installation, testing, validation, and troubleshooting. You will thrive in this role if you enjoy learning within a team and environment in which you can use a variety of skills to deliver high-quality solutions for a team that makes a difference.

What You’ll Do:

• Perform installation, configuration, administration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of networking and security hardware, operating systems, and Linux development and production environmentWork independently to support users in setting up accounts and troubleshooting issues as they arise
• Develop systems monitoring and automation, utilizing tools and multiple scripting, for Linux systems
• Maintain data center network infrastructure, including IP switches, routers, and firewalls such as Cisco Catalyst Layer 3 switches, Cisco ASA, and Palo Alto firewalls
• Create and deploy virtual machines with vSphere
• Build, operate, and maintain our Kubernetes environment
• Rack and cable new servers and network equipment
• Play a role in the development and maintenance of IT Documents (diagrams, procedures, and similar materials)

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, MIS, Engineering or related program of study, OR equivalent experience in lieu of degree
• 5+ years’ hands-on experience administering and maintaining VMware, and Networking
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to confidently present products, deliverables, analyses, and/or issues
• Possess an analytical mindset, with the ability to understand a situation or problem and think critically to make decisions or come up with solutions
• Be comfortable managing upward, including being a proactive communicator and asking for help when needed
• Have confidence and be able to establish valuable relationships with others
• Must be able to prioritize key tasks and have a strong sense of ownership over your work
• Be active in seeking out ways to continuously improve yourself and gain new knowledge

Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table:

• Relevant technical certifications (i.e., CompTIA, RHCSA, MCSE, F5 etc.)
• Cisco (CCNP or higher preferred) and/or Firewall vendors security certifications
• Experience in a datacenter/telecommunications environment
• Experience in Red Hat, and VMware virtualized environments
• Experience MySQL
• Containerization, OpenShift
• Scripting skills with Bash, Perl, or Python

We’ll also need you to:

• Be on call to support business operations
• Be able to work a hybrid schedule that includes at least 60% of your time (3 days per week) in office
• Be able to travel up to 10%
• Be able to lift 30 lbs.
• Be a US citizen

Work Environment:

This position primarily works in an office setting and is largely sedentary with the majority of the position working with a computer. The role typically requires the use of basic office equipment such as a phone, video, computer, keyboard, mouse, and printer. 

We believe in-person connection drives innovation, strengthens mentorship, and builds culture, while flexibility enables employees to do their best work. Under Iridium’s Hybrid Work Policy, employees are expected to work at least three days per week (approximately 60%) in an Iridium office to support collaboration, relationship-building, and professional growth.

Additional Information

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work for this role and is not a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as needed.

Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.