Senior Systems Administrator (Linux)

Overview

Bluestaq is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator with a focus on Linux to join its UK sovereign subsidiary, which builds secure data infrastructure for NATO, Five Eyes, and allied partners. This is an individual contributor position based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, within the European region, reporting to the Systems Administration Manager with a technical path to Lead Systems Administrator. The role involves managing Linux systems supporting NATO delivery on AWS, participating in UK operational coverage such as an on-call rotation and structured handovers with the US team, and working shifts that include 10-hour shifts on a four-on, four-off rota covering weekends and bank holidays, with potential future night shifts.

Requirements

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, meet security requirements, and be willing and eligible to travel to the United States headquarters for onboarding as well as occasionally to sites across the UK and Europe. Candidates are expected to possess strong hands-on Linux systems administration experience in complex, secure production environments, alongside networking fundamentals covering DNS, DHCP, VLANs, firewalls, routing, and identity and access management. Working experience with automation and infrastructure-as-code tools such as Ansible, Terraform, Kubernetes, Docker, or Packer is required, along with incident discipline, mentoring experience, clear communication skills, and responsible judgment with AI tools. Preferred qualifications include familiarity with NATO structures, the MOD, or allied defence programmes, Linux certifications such as RHCSA, RHCE, or LPIC, security certifications like CISSP or CompTIA Security+, and experience with CI/CD pipelines, DevSecOps, database administration, or cloud and cyber security backgrounds.

What you get

Employees receive a workplace pension through salary exchange, group income protection, group life assurance from day one, private medical cover, and 24/7 remote GP access for themselves and their family. Additional benefits include 33 days of annual leave including bank holidays applied to the shift pattern, professional subscription support, and ongoing development. Visa sponsorship may also be offered for suitable candidates.

How to apply

Interested candidates who meet most of the criteria can apply through the listing by submitting a CV. Applicants who require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process should communicate this when applying.