UNIX/Linux Hands-On Architect

Northern Trust are seeking an experienced UNIX/Linux Hands-On Architect to lead the design, implementation, and road mapping of our enterprise-scale UNIX/Linux infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in financial services technology and a proven track record of architecting and implementing scalable, robust, compliant and secure systems in a hybrid cloud environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architecture Design and Implementation
  • Design and implement scalable, robust, and secure UNIX/Linux infrastructure solutions
  • Develop and maintain architectural roadmaps aligned with business objectives
  • Ensure consistency and standardization across the enterprise UNIX/Linux environment
  • Architect solutions for hybrid cloud environments
• Hybrid Cloud Strategy
  • Lead the design and implementation of hybrid cloud solutions integrating on-premises and cloud-based UNIX/Linux systems
  • Optimize workload placement and resource utilization across hybrid environments
• Implementation and Technical Leadership
  • Lead the implementation of new & existing UNIX/Linux infrastructure projects
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to the UNIX/Linux team
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate UNIX/Linux systems with other platforms
• Security and Compliance
  • Architect solutions that meet stringent financial industry security standards and regulatory requirements
  • Implement and maintain security best practices for UNIX/Linux systems
  • Collaborate with security teams to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations
  • Design and implement secure access and authentication mechanisms
  • Conduct regular security assessments and implement necessary improvements
• Performance and Scalability
  • Design high-performance, scalable systems capable of handling enterprise-level workloads
  • Implement monitoring and optimization strategies to ensure system reliability and performance
  • Ensure infrastructure can scale to meet growing business demands
• Automation and DevOps
  • Develop automation strategies to improve efficiency and reduce manual interventions
  • Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices for UNIX/Linux environments
  • Foster a DevOps culture, promoting collaboration between development and operations teams
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
  • Design and implement robust disaster recovery and business continuity solutions
  • Ensure high availability of critical systems and services
• Maintenance and Support
  • Develop and implement maintenance strategies for UNIX/Linux systems
  • Establish best practices for system administration and support
  • Create and maintain documentation for all UNIX/Linux systems and processes
• Cloud Integration
  • Architect hybrid cloud solutions leveraging both on-premises and cloud-based resources
  • Implement cloud migration strategies for applicable UNIX/Linux workloads
  • Optimize cost and performance of cloud-based UNIX/Linux systems 
• Mentorship and Leadership
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior team members
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align technology solutions with business needs
• Vendor Management
  • Evaluate and recommend UNIX/Linux-related technologies and vendors
  • Manage relationships with key technology partners and service providers

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in UNIX/Linux system administration and architecture
• 5+ years of experience in a senior architectural role within the financial services industry
• Strong hands-on experience with enterprise-level UNIX/Linux systems (e.g., Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Oracle Linux, IBM AIX)
• In-depth knowledge of hybrid cloud architectures and technologies (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform)
• Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) and microservices architectures
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python, Perl) and automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef)
• Solid understanding of network protocols, storage systems, and database technologies
• Familiarity with financial industry regulations and compliance requirements (e.g., PCI-DSS, SOX, GDPR)
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think strategically
• Outstanding communication and leadership abilities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree in a relevant field
• Professional certifications (e.g., RHCA, LFCA, AWS Certified Solutions Architect)
• Experience with high-performance computing and big data technologies
• Knowledge of AI/ML infrastructure requirements and best practices
• Experience with cloud-native technologies and serverless architectures
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and long-term planning
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies and methodologies

This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of our enterprise UNIX/Linux infrastructure and play a crucial role in our digital transformation journey.

The successful candidate will be at the forefront of implementing cutting-edge technologies while ensuring the highest standards of security, scalability, and performance for our financial systems.