Linux Systems Engineer

Linux Engineer

Cognizant Corporate is a global community united by a shared purpose: to make a meaningful impact. We are committed to excellence and driven by outcomes that matter. Collaboration is at the heart of how we work, and our forward-thinking mindset fuels continuous learning, innovation, and growth.

At Cognizant, careers transcend titles. We empower our people to think strategically, inspire others, and lead with purpose – always guided by our core values. Join us in shaping the future of business. Could you be the one to make a difference? Job Summary

Linux Engineer responsible for deploying and managing enterprise Linux systems to support applications cloud use and business operations. Ensures security, availability, and compliance with CMMC NIST DFARS and ISO standards. Works with IT and security teams on automation, monitoring, system hardening, and documentation to maintain a stable and secure Linux environment.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the security, availability, performance, and reliability of corporate Linux systems both on-premises and cloud-based.
• Deploy, configure, and manage Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and Rocky Linux.
• Monitor and respond to system performance issues ensuring optimal resource utilization and uptime.
• Manage system patching, kernel updates, and security hardening following industry best practices.
• Automate system provisioning, configuration management, and maintenance using Ansible.
• Manage user authentication, permissions, and role-based access control (RBAC) in compliance with security policies.
• Maintain backup and disaster recovery strategies to ensure system resilience and data protection.
• Ensure compliance with security frameworks such as NIST CMMC, ISO 27001, and GDPR for secure data transmission and storage.
• Conduct regular security audits and collaborate with cybersecurity teams to address vulnerabilities and improve network defenses.

Security and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with CMMC, NIST DFARS, and other industry security frameworks by implementing secure configurations.
• Work with cybersecurity teams to conduct vulnerability assessments, risk mitigation, and system hardening.
• Configure and maintain security baselines for Linux environments.
• Implement and maintain audit logging, intrusion detection (IDS), and system monitoring tools.
• Support encryption and secure data transfer protocols to safeguard corporate data.

System Monitoring Incident Response

• Monitor system health and performance using Zabbix and other monitoring tools.
• Proactively identify and troubleshoot performance bottlenecks and critical system errors.
• Participate in incident response and forensic investigations when security incidents occur.

Collaboration Documentation

• Work closely with network, storage, and security teams to maintain a well-integrated IT ecosystem.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, service design diagrams, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Assist in vendor management for Linux-based tools, licensing, and hardware procurement.

Work model –

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days a week in our office in Blue Ash, Ohio. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Work Authorization: US Citizenship is required due to contract and clearance requirements.

What we offer

• The chance to work with impact. Here, you're empowered to bring your biggest thinking to help our company and clients improve everyday life.
• Ownership over your career. Stay at the top of your game through our award-winning learning and development ecosystem. And when your ambitions change or we offer new opportunities, we help you pivot by providing reskilling, on-the-job learning, and guidance to find new roles that might be a better fit.
• The opportunity to thrive on a high caliber team with heart. We celebrate each other's experiences and perspectives and promote a sense of belonging through our affinity groups and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• A comprehensive total rewards package, including a competitive salary and a pension plan with matching contributions.
• Flexible health and financial benefits to support you and your eligible dependents—from day one.
• True work-life balance. Be at your best through paid time off, flexible work arrangements, volunteering opportunities, social events, and so much more.

About us Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant (a member of the NASDAQ-100 and one of Forbes World's Best Employers 2025) is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital.

Other employment-related information Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local laws.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com with your request and contact information.

Language requirements vary depending on roles, but we ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you'll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.