Senior Linux Technician Lead Expert | Canberra or Sydney | 12-Month Contract | NV2 Required

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Senior Linux Technician Lead Expert | Canberra or Sydney | 12-Month Contract | NV2 Required

We're looking for a senior Linux engineer to join one of the more significant Defence ICT modernisation programs running in Australia right now. This is a lead role — hands-on technical work combined with mentoring a small team of Linux SMEs in a classified, highly regulated environment.

About the role:

You'll be building, hardening, and maintaining Linux systems that form part of a complex, mission-critical ICT infrastructure. You'll work across hyper-converged and distributed environments, integrate applications with Linux operating systems, and develop reusable automated builds that make the team's life easier.

This isn't a role where you can rely on standard playbooks and stable connectivity. You'll be designing solutions, building POCs with system architects, and writing SOPs that others actually use. At lead level you're also expected to mentor junior engineers and help shape how the team works.

Day to day:

• Build, implement, and harden Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems (RHEL 7–9)
• Develop and maintain automated build libraries using Ansible and GitLab
• Diagnose and resolve complex Linux SOE issues across distributed environments
• Integrate ICT infrastructure applications with Linux operating systems
• Implement security hardening in line with Defence requirements including the ISM
• Collaborate with system architects on POCs and solution designs
• Write and peer review SOPs, build guides, and technical documentation
• Mentor Linux SMEs and contribute to the team's overall technical capability

You'll need:

• Solid hands-on RHEL experience across versions 7 through 9 — this is non-negotiable
• Working knowledge of Ansible, GitLab, and YUM
• Experience with Linux in hyper-converged infrastructure and distributed environments
• Previous Defence experience as a Linux technician — the environment and its constraints matter here
• Ability to translate requirements and frameworks into practical solution designs
• Strong written communication — your SOPs need to work without you standing next to someone explaining them
• Current NV2 clearance and Australian citizenship
• ITAR compliance

It'd be a bonus if you have:

• Previous Defence experience — weighted heavily if you have it
• Experience working within a DevSecOps framework
• Familiarity with the Australian Information Security Manual (ISM)
• Zero-trust architecture experience
• Background supporting ADF deployed environments and the unique constraints that come with them

The details:

• 12-month contract, on-site
• Canberra or Sydney based
• Standard business hours with occasional overtime by agreement
• DSN access required
• On-call rotation as required

dcrowe@expert360.com 0424 906 007