Job ID: JOB_ID_2188
Role Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and hands-on Linux/Unix Administrator to join our infrastructure team in Milpitas, California. This onsite role is designed for a professional who thrives in the physical environment of labs and data centers. In 2026, while much of the world has moved to the cloud, the foundation of technology remains the physical server. This position bridges the gap between hardware and software, requiring a deep understanding of server architecture, networking hardware, and the Linux operating system.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute “Rack & Stack” operations for servers and network equipment. This involves the physical installation of hardware into data center racks, ensuring proper airflow, power distribution, and organized cabling.
- Perform bare metal provisioning and operating system installations. You will be responsible for setting up automated deployment systems (such as PXE, Kickstart, or MaaS) to install various Linux/Unix distributions, including RHEL, CentOS, and Ubuntu, on new hardware.
- Manage day-to-day data center operations, including hardware troubleshooting, component replacement (RAM, disks, power supplies), and maintaining an accurate inventory of all physical assets.
- Oversee physical server deployment and maintenance schedules. This includes firmware updates, BIOS configurations, and ensuring that all hardware is running at optimal performance levels within the lab environment.
- Provide expert-level Linux/Unix administration. Beyond the hardware, you will manage the OS layer, including kernel tuning, filesystem management (LVM, ZFS), and security hardening to protect the integrity of the lab systems.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to support their testing and development needs. You will act as the primary point of contact for any infrastructure-related issues within the Milpitas facility.
Hardware Lifecycle and Inventory Management
The Linux/Unix Administrator in our Milpitas facility is responsible for the entire lifecycle of hardware assets. This begins with the initial receipt and inspection of new server shipments, followed by asset tagging and entry into our Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) system. You will manage the decommissioning process for end-of-life hardware, ensuring that all data is securely wiped according to industry standards (such as NIST 800-88) before the physical hardware is recycled or disposed of. Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date inventory is crucial for capacity planning and budgeting.
Security and Compliance in the Physical Layer
Security is a top priority in our lab environments. You will be responsible for ensuring that all physical access to the data center is logged and authorized. On the technical side, you will implement hardware-level security features such as Secure Boot, Trusted Platform Module (TPM) configurations, and hardware-based disk encryption. You will also work with the security team to perform regular audits of the physical environment and the OS configurations to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
Automation and Scripting for Efficiency
To manage a large-scale lab environment effectively, automation is key. You will use scripting languages like Python, Bash, or Perl to automate repetitive tasks such as health checks, log rotation, and configuration updates across hundreds of servers. Experience with automation frameworks like SaltStack or Puppet is highly desirable, as it allows for consistent configuration management across different Linux distributions. By reducing manual intervention, you will minimize the risk of human error and increase the overall reliability of the lab infrastructure.
Professional Environment and Growth
Working onsite in Milpitas provides a unique opportunity to collaborate directly with the engineers who are designing the next generation of technology. You will be part of a team that values technical excellence and practical problem-solving. This role offers exposure to a wide range of enterprise-grade hardware and software, providing a solid foundation for a career in systems engineering or data center management. We encourage our administrators to stay current with industry certifications and provide opportunities for professional development.
Special Requirements
Visa: Not specified; Interview: Onsite; Domain: Data Center Operations; Restriction: Local to California, Onsite role
Compensation & Location
Salary: $110,000 – $155,000 per year (Estimated)
Location: Milpitas, CA
Recruiter / Company – Contact Information
Recruiter / Employer: Valzo Soft Solutions LLC
Email: divye@valzosoft.com
Recruiter Notice:
To remove this job posting, please send an email from
divye@valzosoft.com with the subject:
DELETE_JOB_ID_2188