Linux/AIX/Windows Patching L3 Engineer

Summary

• Strategic Patch Management: Design and execute deployment schedules for cumulative updates and security patches across Linux (RHEL, Ubuntu, OEL), AIX, and Windows Server environments using tools such as SecPod, Ansible, Azure Update Management, and WSUS.
  
• Operational Coordination: Partner with Change Management and application owners to plan maintenance windows, participate in Change Advisory Board (CAB) meetings, and orchestrate updates across Production, Staging, and Development environments.
  
• Risk Mitigation & Recovery: Develop and implement robust rollback and remediation plans to address patching failures, ensuring system integrity and rapid recovery.
  
• Testing & Validation: Establish rigorous testing procedures to verify update deployment, validate system performance post-patch, and confirm the absence of regressions.
  
• Documentation & Process Improvement: Maintain up-to-date Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), knowledge base articles, and detailed records of patching activities, validation results, and rollback steps.
  
• Security Compliance: Collaborate with security teams to align patching activities with industry best practices, audit requirements, and vulnerability remediation strategies, including configuration adjustments.
  
• Team Leadership: Provide mentorship and direction to L1/L2 support teams, manage remote support operations, and oversee vendor performance to ensure seamless service delivery.
  

• Experience: Minimum of 8 years managing Linux, AIX, and Windows Server environments (including RHEL, OEL, Ubuntu, and AIX), with at least 6 years specifically focused on patching and update management.
  
• Technical Proficiency: Deep expertise in Linux/AIX operating systems, failover clusters, and enterprise-level automation tools like Ansible and SecPod.
  
• Tool Mastery: Proven experience with patch management platforms including SecPod, Ansible, Azure Update Management, and WSUS.
  
• Networking Knowledge: Strong understanding of network protocols (NFS, SAMBA, FTP) and troubleshooting methodologies.
  
• Process Framework: Familiarity with ITIL processes and change management workflows.
  
• Soft Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, combined with demonstrated people management, vendor management, and remote support leadership skills.
  
• Preferred Qualifications: Proficiency in monitoring tools like Grafana, hands-on experience with Ansible Playbook creation, and possession of Red Hat or IBM AIX certifications.
  
• Personal Attributes: A proactive, organized, and integrity-driven professional with a positive attitude, openness to feedback, and a strong sense of accountability.