We are looking for Senior Linux Automation & Patching Engineer for Qatar location.
If you are available, please send your cv immediately.
Key Responsibilities
1. End-to-End Patching Lifecycle Management
• Manage the full patching lifecycle for 100+ Linux servers across RHEL/CentOS 7.x, 8.x, and 9.x.
• Plan, schedule, and execute patching within approved maintenance windows, aligned with strict change management procedures.
• Conduct pre-deployment patch testing in staging environments to assess risk, dependencies, and application impact.
• Perform kernel patching, pre-reboot validations, and coordinated post-reboot health checks.
• Maintain detailed runbooks and ensure zero unplanned downtime during patch cycles.
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2. Package & Repository Management
• Manage, configure, and optimize local YUM/DNF repositories, including syncing with upstream vendor sources.
• Handle multi-source patching (OS vendor patches, third-party package updates, custom repositories).
• Maintain secure repository architecture and ensure package integrity.
• Oversee version pinning, dependency management, rollback strategies, and patch impact controls.
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3. Tooling & Automation
• Deploy, manage, and optimize patch management tools such as:
o Red Hat Satellite
o Foreman/Katello
o Ansible Automation Platform
o Ubuntu Landscape (desirable)
• Architect and maintain Ansible playbooks and roles for:
o Automated patch deployment
o Compliance validation
o Configuration drift detection
o Inventory and reporting
• Integrate patching workflows into CI/CD pipelines for automated maintenance where applicable.
• Implement idempotent, reproducible automation practices with structured workflows.
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4. Compliance, Security & Reporting
• Ensure 100% compliance with organizational patching SLAs and security mandates.
• Analyze vulnerability reports and work closely with the Security team to prioritize patches based on:
o CVSS scores
o Exploit availability
o Internal vulnerability scans
• Generate detailed compliance dashboards and reports covering:
o Patch status
o System inventory
o Remediation progress
o High-risk vulnerabilities
• Maintain audit-ready documentation for regulatory and internal compliance reviews.
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5. Troubleshooting & Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Troubleshoot patching failures, dependency conflicts, repository sync issues, and post-patch application problems.
• Partner with Linux Operations, Application Owners, and Infrastructure teams to ensure coordinated patching without business impact.
• Own documentation of procedures, FAQs, best practices, and known issues for internal knowledge bases.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers.
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Qualifications & Skills
Essential Qualifications
• 8+ years of experience as a Linux System Administrator or Patching Engineer.
• Expert-level proficiency with RHEL/CentOS 7/8/9, YUM/DNF package management, and repository handling.
• Strong hands-on experience with Ansible automation (Playbooks, Roles, Tower/AAP).
• Proficiency in Shell and Bash scripting.
• Solid understanding of:
o Linux security hardening
o System performance diagnostics
• Strong analytical skills and ability to troubleshoot complex patching issues.
Desirable Qualifications
• Experience with Red Hat Satellite Lifecycle Management.
• Exposure to other Linux distributions (Ubuntu,Oracle Linux, SUSE).
• Experience with compliance frameworks: CIS
• Certifications such as:
o RHCSA
o RHCE
o Red Hat Certified Specialist in Ansible Automation