Linux Systems Administrator

About the Role

A leading global financial services firm is seeking an experienced Linux Systems Administrator to join their specialized infrastructure team in Tokyo. This critical role focuses on providing dedicated production support for mission-critical Linux systems supporting high-frequency trading operations, ensuring optimal availability, performance, and security across COLO/DMZ environments.

You will be part of a dynamic, international Platform & Cloud Services team responsible for maintaining the technological backbone that enables high-performance trading operations. This position offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge infrastructure technology while contributing to both day-to-day operational excellence and large-scale enterprise transformation projects.

Key Responsibilities
Production Support & Infrastructure Management

• Provide 24/7 production support for COLO/DMZ infrastructure supporting high-frequency, low-latency trading systems
• Ensure system stability and availability through proactive monitoring, troubleshooting, incident response, and comprehensive root cause analysis
• Perform critical system administration tasks including installation, configuration, patching, monitoring, performance tuning, and capacity planning
• Execute disaster recovery testing procedures and maintain business continuity protocols
• Manage system deployments, updates, and maintenance windows with minimal business impact

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with HFT developers, project managers, and cross-functional support teams to deliver technical solutions within demanding timelines
• Interface directly with trading desk personnel and participate in client calls to translate business requirements into technical COLO environment solutions
• Collaborate effectively with global teams across Asia, Europe, and the United States in a 24/7 operational environment
• Partner with Cross Platform Engineering teams to define operational requirements and deliver robust infrastructure solutions

Project Leadership & Technical Excellence

• Lead and participate in exchange connectivity build-out projects, ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure
• Manage vendor support cases and drive resolution of complex technical issues
• Implement system changes following established change management procedures, including comprehensive testing, approvals, deployment, and validation
• Automate routine operational tasks to improve efficiency and reduce manual intervention
• Ensure strict compliance with IT security protocols, audit requirements, and regulatory standards

Documentation & Knowledge Management

• Maintain comprehensive technical documentation including detailed architecture diagrams, standard operating procedures, and operational runbooks
• Create and update troubleshooting guides and best practices documentation
• Contribute to knowledge sharing initiatives and mentor junior team members

Requirements
Technical Expertise

• Minimum 5+ years of hands-on UNIX/Linux production support experience
• Advanced knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL 8+) on bare metal infrastructure
• Proven experience with latency optimization, capacity planning, and performance tuning on bare metal RHEL environments
• Strong scripting capabilities in Shell, Python, Perl, or Ansible for automation and operational efficiency
• Hands-on experience with core UNIX services including LDAP, Kerberos, and Ansible Tower

Specialized Infrastructure Knowledge

• Deep understanding of high-performance computing on HPE or similar enterprise servers
• Experience with BIOS and firmware tuning specifically for low-latency applications
• Familiarity with low-latency networking stacks such as Solarflare, Onload, and PTP protocols
• Knowledge of time-server technologies including Meinberg GPS receivers or equivalent solutions
• Experience with DNS/DHCP management tools such as BlueCat or similar enterprise solutions
• Solid understanding of network firewalls and security infrastructure

Professional Requirements

• Minimum 3+ years of relevant professional experience
• Business-level English communication skills for international collaboration
• Basic conversational Japanese language ability
• High school diploma or equivalent educational background
• Valid authorization to work in Japan
• Familiarity with DevOps methodologies and telemetry tools

What We Offer
Work Environment & Culture

• Join a flexible, diverse, and international team based in Tokyo
• Hybrid working model with flexible office attendance (currently 1 day in-office, 4 days work-from-home)
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge public/private cloud, Linux/Windows compute, and core infrastructure technologies
• Exposure to both operational excellence initiatives and strategic, multi-year enterprise projects

Benefits Package

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
• Social insurance coverage and employee pension scheme
• Commuting allowance and transportation support
• Comprehensive holiday schedule including weekends, national holidays, year-end and New Year holidays, plus additional special holidays
• Career development opportunities within a global organization
• Strong commitment to diversity, inclusion,