System Administrator

At Pavlov Media, we’re on a mission to create something extraordinary. We’re passionate about delivering a far superior internet experience to the communities we serve, powered by cutting-edge fiber technology. But it’s not just about speed and reliability—at Pavlov, we see our role as an opportunity to bring people closer together. Through the services we provide, we connect more than just devices; we help foster connections that strengthen communities, businesses, and enrich lives. If you’re looking to be part of a team that’s making a real impact, Pavlov Media is the place for you.

Job Description:

This is a hybrid position located in Champaign IL.

This position will serve as a subject matter expert on Linux systems and play a key role in designing, implementing, and managing critical internal computing infrastructure. The ideal candidate will contribute to the strategy, design, and rollout of solutions that support nationwide application networks.

We’re seeking candidates with the right skills and mindset to become experts in their field, but experienced professionals are also encouraged to apply! You’ll work with cutting-edge technologies, manage technical stacks, and ensure the stability and performance of our systems.

Key Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Configure, monitor, and maintain Linux systems to support virtual and bare metal networks.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve complex issues related to hardware, software, and networking.
• Effectively respond to staff requests for technical support issues with applications and systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan and deploy scalable application and network solutions.
• Automate routine tasks using scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python, or Perl) and configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Terraform).
• Manage virtualization and containerization technologies to optimize resource utilization.
• Secure systems through firewalls, SSH configurations, and advanced Linux security practices (e.g., SELinux/AppArmor).
• Monitor and analyze network and system performance using tools like Nagios, Prometheus, or Zabbix.
• Support high-availability systems, including clustering and load balancing for on-prem and cloud-based services.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for system processes and configurations.
• Assist with disaster recovery planning and ensure data integrity through regular backups.
• Conduct regular security audits and patch management in accordance with compliance requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience configuring and managing Unix/Linux systems in ISP, MSP, Telecommunications or similar industries.
• Strong knowledge of Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Debian, and Rocky, with the ability to operate with CLI only (no RHEL Menus and no graphical heads.)
• Scripting proficiency in Bash, Python, or Perl for task automation and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with virtualization platforms (e.g., Proxmox, Hyper-V, VMware, KVM/QEMU).
• Expertise with SSH.
• Experience with configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Terraform).
• Experience with source management tools (Git, Gitlab, Github, Subversion, etc)
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with LDAP/FreeIPA or similar identity and authentication frameworks.
• Experience with IPv6 configuration and dual-stack network environments.
• Knowledge of security frameworks such as NIST 800-53, ISO 27001, or FedRAMP (especially for telecom or regulated industries).
• Experience with orchestration tools like SaltStack, Puppet, or Chef (even if not your primary config management tool).
• Experience hardening Linux systems in air-gapped or zero-trust environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of containerization platforms such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Strong skills in monitoring tools (e.g., Nagios, Zabbix, Prometheus).
• Understanding of backup and disaster recovery best practices.
• Familiarity with troubleshooting tools like tcpdump, strace, or dmesg.
• Knowledge of Syslog and Graylog management.
• Experience with database management (MySQL, Postgresql, InfluxDB, Elasticsearch, MongoDB)
• Experience with SMTP, Postfix, Sendmail, Mailx and related email systems.
• Experience with DNS, DHCP, ARP, SNMP and related network protocols.
• Experience with network storages (CEPH, ISCSI, NFS, CFS, QNAP, etc)
• Understanding of SSL Certificate usage and deployment.
• Experience with AWS EC2 and related services.
• Experience with Apache2, NGINX, and HAProxy.
• Experience with endpoint protections (SentinelOne) and host-based firewalls (IPTables, UFW, etc)
• Familiarity with Dell and SuperMicro rackmount chassis configuration and management, including IPMI and iDRAC.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Compensation & Benefits:

The salary range for this position is: $85,500-$138,500 annually

Actual base pay for this job will depend on the candidate’s primary work location and other factors, such as relevant skills and experience. Pavlov Media is committed to complying with the Equal Pay Act and places a strong emphasis on internal equity when determining compensation. Final pay will be determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, and alignment with our internal equity standards, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organization. The salary banding for this role also allows room for growth, with opportunities for pay increases within the band based on performance and contributions.

Compensation is one part of the total rewards package at Pavlov Media. We also offer the following benefits to support the well-being of our employees:

• 15 company paid holidays
• 3 weeks PTO
• Medical, Dental, Vision starting day one
• 401K with company match
• Health and Flexible Savings Account
• Life and AD&D, Spousal Life, Child Life Insurance Plans
• Educational and professional reimbursement
• Short- and long-term disability benefits

Pavlov Media is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodation.