Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system. Today, Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe— large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts.
Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization. Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world’s best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.
We're looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Senior IT Support Engineer with deep Linux expertise to join our team. In this role, you'll help maintain a seamless technology experience for our team by owning Linux-based systems, serving as an escalation point for complex issues, and supporting a variety of software and hardware solutions—with a strong focus on Linux environments. You'll work closely with employees across departments to solve IT challenges, improve systems, and ensure our technology runs smoothly.
This is a great opportunity to join a supportive and dynamic team where you can make a real impact on the technology experience of our organization. If you're a natural problem-solver with a passion for Linux environments, enjoy mentoring others, and take pride in solving complex technical issues, we'd love to hear from you!
Role
- Provide 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Tier Technical Support: Act as the primary point of contact for IT support inquiries, resolving hardware, software, and network issues across Linux systems, as well as Windows and macOS environments.
- Manage Equipment Setup and Maintenance: Oversee workstation setup, software installation and configuration, ensure all devices function optimally, and manage onsite inventory and IT asset life cycles - with ownership of Linux workstation and server configurations.
- Troubleshoot Hardware, Software, and Network Issues: Lead advanced troubleshooting efforts across Linux distributions, diagnosing and resolving complex system and connectivity issues both in person and remotely.
- Maintain Documentation: Own and maintain IT documentation, including guides, procedures, and solutions to known issues, particularly for Linux-focused workflows and system configurations.
- System Administration: Own access management, system updates, patching, and configuration within Linux environments (primary), and provide senior-level support for Active Directory, Google Workspace, and other platforms as needed.
- User Training and Education: Lead onboarding training sessions and provide ongoing guidance on IT best practices, with a focus on Linux tools, workflows, and security practices.
- Manage and maintain diverse computing environments: Take primary ownership of Linux systems while supporting Windows and macOS environments - ensuring optimal performance, security, and reliability.
- Collaborate with different departments to understand and meet their technical requirements and support needs, particularly for teams relying heavily on Linux-based workflows or tooling.
Requirements
- Experience: Minimum 5 years in IT support, systems administration, or a related field, with substantial hands-on experience administering and supporting Linux environments.
- Linux Expertise: Proven, in-depth knowledge of Linux system administration, including advanced command-line usage, package management, system troubleshooting, and configuration across multiple distributions.
- Multi-Platform Capability: Strong Linux expertise is required; familiarity with Windows and macOS environments is expected.
- Virtualization Technologies: Hands-on experience administering virtualization platforms such as VMware, KVM, or similar technologies.
- Remote Support Proficiency: Experienced with remote desktop support tools and ticketing systems, including managing and prioritizing escalated issues.
- Problem Solving & Multi-tasking: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex issues in a fast-paced environment.
- Mission-Critical Systems Management: Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive, mission-critical Linux systems with urgency, precision, and a strong security mindset.
- Communication & Teamwork: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a customer-focused attitude and a collaborative approach to mentoring and cross-team work.
- Networking Fundamentals: Strong working knowledge of networking concepts, including IP addressing, DNS, and DHCP.
Bonus
- Cloud Services: Experience supporting Linux-based workloads on cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
- Scripting & Automation: Proficiency in scripting and automation using languages such as Bash or Python to streamline operations and reduce manual effort.
- Network Security: Familiarity with VPN, firewall configurations, and Linux security best practices.
- Certifications: Relevant certifications, such as Linux+ or LPIC, CompTIA A+, Network+, or similar.
- ITIL Knowledge: Understanding of ITIL principles or experience working in ITIL-aligned environments.
Base pay is just one component of Astranis’s total rewards package. Your compensation also includes a significant equity package via incentive stock options, high-quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement planning, flexible PTO, and free on-site catered meals.
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