Systems Engineer Linux

Nathaniel Clifton, Jr.

Remote only

**********@*****.***

Summary

Specializing in RedHat Linux, OpenShift, VMware, and Ansible. Proven ability to lead large-scale infrastructure projects, including server patching, rollouts, and version upgrades, ensuring system security and stability. Expert in infrastructure automation using Ansible, with hands-on experience implementing Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with Terraform and monitoring with Splunk.

Core Skills

Systems: RHEL (7/8/9), SUSE Linux, VMware vCenter, OpenShift 4.x

DevOps & Automation: Ansible, Kubernetes, Terraform (learning), CI/CD

Scripting: Bash, Python

Cloud & Infrastructure: AWS, AWS CodeDeploy, SUSE Manager

Monitoring & Compliance: SolarWinds, CIS Benchmarking, SOX

Productivity Tools: Jira, Confluence, ServiceNow, WhatsApp, Slack

Soft Skills: Communication, Problem Solving, Adaptability, Teamwork

Security, Compliance and Identity Management: Sudoers Policy Management, Privilege Access Management (PAM) Principles, Least Privilege Principle Implementation, CIS Benchmarking, SOX Audits, System Hardening, SSL/TLS, Patch Management, Active Directory Integration/LDAP

Professional Experience

Sr. Technology Engineer / Sr. Linux Systems Engineer

PNC Bank (Remote) – Pittsburgh, PA

March 2024 – November 2024

Deployed Java applications in RedHat/OpenShift for RTB/CTB environments

Managed DevOps pipelines within OpenShift on VMware vCenter

Automated patching for over 500 RHEL servers using Ansible, reducing manual workload by 90% and ensuring 100% compliance with security policies

Maintained documentation in Jira/Confluence; managed tickets in ServiceNow

Coordinated with vendors and internal teams for application and infrastructure support

Led infrastructure projects, coordinating with application development and cybersecurity teams to deploy and secure new services in a hybrid cloud environment

Technical Operational Support Engineer (NOC)

RedHat (Remote) – Raleigh, NC

November 2022 – November 2023

Delivered enterprise Linux, OpenShift, and Ansible support

Met SLAs via proactive updates across Salesforce, Zendesk, Slack, and WhatsApp

Worked with development teams to resolve critical production incidents

Senior Systems Administrator – Linux

PNC Bank (Remote) – Pittsburgh, PA

December 2020 – February 2023

Maintained OpenShift Container 4.12 and RHEL in VMware environments

Automated builds with Ansible; managed deployments through ServiceNow

Documented workflows and led server rollout coordination

Integrated RHEL systems with Active Directory via SSSD/LDAP for centralized user authentication and group-based privilege management

Lead Server Engineer – Linux

Westinghouse (Remote) – Cranberry, PA

May 2017 – November 2021

Administered SUSE/RHEL Linux and OpenShift across QA/Test/Prod.

Hardened systems according to CIS benchmarks by implementing least-privilege principles, managing user access, and configuring granular SUDO policies to ensure SOX compliance

Automated infrastructure using Bash and Python.

Trained and mentored new Junior Engineers and Interns in SAP/Linux environment

Lead Linux Administrator

VPG – Wendell, NC

March 2014 – April 2017

Deployed and maintained AWS-based Linux systems with CodeDeploy.

Designed 24/7 backup and restore plans using EMC Networker/NDMP.

Ensured SOX patch compliance and system availability

Integrated RHEL systems with Active Directory via SSSD/LDAP for centralized user authentication and group-based privilege management

Engineering Systems Support Administrator

Varite @ NetApp – RTP, NC

November 2012 – November 2013

Configured NetApp filers and Cisco UCS in VMware environments

Led PXE/Kickstart builds and racked/stacked data center equipment

Supported production with RedHat and Windows OS imaging

Education

MPA, Urban Management – Strayer University

MBA, Management – Strayer University

BS, Business Management – Shaw University

BS, Computer Information Systems – Shaw University

Certifications

Kubernetes (CKA/CKAD) Training – Certification pending

Splunk Enterprise Admin Training – Completed March 2025

Ansible Training – In Progress

Terraform Training – In Progress

Additional Highlights

Delivered secure, stable Linux environments in both enterprise and hybrid cloud platforms.

Collaborated with cross-functional teams in Agile and ITIL-based organizations.

Demonstrated adaptability in high-pressure, SLA-driven environments.

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