POSITION SUMMARY
The Linux Image Engineer owns the intake, customization, validation, and ongoing upkeep of customer provided and generic Linux OS images. The role takes each customer’s golden image, adapts it to our validated hardware, and keeps it patched, versioned, and deployable for the life of the program. They will also create and maintain generic Linux images that can be utilized across our entire product line and ordered by any customer. They work directly with customers and with our engineering, manufacturing, and QA teams.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
• Receive and review customer-provided Linux images (RHEL, Rocky/Alma, Ubuntu, SLES) and their build requirements.
• Create and maintain a library of generic Linux images, validated on our supported hardware and available to any customer.
• Customize images per customer specifications: packages, drivers, kernel parameters, partitioning, users, and security settings.
• Integrate drivers and firmware tools for validated hardware, including Dell PowerEdge (iDRAC, Lifecycle Controller, BIOS/firmware baselines).
• Validate images on target hardware and document test results before release to production.
• Maintain image upkeep: apply OS patches and security updates on a regular cadence and rebuild images as customers release new versions.
• Develop and maintain scripts and automation (Bash, Python, Ansible) that handle image setup and configuration end to end, including post-install tasks, driver and firmware installation, system settings, and hardware-specific tuning, to reduce manual steps and keep builds consistent.
• Build logging into the imaging process that records deployment activity (build steps, packages, drivers, firmware, configuration changes, errors) and the target system's hardware inventory (CPU, RAM, storage, MAC addresses, serial number).
• Version-control all images, build scripts, and kickstart/autoinstall/cloud-init files; track each customer's approved baseline.
• Automate image builds with Packer, Kickstart, Ansible, and Bash/Python to make them repeatable.
• Manage image storage and distribution: image repositories, checksums, signing, PXE/iPXE, and deployment tooling.
• Scan images for vulnerabilities and remediate findings; harden to customer or CIS requirements.
• Handle image change requests through formal change control and customer sign-off.
• Troubleshoot deployment failures (boot, driver, storage, network) and work with customers on root cause.
• Keep per-customer image documentation, release notes, and runbooks current.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
•
Experience
• 3+ years of Linux administration, including building and maintaining OS images for deployment at scale.
• Hands-on with RHEL-family and Ubuntu installers: Kickstart, Anaconda, autoinstall, and cloud-init.
• Experience customizing images: package sets, kernel modules and drivers, initramfs (dracut), GRUB, and partition layouts.
• Experience in a system integrator, OEM, or contract manufacturing environment.
Certifications / Licenses (if applicable)
• Preferred: RHCSA or RHCE, LFCS, or CompTIA Linux+.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
• Image formats and tooling: ISO, qcow2, raw, OVA; Packer, virt-customize, or similar.
• Enterprise server hardware experience, preferably Dell PowerEdge with iDRAC.
• Scripting in Bash; working knowledge of Python and Ansible.
• Patch management and vulnerability remediation (OpenSCAP, Nessus, Qualys, or similar).
• PXE/iPXE, Foreman/Satellite, MAAS, or Cobbler for bare-metal provisioning.
• Image signing, Secure Boot, and supply chain integrity practices.
• Dell OpenManage, racadm, or Redfish automation.
• CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitLab CI) for automated image builds and tests.
• Compliance frameworks such as CIS, DISA STIG, or NIST 800-53.
• Working directly with customers to gather requirements and resolve issues.
• Clear written documentation and change control discipline.
• Git for version control of images and build configs.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (WITH OR WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION)
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer or desk.
• Ability to move about the workspace to access files, office equipment, and meeting areas as needed.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computer, keyboard, mouse, telephone, copier, and related devices.
• Ability to handle and organize documents and materials, which may require occasional light lifting (typically up to 10–20 lbs).
• Sufficient visual ability to read printed and electronic documents and to use a computer screen.
• Sufficient auditory ability to participate in conversations, phone calls, and virtual meetings.
• Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written form to perform job duties.
