Overview In this contractor role, you will drive an enterprise-wide RHEL upgrade program using Leapp, upgrading hundreds of servers with minimal disruption. You will work with cross-functional teams to validate readiness, manage blockers, and document outcomes as part of a critical modernization effort. The role emphasizes reliability, security compliance, and scalable automation. You'll be at the center of a large migration, shaping the upgrade process and risk mitigation. This is a hands-on, remote position with on-site final interview requirements.
Responsibilities- Execute in-place RHEL 7 to 8/9 upgrades using Leapp across physical and virtual servers
- Assess readiness and compatibility including applications, third-party tools, and kernel modules
- Conduct pre-upgrade analysis, resolve blockers, ensure Leapp prerequisites
- Develop and follow upgrade checklists, testing procedures, and rollback plans
- Collaborate with application owners, DBAs, and infra teams to coordinate schedules and minimize disruption
- Troubleshoot upgrade-related issues across system performance, services, SELinux, and network configurations
- Automate repeatable upgrade processes using Ansible or similar tools
- Ensure upgrades meet internal security and compliance requirements
- Document upgrade activities, outcomes, and system changes
- Use Remedy to track tasks, incidents, and changes related to the upgrade project
Key requirements- 3-5+ years of Linux system administration experience focusing on RHEL
- Hands-on experience with RHEL 7 8/9 upgrades & migrations using Leapp in enterprise environments
- Strong understanding of RPM, boot processes, GRUB, kernel modules, systemd, SELinux
- Experience identifying and remediating Leapp blockers and compatibility issues
- Proficiency in scripting (Bash, Python) and automation with Ansible
- Familiarity with backup/recovery procedures (snapshots, rsync, LVM)
- Excellent troubleshooting across system, network, and service layers
- Comfortable working independently in a remote, team-based environment
- Experience using Remedy for ticketing and change management
- Detail-oriented
- Process-driven
- Strong collaboration with cross-functional teams
- RHEL administration
- Leapp upgrade/tooling
- RPM, GRUB, kernel modules, systemd, SELinux
