Senior Linux & Middleware Consultant

Project overview

For a long-term IT project in the public sector, we are looking for an experienced Senior Linux & Middleware Consultant on a freelance basis.

The focus is on the stable operation, administration, automation, and security of complex Linux-based middleware and platform environments.

We are seeking an expert with sound practical experience in productive enterprise operations, who can independently manage, optimize, and further develop Linux systems as well as middleware and web server components.

Important: The focus is on the operational administration of productive systems. This is not a pure DevOps, Kubernetes, or software development position.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Must-haves – Mandatory Professional Requirements

Nice-to-haves – Desirable Additional Knowledge

Project Information and Framework Conditions

Important Note on Professional Suitability

Please only apply if you have practical experience in productive enterprise Linux operation as well as in the operational administration of middleware or web server components.

Pure DevOps, Kubernetes, or software development profiles without a corresponding Linux/middleware operational focus do not match the required profile.

The relevant knowledge should be traceable through specific customer projects. A mere listing of technologies in the skill profile is not sufficient.

• Administration, operation, and troubleshooting of productive enterprise Linux environments based on RHEL and/or SLES
• Installation, configuration, administration, and maintenance of middleware and web server components
• Operation and further development of JBoss/WildFly, Apache Tomcat, Apache HTTP Server, and NGINX
• Automation of recurring operational and administrative tasks with Ansible
• Creation, adaptation, and maintenance of Ansible playbooks and automation solutions
• Monitoring and optimization of system availability and performance
• Setup, operation, and further development of monitoring solutions
• Implementation of security measures and hardening, especially in the Linux and middleware environment
• Execution and automation of patch, update, release, and lifecycle processes
• Analysis and resolution of faults in productive system landscapes
• Participation in ITIL-oriented operational processes as well as in the standardization and optimization of existing platforms
• Several years of practical experience in productive enterprise Linux operation with RHEL and/or SLES
• Demonstrable operational experience in the administration of middleware and web server components, especially with several of the following technologies:
• JBoss / WildFly
• Apache Tomcat
• Apache HTTP Server
• NGINX
• Sound practical experience with Ansible for automating Linux and middleware operational tasks
• Experience in troubleshooting, fault analysis, and stabilization of productive enterprise environments
• Practical experience with monitoring solutions such as Zabbix, Prometheus, Grafana, or ELK
• Knowledge in the area of Linux security and system hardening, for example SSH, SELinux, or AppArmor
• Experience in technical documentation and structured operational processes
• Independent, structured, and self-responsible way of working
• German language skills at least at C1 level
• Willingness for regular on-site assignments in Stuttgart (currently approximately every 14 days)
• Willingness to undergo a security check
• Experience in the administration of MariaDB and/or PostgreSQL
• Experience with automated patch and lifecycle processes
• Knowledge of Shell/Bash and Python
• Experience with ITIL-oriented operational processes
• Knowledge of Docker, Kubernetes, or OpenShift
• Experience with GitLab CI/CD
• Experience in security-critical or regulated IT environments, especially in the public sector
• Already existing security clearance SÜ2 for Baden-Württemberg
• Start: 01.01.2027
• Duration: up to * months)
• Utilization: 100% / 40 hours per week
• Location: Stuttgart / Baden-Württemberg
• Work Model: Hybrid, predominantly remote
• Remote Share: currently approx. 80%
• On-site Assignments: as needed, currently approximately every 14 days
• Project Environment: Public Sector
• Contract Type: Freelance / Service Contract
• Project Language: German (at least C1)
• Compensation: by agreement within the project budget

Project details

• Start: 2027-01
• Duration: 13 Monate
• Remote: hybrid
• Location: Stuttgart, Deutschland, DE
• Languages: German