IT Support Engineer - Linux at Astranis

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 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 managing hardware, troubleshooting issues, and supporting a variety of software solutions—with a strong focus on Linux-based systems. 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 and enjoy helping people solve 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: Set up workstations, install and configure software, ensure all devices function optimally, and manage onsite inventory and IT asset life cycles—with an emphasis on Linux workstation and server configurations.
• Troubleshoot Hardware, Software, and Network Issues: Identify and resolve various system and connectivity issues, both in person and remotely, with advanced troubleshooting across Linux distributions.
• Maintain Documentation: Create and update IT documentation, including guides, procedures, and solutions to known issues, particularly for Linux-focused workflows and system configurations.
• System Administration: Manage access permissions, system updates, and configurations within Linux environments (primary), and support administration in Active Directory, Google Workspace, and other platforms as needed.
• User Training and Education: Conduct onboarding training sessions and provide guidance on IT best practices, with a focus on helping users navigate Linux tools, systems, and security practices.
• Manage and maintain diverse computing environments: Oversee Linux, Windows, and macOS systems—ensuring optimal performance, security, and user support, with Linux as the primary area of ownership.
• 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 2 years in IT support, systems administration, or a related field, with substantial hands-on experience in Linux environments.
• Linux Expertise: Proven, in-depth knowledge of Linux system administration, including command-line proficiency, package management, system troubleshooting, and configuration of various distributions.
• Multi-Platform Capability: Familiarity with Windows and macOS is beneficial, but Linux must be your strongest platform.
• Virtualization Technologies: Hands-on experience with virtualization platforms such as VMware, KVM, or similar technologies.
• Remote Support Proficiency: Skilled in using remote desktop support tools and ticketing systems to resolve user issues efficiently.
• Problem Solving & Multi-tasking: Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Mission-Critical Systems Management: Capable of managing sensitive, mission-critical Linux systems with urgency and precision to ensure operational integrity and security.
• Communication & Teamwork: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a customer-focused attitude and collaborative approach.
• Networking Fundamentals: Strong understanding of networking concepts, including IP, DNS, and DHCP.

Bonus:

• Cloud Services: Experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP—particularly working with Linux-based cloud workloads.
• Scripting & Automation: Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python, PowerShell) to automate routine tasks, with Bash/Python experience highly valued.
• Network Security: Familiarity with VPN and firewall configurations.
• 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.