Senior Systems Engineer - Linux SME

  • 6 Henderson Road , Knoxfield, VIC, Australia, 3180
  • Full time
  • Play a key role in supporting the Australian economy.
  • Discounted food, travel, entertainment, gym membership, staff parking and, + more.
  • Hybrid working environment.

Company

For 81 years, we've achieved success through our ability to innovate, placing a clear emphasis on how we best serve our customers’ needs. As demand continues to grow, we have expanded rapidly, now delivering a superior range of dry goods, frozen and chilled products, fresh seafood and meat, confectionery, paper products, and cleaning solutions.

In recent years, we’ve seen significant growth and invested in our systems and processes, building a close partnership with Woolworths Group that has continued to deliver high-quality service for our customers and suppliers.

In 2024, Woolworths moved to a 100% interest in the PFD business, bringing PFD exciting opportunities as a strategic part of the Group. Sharing expertise across both teams will ensure our continued success and drive further growth and unlock our collective potential.

 

About this Position  

We’re looking for a highly skilled Senior Systems Engineer - Linux to join our IT Infrastructure team. This is a high-impact role, you’ll be our dedicated Linux SME, taking full ownership of a mission-critical environment that underpins core business applications, including our MFG Pro platform.

As part of a major business transformation, this role offers the opportunity to shape the Linux environment, influence how systems evolve, and ensure our platforms remain secure, scalable, and reliable. True ownership, visibility, and the chance to leave your mark.

At PFD, we bring people together through food and this role ensures the technology behind the scenes is resilient enough to support that purpose every day.

Key Responsibilities

  • Take ownership of the Linux server infrastructure; installation, configuration, maintenance, and optimisation.
  • Design, deploy, and manage Linux-based services across on-premise and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure).
  • Monitor and improve system performance, ensuring high availability and reliability.
  • Automate administration tasks using scripting (Bash, Python, or Perl) and tools like Ansible or Terraform.
  • Implement patch management strategies, ensuring compliance and security.
  • Harden systems, integrate with IDR/XDR platforms, and address vulnerabilities proactively.
  • Lead backup and disaster recovery strategies to protect critical data and minimise downtime.
  • Provide 3rd-level escalation support, mentor team members, and contribute to knowledge-sharing.
  • Partner with developers, network engineers, and cross-functional teams to deliver infrastructure solutions for business-critical projects.

 

What We’re Looking For

To thrive in this role, you will bring:

  • 8+ years’ Linux system administration experience, with strong knowledge of Linux security principles, access controls, and encryption.
  • Enterprise-level experience in large, complex environments.
  • Hands-on expertise with VMware virtualisation.
  • Proven experience with AWS, Azure (or other major cloud providers) for deploying and managing Linux-based services.
  • Familiarity with IDR/XDR platforms and integration with Linux systems.
  • Strong stakeholder management, communication, and interpersonal skills with the patience and adaptability to balance demanding business needs.
  • A collaborative mindset, with the ability to “read the room” and adjust your approach to different audiences.

 

Bonus Skills (highly regarded):

  • Certifications in AWS, Azure, VMware, GCP, or ITIL.
  • Automation and Infrastructure-as-Code experience (Chef, Puppet, Ansible, Terraform).
  • Knowledge of security and compliance frameworks (CIS, NIST, PCI-DSS, ISO 27001, ASD).
  • Problem-solving, detail orientation, time management, and a proactive, continuous-learning mindset.

 

What Success Looks Like (6-12 Months)

  • A resilient, compliant Linux fleet, with vulnerabilities addressed and proactive monitoring in place.
  • Stakeholders are confident in the platform’s reliability and ability to support business-critical applications.
  • The Linux environment is enabling smooth deployments, integrations, and migrations with minimal disruption.
  • You are recognised as the trusted Linux SME, with strong working relationships across IT and operations.

 

What PFD is Offering the Successful Candidate

We are offering competitive remuneration, superannuation and other staff benefits (such as discounts on staff purchases, discounted accommodation, health insurance and banking).

 

Culture & Values

Customer Focus

Know your external and internal customers. Gain and preserve their confidence because we can only be successful if our customers are successful.

Respect

Treat people at work and in the community as they would like to be treated. Act safely, responsibly, and ethically. 

Passion

Share the passion of making us a successful and dynamic company. Let’s celebrate successes.

Simplicity

Let’s minimise the complications of doing business so customer services are on time, accurate and reliable. Share ideas to improve our company.

Leadership

All of us can be leaders in our day to day working lives. Bring out the best in yourself and the people around you. Do what you say you are going to do.

 

How to Apply

If this sounds like your kind of challenge, we’d love to hear from you! Click the apply button and submit your updated resume and a cover letter.

Applications close 9 October 2025 at 12:00 pm (AEST). Early applications are encouraged, as hiring managers may begin shortlisting candidates before the closing date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All applications will be treated confidentially.

As part of our recruitment process, do you consent to undergoing employment checks? These may include a medical assessment (which may involve drug and alcohol testing), a National Police History Check, a Working With Children/Vulnerable Groups Check, and a Licence Validation/Demerit Point Check.

Please note: We do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies or third parties. Any CVs sent directly to Line Managers will not be considered, and we will not be responsible for any associated fees or costs.

PFD Food Services is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Apply Now

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