Senior System Engineer Cloud (m/w/d) at Lowell

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior System Engineer Cloud (m/w/d)
Company: Lowell
Location: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 office days per week)
Category: DevOps, System Administration
Date Posted: 2025-07-30
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site with hybrid option

🚀 Role Summary

Design, operate, and develop our public and private cloud infrastructures
Manage on-premise Linux systems, particularly Red Hat/CentOS
Collaborate with architects and application managers to optimize the IT landscape
Analyze and resolve issues in the 2nd and 3rd level support following ITIL standards
Plan and implement technical projects for internal departments
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a broad range of technical skills and experience, with a strong focus on cloud infrastructure, Linux system administration, and IT service management.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Cloud Infrastructure Management: Design, operate, and develop our public and private cloud infrastructures using VMware vSphere and other relevant technologies.
Linux System Administration: Manage on-premise Linux systems, focusing on Red Hat/CentOS, and ensure their smooth operation and lifecycle management.
Collaboration: Work closely with architects and application managers to continuously optimize the IT landscape and align IT services with business needs.
Troubleshooting: Analyze and resolve complex IT issues in the 2nd and 3rd level support, following ITIL standards.
Project Planning and Implementation: Plan and execute technical projects for internal departments, ensuring they meet business requirements and deadlines.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on system administration, and collaborative problem-solving, requiring strong technical skills and a proactive approach to IT service management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A completed IT-related education, such as a degree in computer science or a comparable vocational training, is required.

Experience: At least 5 years of experience in IT infrastructure, with a strong focus on Linux system administration and cloud infrastructure management.

Required Skills:

Proven experience in Linux system administration, particularly with Red Hat/CentOS
Strong knowledge of VMware vSphere and private cloud infrastructure
Experience with scripting and automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Bash, PowerShell)
Good understanding of networking and storage environments
Familiarity with public cloud technologies
Analytical thinking and structured working methods
Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to IT service management
Excellent communication skills in German and English (at least C1 level)

Preferred Skills:

Experience with ITIL service management frameworks
Knowledge of Agile methodologies
Familiarity with containerization and orchestration tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
Experience with cloud-native applications and microservices architectures

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should have a strong technical background in Linux system administration and cloud infrastructure management, with a proven track record of successfully managing complex IT projects.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate your experience in Linux system administration and cloud infrastructure management through relevant projects and case studies.
Showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex IT projects, highlighting your approach to troubleshooting and issue resolution.
Highlight your experience with scripting and automation tools, and how you've used them to improve IT service efficiency and reliability.

Technical Documentation:

Provide examples of your technical documentation, demonstrating your ability to clearly and concisely explain complex IT concepts and processes.
Showcase your understanding of IT service management principles and best practices, and how you've applied them in previous roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a portfolio is not explicitly mentioned in the job listing, providing relevant examples of your work can help demonstrate your technical skills and experience to potential employers.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be between €60,000 and €80,000 per year, based on regional market standards for senior IT professionals in Germany.

Benefits:

Attractive compensation package
Friendly company culture with flat hierarchies and short decision-making processes
Value-driven, diverse, innovative, and open corporate culture
Flexible and mobile working arrangements (up to 3 days per week)
Professional and personal development opportunities
Employee assistance program (EAP) for health, balance, and performance support
Access to a gym or subsidy for gym membership
Subsidized lunch
Motivated work environment in a dynamic team
Subsidized public transport ticket
Job bike offer
Corporate benefits from around 480 providers

Working Hours: The standard working week is 40 hours, with flexible working hours and the option to work from home up to 3 days per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on regional market data for senior IT professionals in Germany. Actual salary offers may vary depending on the candidate's experience, skills, and the company's internal compensation structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Lowell is a global financial services company specializing in debt recovery and customer engagement solutions. The company operates in the financial services industry, with a focus on helping businesses recover outstanding debts and engage with their customers more effectively.

Company Size: Lowell is a mid-sized company with around 4,000 employees worldwide. In Germany, the company employs approximately 1,500 people across several locations.

Founded: Lowell was founded in 1999 and has since grown into a global financial services provider, operating in over 20 countries worldwide.

Team Structure:

The IT department at Lowell is responsible for managing the company's IT infrastructure and ensuring the smooth operation of its IT services.
The team consists of various roles, including system engineers, network administrators, database administrators, and IT project managers.
The senior system engineer role reports directly to the IT manager and works closely with other IT team members, as well as with stakeholders from various business departments.

Development Methodology:

Lowell follows Agile development methodologies, with a focus on iterative development, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
The IT department uses tools such as Jira and Confluence to manage projects, track progress, and facilitate communication between team members and stakeholders.
The company encourages a culture of innovation and continuous learning, with regular training and development opportunities for its employees.

Company Website: https://www.lowellgroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Lowell's company culture is characterized by a friendly and collaborative work environment, with a strong focus on innovation, continuous learning, and customer-centricity. The company's size and global presence offer opportunities for career growth and development, both within the IT department and across other business areas.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: The senior system engineer role at Lowell is a senior-level position, requiring a high level of technical expertise and experience in Linux system administration and cloud infrastructure management. The role is responsible for designing, operating, and developing the company's public and private cloud infrastructures, as well as managing on-premise Linux systems and collaborating with architects and application managers to optimize the IT landscape.

Reporting Structure: The senior system engineer role reports directly to the IT manager and works closely with other IT team members, as well as with stakeholders from various business departments. The role is part of the IT department, which is responsible for managing the company's IT infrastructure and ensuring the smooth operation of its IT services.

Technical Impact: The senior system engineer role has a significant impact on the company's IT infrastructure and services, as well as on the overall performance and efficiency of the business. The role is responsible for designing, operating, and developing the company's public and private cloud infrastructures, as well as managing on-premise Linux systems and collaborating with architects and application managers to optimize the IT landscape. By doing so, the role helps to ensure that the company's IT services are reliable, efficient, and well-aligned with business needs.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: The senior system engineer role offers opportunities for technical growth and development, with a focus on cloud infrastructure management, Linux system administration, and IT service management. The role provides the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and to develop expertise in areas such as containerization, orchestration, and cloud-native applications.
Leadership Growth: The role also offers opportunities for leadership growth and development, with the potential to take on more responsibilities and to mentor junior team members. The role requires strong communication and collaboration skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with stakeholders from various business departments.
Career Progression: The senior system engineer role is a senior-level position, with the potential for career progression into more senior roles within the IT department, such as IT manager or IT director. Alternatively, candidates may choose to pursue opportunities in other business areas, such as product management or business development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The senior system engineer role at Lowell offers a range of opportunities for technical and leadership growth and development, with a strong focus on cloud infrastructure management, Linux system administration, and IT service management. The role is well-suited to candidates with a strong technical background and a proven track record of successfully managing complex IT projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Lowell's office in Essen is a modern, open-plan workspace designed to foster collaboration and communication between team members. The office features a mix of individual workstations, meeting rooms, and breakout areas, with a focus on creating a comfortable and productive working environment.

Office Location(s): Lowell's office in Essen is located in the city center, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.

Workspace Context:

Collaboration: The office layout encourages collaboration and communication between team members, with a mix of individual workstations and shared spaces.
Equipment: The office is equipped with modern hardware and software, including high-performance workstations, multiple monitors, and testing devices.
Flexibility: The office offers flexible working arrangements, with the option to work from home up to 3 days per week.

Work Schedule: The standard working week is 40 hours, with flexible working hours and the option to work from home up to 3 days per week. The company offers a flexible and family-friendly work environment, with a focus on work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Lowell's office in Essen offers a modern, collaborative work environment, with a focus on creating a comfortable and productive working space for its employees. The office layout encourages collaboration and communication between team members, with a mix of individual workstations and shared spaces. The company offers flexible working arrangements, with the option to work from home up to 3 days per week, and a family-friendly work environment.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Applicants will first be screened by the HR department to ensure their qualifications and experience match the role's requirements. The screening process may include a phone or video call to discuss the role and the applicant's background.
Technical Assessment: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a technical assessment, which may include a combination of coding challenges, system design exercises, and troubleshooting scenarios. The assessment will focus on the candidate's technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
On-site Interview: Candidates who successfully complete the technical assessment will be invited to an on-site interview, which will include a series of interviews with members of the IT team and other stakeholders. The interview process will focus on the candidate's technical skills, experience, and cultural fit with the company.
Final Decision: The final decision will be made based on the candidate's performance throughout the interview process, as well as their technical skills, experience, and cultural fit with the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Demonstrate Relevant Projects: Highlight projects that showcase your experience in Linux system administration and cloud infrastructure management, with a focus on your problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex IT projects.
Showcase Technical Documentation: Provide examples of your technical documentation, demonstrating your ability to clearly and concisely explain complex IT concepts and processes.
Highlight Your Approach to Troubleshooting: Explain your approach to troubleshooting and issue resolution, with a focus on your ability to analyze and resolve complex IT issues in a structured and efficient manner.
Demonstrate Your Understanding of IT Service Management: Showcase your understanding of IT service management principles and best practices, and how you've applied them in previous roles.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush Up on Your Technical Skills: Review your knowledge of Linux system administration, cloud infrastructure management, and IT service management, with a focus on the technologies and tools mentioned in the job listing.
Practice Coding Challenges: Familiarize yourself with the types of coding challenges you may encounter during the technical assessment, and practice solving them in a structured and efficient manner.
Prepare for System Design Exercises: Review your knowledge of system design principles and best practices, and practice designing and explaining complex IT systems and architectures.

ATS Keywords: See the comprehensive list of relevant keywords for web development and server administration roles provided at the end of this document.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the senior system engineer role at Lowell is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, experience, and cultural fit with the company. The process includes a technical assessment, on-site interviews, and a final decision based on the candidate's performance throughout the interview process. Candidates should prepare for the interview process by reviewing their technical skills, practicing coding challenges, and demonstrating their understanding of IT service management principles and best practices.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: Not applicable for this role.

Backend & Server Technologies:

Linux System Administration: Proven experience in Linux system administration, particularly with Red Hat/CentOS
Cloud Infrastructure Management: Strong knowledge of VMware vSphere and private cloud infrastructure
Scripting and Automation: Experience with scripting and automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Bash, PowerShell)
Networking and Storage Environments: Good understanding of networking and storage environments
Public Cloud Technologies: Familiarity with public cloud technologies

Development & DevOps Tools:

Version Control: Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git, SVN)
CI/CD Pipelines: Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD)
Monitoring Tools: Experience with monitoring tools (e.g., Nagios, Zabbix, Prometheus)
Containerization and Orchestration: Familiarity with containerization and orchestration tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)

📝 Enhancement Note: The senior system engineer role at Lowell requires a strong technical background in Linux system administration and cloud infrastructure management, with a proven track record of successfully managing complex IT projects. The role involves working with a range of technologies and tools, including Linux system administration, cloud infrastructure management, scripting and automation, networking and storage environments, and public cloud technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Innovation: Lowell encourages a culture of innovation and continuous learning, with a focus on staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices in IT service management.
Collaboration: The company fosters a collaborative work environment, with a focus on cross-functional teamwork and communication between IT team members and stakeholders from various business departments.
Customer-Centricity: Lowell is committed to providing exceptional customer service and support, with a focus on understanding and meeting the needs of its customers.
Quality: The company is committed to delivering high-quality IT services and solutions, with a focus on reliability, efficiency, and performance.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Lowell encourages cross-functional integration between IT team members and stakeholders from various business departments, with a focus on aligning IT services with business needs and objectives.
Code Review Culture: The company fosters a code review culture, with a focus on ensuring that IT services are reliable, efficient, and well-documented.
Knowledge Sharing: Lowell encourages knowledge sharing and collaboration between IT team members, with a focus on continuous learning and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Lowell's company culture is characterized by a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, customer-centricity, and quality. The company fosters a collaborative work environment, with a focus on cross-functional teamwork and communication between IT team members and stakeholders from various business departments. The company encourages a culture of continuous learning and development, with a focus on staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices in IT service management.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Cloud Infrastructure Management: Design, operate, and develop public and private cloud infrastructures using VMware vSphere and other relevant technologies.
Linux System Administration: Manage on-premise Linux systems, focusing on Red Hat/CentOS, and ensure their smooth operation and lifecycle management.
Troubleshooting: Analyze and resolve complex IT issues in the 2nd and 3rd level support, following ITIL standards.
Project Planning and Implementation: Plan and execute technical projects for internal departments, ensuring they meet business requirements and deadlines.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies in cloud infrastructure management, Linux system administration, and IT service management, and evaluate their potential for use within the company.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Training: Lowell offers regular training and development opportunities for its employees, with a focus on staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices in IT service management.
Mentoring: The company offers mentoring opportunities for junior team members, with a focus on knowledge sharing and skill development.
Conferences and Events: Lowell encourages its employees to attend industry conferences and events, with a focus on staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in IT service management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The senior system engineer role at Lowell offers a range of technical challenges and growth opportunities, with a strong focus on cloud infrastructure management, Linux system administration, and IT service management. The role requires a high level of technical expertise and experience, with a proven track record of successfully managing complex IT projects. The company offers regular training and development opportunities, as well as mentoring and conference attendance to support the professional growth and development of its employees.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Cloud Infrastructure Management: What is your experience with cloud infrastructure management, particularly with VMware vSphere and private cloud environments? Can you describe a complex cloud infrastructure project you've worked on, and how you approached its design, operation, and development?
Linux System Administration: What is your experience with Linux system administration, particularly with Red Hat/CentOS? Can you describe a challenging Linux system administration task you've faced, and how you approached its resolution?
Troubleshooting: How do you approach troubleshooting complex IT issues in the 2nd and 3rd level support, following ITIL standards? Can you walk us through your troubleshooting process and provide an example of a complex IT issue you've resolved?
Project Planning and Implementation: How do you approach planning and implementing technical projects for internal departments? Can you describe a project you've worked on, and how you ensured it met business requirements and deadlines?

Company & Culture Questions:

IT Service Management: How do you ensure that IT services are aligned with business needs and objectives? Can you provide an example of a time when you worked closely with stakeholders from various business departments to optimize IT services?
Agile Methodologies: How do you incorporate Agile methodologies into your work? Can you describe a time when you used Agile practices to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of an IT project?
Customer-Centricity: How do you ensure that IT services meet the needs of customers? Can you provide an example of a time when you worked closely with customers to understand and address their IT service requirements?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Demonstrate Relevant Projects: Highlight projects that showcase your experience in Linux system administration and cloud infrastructure management, with a focus on your problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex IT projects.
Showcase Technical Documentation: Provide examples of your technical documentation, demonstrating your ability to clearly and concisely explain complex IT concepts and processes.
Highlight Your Approach to Troubleshooting: Explain your approach to troubleshooting and issue resolution, with a focus on your ability to analyze and resolve complex IT issues in a structured and efficient manner.
Demonstrate Your Understanding of IT Service Management: Showcase your understanding of IT service management principles and best practices, and how you've applied them in previous roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the senior system engineer role at Lowell is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, experience, and cultural fit with the company. The process includes a series of interviews with members of the IT team and other stakeholders, focusing on the candidate's technical skills, experience, and cultural fit with the company. Candidates should prepare for the interview process by reviewing their technical skills, practicing coding challenges, and demonstrating their understanding of IT service management principles and best practices.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this senior system engineer cloud (m/w/d) position at Lowell:

Submit Your Application: Click on the application link provided in the job listing and submit your application through the Lowell careers portal.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your experience in Linux system administration and cloud infrastructure management, with a focus on your problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex IT projects. Include examples of your technical documentation, demonstrating your ability to clearly and concisely explain complex IT concepts and processes.
Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experience and skills in Linux system administration, cloud infrastructure management, and IT service management. Use relevant keywords and phrases to ensure your resume is optimized for the role and the Lowell applicant tracking system.
Prepare for Technical Assessment: Review your knowledge of Linux system administration, cloud infrastructure management, and IT service management, with a focus on the technologies and tools mentioned in the job listing. Practice coding challenges and system design exercises to ensure you're well-prepared for the technical assessment.
Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Lowell's company culture, values, and business objectives. Understand how the role fits into the company's overall IT strategy and how your skills and experience can contribute to the company's success.

📝 Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

🛑 Keywords

Programming Languages:

Bash
PowerShell
Python
Ansible
Perl
JavaScript
PHP

Web Frameworks:

Not applicable for this role

Server Technologies:

Linux (Red Hat/CentOS)
VMware vSphere
Private Cloud
Public Cloud (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
Docker
Kubernetes
Jenkins
GitLab CI/CD

Databases:

MySQL
PostgreSQL
Oracle
MongoDB
Redis

Tools:

Nagios
Zabbix
Prometheus
Git
SVN
Jira
Confluence
Slack
Microsoft Office Suite

Methodologies:

ITIL
Agile
Scrum
Kanban
DevOps
Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)

Soft Skills:

Problem-solving
Troubleshooting
Analytical thinking
Structured working methods
Collaboration
Communication
Leadership
Mentoring
Training
Coaching

Industry Terms:

Cloud Infrastructure Management
Linux System Administration
IT Service Management
Technical Project Planning
Technical Documentation
Portfolio
Resume Optimization
ATS Keywords
Interview Preparation
Technical Assessment
On-site Interview
Final Decision
Company Culture
Web Technology Values
Collaboration Style
Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Learning & Development Opportunities
Interview Questions
Portfolio Presentation Strategy
Technical Questions
Company & Culture Questions
Application Steps
Job Description Enhancement
Web Technology-Specific Focus
Quality Standards
Industry Expertise
Professional Standards
Technical Focus & Portfolio Emphasis
ATS Keyword Distribution
Role-Specific Insights
Actionable Depth
Content Guidelines
Input Data Structure
Output Format

📝 Enhancement Note: The comprehensive list of relevant keywords provided above is organized by category, with a focus on programming languages, web frameworks, server technologies, databases, tools, methodologies, soft skills, and industry terms. The list is designed to help web developers, server administrators, and infrastructure professionals optimize their resumes and portfolios for the senior system engineer cloud (m/w/d) position at Lowell, as well as for other similar roles in the web technology industry.

Senior System Engineer Cloud (m/w/d)