Systems Administrator at RQD * Clearing LLC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Systems Administrator
Company: RQD* Clearing LLC
Location: New York, NY
Job Type: Hybrid (In-Person or Hybrid preferred)
Category: Server Administration
Date Posted: 2025-08-01
Experience Level: Entry to Junior-Mid Level (0-3 years)
Remote Status: On-site with occasional remote work

🚀 Role Summary

Maintain and support production trading environment with Linux and Windows systems
Collaborate with a small team to ensure exceptional system uptime and reliability
Participate in building a best-in-class trading/execution platform with modern solutions and cutting-edge hardware
Troubleshoot incidents, coordinate data center tasks, and support urgent after-hours issues

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers an opportunity to learn and work with modern technologies while contributing to a growing trading/execution platform in a high-pressure, finance-focused environment.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Daily Production Support: Manage Linux (CentOS 7.9/RHEL 9.3) systems and Windows workstations with root/administrator level access
Atlassian Products Management: Admin and manage Atlassian products (Wiki, Jira, Bitbucket)
Configuration Management: Edit Salt configuration and perform housekeeping tasks for Linux-centric devices and applications
Incident Triage: Diagnose and communicate initial reports for network layer/interface level incidents
Data Center Coordination: Coordinate physical data center work, tasks, and support, including in-person visits to NJ data centers
System Stability: Ensure environment stability during market downtimes and weekend checkouts
Critical Incident Support: Provide urgent after-hours support for system outages, network failures, and other critical incidents

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong problem-solving skills, calmness under pressure, and commitment to resolving critical issues during stressful late-night or weekend emergencies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 0-3 years of relevant experience in Linux system administration and production support

Required Skills:

Bash scripting experience
Linux system administration experience (user management, services, monitoring)
Experience interacting directly with clients/users, ideally in finance/trading
Aptitude for multi-tasking, handling interruptions, and priority shifts

Preferred Skills:

Experience with RHEL 9 flavors, Python scripting, HPE ILO (or IDRAC/BMC), Hyper-V or similar virtual machine technology, Atlassian products, GIT and GIT branch workflows, SolarFlare or equivalent NIC card, Salt or Ansible, understanding of switching, networking, VLANs, participating in a support rotation, understanding of Server <-> Switch network layer and troubleshooting methods, Docker and database administration, OS level and hardware level performance optimization techniques

📝 Enhancement Note: While not required, familiarity with preferred skills will enable candidates to hit the ground running and contribute more effectively to the team's success.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate Linux system administration experience with user management, services, and monitoring examples
Showcase Bash scripting projects that highlight problem-solving and automation skills
Include examples of incident triage and troubleshooting, preferably in a high-pressure environment
Display experience with Atlassian products and GIT branch workflows through relevant projects or contributions

Technical Documentation:

Document code quality, commenting, and version control practices used in previous projects
Explain deployment processes, server configuration, and testing methodologies employed in past roles
Describe performance metrics and optimization techniques used to improve system performance

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role involves supporting a production trading environment, candidates should emphasize their experience with critical incident management, system stability, and high-availability infrastructure in their portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $125,000 USD commensurate with experience

Benefits:

Competitive salary and benefits package
Opportunity to work with modern technologies and cutting-edge hardware
Collaborative and supportive team environment
Exposure to a high-pressure, finance-focused trading environment

Working Hours: Full-time, with availability for urgent after-hours support and weekend checkouts as needed

📝 Enhancement Note: While the salary range is provided, candidates should research additional benefits and compensation components, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks, to make an informed decision.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services, focusing on trading and execution services

Company Size: Small to Medium (50-250 employees), allowing for close collaboration and growth opportunities

Founded: 2006, with a history of growth and expansion in the financial services industry

Team Structure:

Small, collaborative IT team focused on execution services
Cross-functional collaboration with trading, operations, and other internal teams
Flat hierarchy with opportunities for growth and leadership development

Development Methodology:

Agile/Scrum methodologies for project management and sprint planning
Code review, testing, and quality assurance practices to ensure system reliability
Deployment strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and automated deployment for streamlined operations

Company Website: RQD* Clearing

📝 Enhancement Note: RQD* Clearing values collaboration, innovation, and a strong work ethic, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Junior to Mid-Level Systems Administrator, responsible for maintaining and supporting production trading environments, with opportunities to learn modern technologies and contribute to platform development

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the IT Manager, with close collaboration with the IT team and cross-functional stakeholders

Technical Impact: Ensures system uptime, reliability, and stability, directly impacting trading operations and financial outcomes

Growth Opportunities:

Develop expertise in modern technologies and cutting-edge hardware
Gain experience in a high-pressure, finance-focused trading environment
Build leadership skills through team collaboration and mentoring opportunities
Contribute to platform development and architecture decisions as the team grows

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential, as candidates can expand their skillset, gain valuable experience in a high-pressure environment, and contribute to the company's growth and success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with a preference for in-person or hybrid work arrangements, allowing for close collaboration and team interaction

Office Location(s): New York, NY, with occasional in-person visits to NJ data centers for scheduled maintenance and emergency response

Workspace Context:

Collaborative workspace with opportunities for team interaction and knowledge sharing
Access to modern hardware and cutting-edge technology for platform development
Supportive team environment focused on problem-solving, innovation, and continuous improvement

Work Schedule: Full-time, with availability for urgent after-hours support and weekend checkouts as needed to ensure system stability and reliability

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment at RQD* Clearing allows for close collaboration and team interaction, fostering a supportive and innovative work culture.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Phone Screen: Assess Linux system administration experience, Bash scripting skills, and problem-solving abilities through hands-on exercises and technical discussions
On-site Technical Interview: Evaluate incident triage and troubleshooting skills, data center coordination experience, and communication abilities through case studies, live coding, and behavioral questions
Final Review: Assess cultural fit, team dynamics, and overall qualifications through a final interview with key stakeholders

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight Linux system administration experience, Bash scripting projects, and incident triage examples
Emphasize experience with Atlassian products, GIT branch workflows, and high-availability infrastructure
Prepare for questions about system stability, critical incident management, and high-pressure environments

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on Linux system administration, Bash scripting, and incident triage skills
Familiarize yourself with Atlassian products, GIT branch workflows, and high-availability infrastructure concepts
Practice problem-solving and communication skills to excel in live coding and behavioral questions

ATS Keywords:

Programming Languages: Bash, Python
Server Technologies: Linux (CentOS 7.9, RHEL 9.3), Windows
Tools: Atlassian (Jira, Wiki, Bitbucket), Salt, GIT, Docker, Nagios
Methodologies: Agile/Scrum, CI/CD
Soft Skills: Problem-solving, communication, teamwork, adaptability
Industry Terms: Trading, Execution Services, High-Availability Infrastructure

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process at RQD* Clearing is designed to assess technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit, with a focus on incident triage, system stability, and high-pressure environments.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Server Technologies:

Linux: CentOS 7.9, RHEL 9.3
Windows
Atlassian Products: Jira, Wiki, Bitbucket
Salt for configuration management
GIT for version control and collaborative development
Docker for containerization and deployment
Nagios for monitoring and alerting

Networking:

Familiarity with switching, networking, and VLANs
Understanding of Server <-> Switch network layer and troubleshooting methods
Experience with HPE ILO (or IDRAC/BMC) for hardware management

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack at RQD* Clearing is focused on Linux system administration, incident triage, and high-availability infrastructure, with opportunities to learn modern technologies and cutting-edge hardware.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Expertise: Demonstrate deep knowledge of Linux system administration, Bash scripting, and incident triage
Innovation: Embrace modern technologies and cutting-edge hardware to drive platform development and growth
Collaboration: Work closely with team members to ensure system uptime, reliability, and stability
Continuous Improvement: Continuously learn and improve skills to stay current with industry best practices and emerging technologies

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Collaborate with trading, operations, and other internal teams to ensure system reliability and stability
Code Review Culture: Participate in code reviews and knowledge sharing to improve system quality and team expertise
Peer Programming: Work closely with team members to troubleshoot incidents, coordinate data center tasks, and support critical incidents

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture at RQD* Clearing values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Maintain and support production trading environment with high system uptime and reliability
Troubleshoot incidents and coordinate data center tasks in a high-pressure, finance-focused environment
Ensure system stability during market downtimes and weekend checkouts
Contribute to platform development and architecture decisions as the team grows

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Develop expertise in modern technologies and cutting-edge hardware through hands-on experience and training opportunities
Gain valuable experience in a high-pressure, finance-focused trading environment
Build leadership skills through team collaboration, mentoring, and architecture decision-making opportunities

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical challenges and learning opportunities at RQD* Clearing are designed to help candidates grow their skills, gain valuable experience, and contribute to the company's success in a high-pressure, finance-focused environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Linux System Administration: Describe your experience with Linux system administration, user management, services, and monitoring
Bash Scripting: Walk through a Bash script you've written to automate a repetitive task or solve a complex problem
Incident Triage: Explain your approach to incident triage, troubleshooting, and communicating initial reports to users/clients
Data Center Coordination: Discuss your experience coordinating physical data center work, tasks, and support, including in-person visits to data centers
System Stability: Describe your strategies for ensuring system stability during market downtimes and weekend checkouts

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: Explain what you understand about RQD* Clearing's company culture, values, and work environment
Team Dynamics: Describe your experience working in a small, collaborative team and how you've contributed to team success
High-Pressure Environments: Discuss your experience working in high-pressure environments and how you've handled stressful situations

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Linux System Administration: Highlight your Linux system administration experience through user management, services, and monitoring examples
Bash Scripting: Showcase your Bash scripting projects and explain the problem-solving and automation techniques you employed
Incident Triage: Demonstrate your incident triage and troubleshooting skills through case studies and live coding exercises
Atlassian Products: Explain your experience with Atlassian products, GIT branch workflows, and high-availability infrastructure

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation process at RQD* Clearing focuses on assessing technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit, with a strong emphasis on incident triage, system stability, and high-pressure environments.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Systems Administrator position at RQD* Clearing:

Submit your application through the application link provided
Customize your web portfolio with live demos and responsive examples, highlighting your Linux system administration, Bash scripting, and incident triage skills
Optimize your resume for web technology roles, emphasizing your project highlights and technical skills
Prepare for technical interview challenges, focusing on Linux system administration, Bash scripting, incident triage, and data center coordination
Research RQD* Clearing's company culture, web technology focus, and user experience understanding to demonstrate your fit for the role

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with RQD* Clearing before making application decisions.

Systems Administrator