Network Engineer; U - Berkeley Seismology Lab

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff. As a world‑leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice.

Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value. We are looking for applicants who reflect California’s diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity‑focused community that views education as a matter of social justice.

The Berkeley Seismology Lab (BSL) operates a large seismic and geophysical network across northern California to collect, analyze, and archive data for the purposes of earthquake monitoring, early warning and scientific research. In collaboration with the USGS Earthquake Management Project, BSL jointly operates the northern California component of the USGS Advanced National Seismic System, providing public earthquake information, earthquake early warnings (Shake Alert system/MyShake app), and long‑term earthquake monitoring.

BSL is also responsible for training, education, and outreach activities. This position ensures the performance and resiliency of networking infrastructure vital to earthquake early warning, monitoring and research.

This is a 100% FTE, 2‑year contract position with the possibility for extension and/or conversion to a career position based on available funding.

• 30% Leads the design, specification, configuration, installation, management and troubleshooting of data communications equipment for the flow of data from approximately 200 geophysical field stations to multiple data centers, both on‑prem and in the cloud. Oversees, configures, secures, manages and troubleshoots data communication (e.g., Ethernet, T1s, microwave links, VPNs, firewalls) with outside partners and the public. Develops and implements monitoring and diagnostic tools, software, and procedures.
• 20% Troubleshoots throughout the data communications network, interacting with a diverse set of contacts, collaborators and service providers to resolve problems. Responsibilities include hardware, software and security of equipment in the field and data center, and problems with data communications service providers such as telemetry outages. Reviews and responds to network performance degradation, bandwidth usage and data flow issues.
• 15% Oversees, configures, secures, manages and troubleshoots data communications hardware and software within the data center, including redundant VPN gateways, routers and switches. Works directly with vendor/manufacturer/technical support to isolate and resolve complex hardware and software issues. Configures and troubleshoots systems that support network services.
• 15% Consults with other units and outside collaborators on planning, implementation and security for jointly used data communications systems. Works with outside partner organizations and stakeholders to ensure compatibility and conformance with their standards for data paths that cross their networks. Participates in cross‑functional group discussions and activities. Provides advice and guidance on data communications infrastructure and expert advice to users/units on data communication issues.
• 15% Collaboratively reviews with other staff the data flow needs of the organization. Coordinates all phases of multiple, complex network projects: planning, design, procurement, implementation and documentation of completed infrastructure, including maps, figures, and database updates. Evaluates and tests new or enhanced data communications electronics and services for security, reliability, robustness and performance. Explores, develops and manages options for redundant communications paths from remote stations.
• 5% Other tasks as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Thorough understanding of various network…