Systems Engineer

Position Overview

Systems Engineer I supports the Center for Managed Technology Services (CMTS) by designing, deploying, and managing Linux and Windows research systems, virtual infrastructure, backups, and instrumentation environments. This position is part of a dedicated systems engineering vertical and contributes to secure, stable, and scalable infrastructure across institutional research environments, partnering with institutional governance teams, researchers, and vendors to implement secure, reliable solutions.

• Server & Endpoint Engineering (Linux/Windows):
  Build, configure, secure, and maintain Linux and Windows servers/endpoints supporting research and enterprise workflows. Implement hardening, patching, access controls, encryption, logging, and audit-readiness requirements; troubleshoot OS and application-level issues; perform performance tuning and operational fixes.
• Virtual Infrastructure & Cloud Networking:
  Deploy, configure, and administer virtual infrastructure supporting research and enterprise environments (Azure, AWS, on-prem VMware). Execute VM lifecycle tasks following CMTS standards, partner with governance teams for routing/IP/DNS/firewall/VPN access.
• Storage, Backup, and Recovery Operations:
  Implement and monitor backup and recovery solutions across supported platforms; configure backup cadence/retention; recommend storage approaches and document decisions.
• Research Workstation, Instrumentation, and Field Support & Vendor Enablement:
  Perform routine remote checks and on-site inspections; conduct manual patching; respond to hardware issues; support vendor access and maintenance.
• Researcher Enablement, Intake, and Governance Alignment:
  Consult with researchers on compute, storage, security, lifecycle planning; onboard and configure scientific workflows; contribute technical inputs for infrastructure planning and cost estimates.
• Documentation, Standards, and Service Design:
  Create and maintain operational documentation, support procedures, and technical references; contribute to service-level documents and intake workflows.
• Dev Ops & Automation Support (Shared Function):
  Support automation pipelines and CI/CD workflows with tools such as Ansible, Python, Git Hub Actions, Azure Dev Ops; contribute to infrastructure-as-code practices.
• Continuous Skill Development and Expanding Ownership:
  Build capability across Linux/Windows, Azure/AWS/VMWare, on-prem infrastructure, monitoring, instrumentation; take on increasing responsibility for technical deliverables.
• Other Duties as Assigned:
  Perform other duties as assigned to support CMTS and departmental operations.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of experience supporting Linux/Windows servers in a professional environment.
• Familiarity with virtualization platforms, storage concepts, and core networking principles.
• Ability to document system configurations, processes, and procedures.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Basic familiarity with CI/CD and automation tooling (Ansible, Git Hub Actions, Azure Dev Ops).
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

• Experience supporting research environments, HPC clusters, or mixed OS ecosystems.
• Exposure to cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, VMware), infrastructure-as-code tools (Terraform, Cloud Formation), and automation frameworks.
• Familiarity with version control systems (Git) and scripting (Bash, Python).
• Experience with container orchestration (Kubernetes, Docker).
• Preferred certifications:
  CompTIA Linux+, Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), Azure Administrator Associate, AWS Certified Sys Ops Administrator – Associate, VMware Certified Professional (VCP).

• May require work outside standard office hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays to support operations and maintenance windows.
• Requires periodic on-site visits to CMTS-supported lab locations.

• Salary:
  Pay Grade 72, compensation commensurate with qualifications.
• Position is based on-site in College Station; remote work not available except partially remote may be possible per procedures.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.