What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Systems Engineer position at CENIC?
About CENIC
Join the team that connects California to the world — advancing education and research statewide by providing the world-class computing network essential for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. Our organization operates the California Research and Education Network (CalREN), a high-capacity computer network with more than 8,000 miles of optical fiber. The network serves over 20 million users across California, including the vast majority of K-20 students together with educators, researchers, and individuals at other vital public-serving institutions.
Position Summary
The Senior Systems Engineer is pivotal in designing, implementing, and supporting sophisticated Linux-based systems, Cloud and SaaS solutions to drive CENIC’s objectives. They provide advanced technical expertise and support for all CENIC-managed systems, emphasizing accountability and customer service approach.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None
Location: Hybrid
This position operates in a professional office environment with standard office equipment including computers, telephones, photocopiers and filing cabinets.
Work Hours
The regular workweek is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ability to work evenings and weekends for problem resolutions, upgrades, etc., based on CENIC’s business demands.
Work Authorization
Documented Proof of identity and legal eligibility to work in the United States.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Join the team that connects California to the world — advancing education and research statewide by providing the world-class computing network essential for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. Our organization operates the California Research and Education Network (CalREN), a high-capacity computer network with more than 8,000 miles of optical fiber. The network serves over 20 million users across California, including the vast majority of K-20 students together with educators, researchers, and individuals at other vital public-serving institutions.
Position Summary
The Senior Systems Engineer is pivotal in designing, implementing, and supporting sophisticated Linux-based systems, Cloud and SaaS solutions to drive CENIC’s objectives. They provide advanced technical expertise and support for all CENIC-managed systems, emphasizing accountability and customer service approach.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None
Location: Hybrid
- Install, configure, maintain, and support Linux servers in remote data centers and on-premises to ensure high availability and performance.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Network Operations, and other teams to troubleshoot, prevent issues, and ensure project milestones are met.
- Install, configure, and maintain various software applications or appliances software (commercial or open source) in Linux servers and regularly apply software updates and patches to keep systems secure and up-to-date.
- Research and recommend new technology implementations and conduct testing and ensure adherence to best practices.
- Design and implement system architectures that meet organizational needs with an agile mindset.
- Automate system tasks to improve efficiency and reduce manual intervention.
- Participate in on-call rotation for technical support and mentor junior team members.
- Monitor, troubleshoot, and follow up on incidents, ensuring proper solution planning and resolution.
- Conduct system testing and validation to ensure functionality and performance.
- Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends.
- Identify potential risks associated with system implementation and operation.
- Assist in managing and maintaining Linux-based systems and DNS servers.
- Develop and maintain automation scripts using Ansible, Python, or other tools.
- Provide training, mentorship, and knowledge sharing for junior engineers and team members.
- Be able to work from the office in La Mirada during and after hours as needed.
- Track and resolve requests via the ticketing system.
- Create detailed design documentation and system specifications.
- Deep knowledge of systems architecture, networking, and cloud computing.
- Proficiency in scripting and automation.
- Ability to design, implement, and manage infrastructure through code.
- Proficiency in managing virtual machine platforms, containers technologies , Kubernetes clusters, and NAS systems in enterprise environments.
- Expertise in Linux operating systems and virtualization technologies.
- Expertise in core system technologies such as DNS, Packages, Users and Groups, Network and Disc management.
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting capabilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including developers, operations, and management.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and practices.
- At least 8 years of Systems Engineer or relevant experience
- 5 years of Linux System Administrator experience.
- 3 years of cloud engineering experience.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
- Experience in managing containerized workloads in standalone environments and at scale with Kubernetes.
- Expertise in automation scripting using Python and frameworks such as Ansible, Chef, and Puppet.
- Knowledge of monitoring tools such as Zabbix.
- Experience with Rocky and Ubuntu is a plus.
- Experience with IaC tools like Pulumi or Terrafom is a plus
- Familiarity with macOS.
- Experience with utilizing AWS Resources such as EC2, RDS and VPC.
- Company Culture: Small teams and a collaborative environment provide the opportunity to make a large impact in a small organization.
- Community Engagement: We work with research and education institutions in the largest state economy in the United States. The work you do has meaning.
- Health Benefits: We have generous medical benefits as well as dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Paid Time Off: We offer liberal vacation, holiday, and sick leave.
- Investment in Your Future: CENIC contributes to your 403(b) even if you don't. We also offer matching contributions on top of that.
This position operates in a professional office environment with standard office equipment including computers, telephones, photocopiers and filing cabinets.
Work Hours
The regular workweek is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ability to work evenings and weekends for problem resolutions, upgrades, etc., based on CENIC’s business demands.
Work Authorization
Documented Proof of identity and legal eligibility to work in the United States.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Salary : $135,000 - $165,000
