Infrastructure Engineer

Rice University; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University in Houston seeks an Infrastructure Engineer to administer and extend compute, storage, and private cloud infrastructure, with emphasis on data management and recovery. You will lead backup operations using Commvault, manage tape libraries and VMware, and collaborate across TS&S and EI to implement scalable, secure solutions.

This hybrid role offers in-office and remote work. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years in related roles; salary is

Qualifications

• Experience with backup hardware like tape libraries and Fibre Channel fabrics.
• Proficiency in managing Windows and Linux environments.
• Experience leading large deployments and implementing micro-segmentation/zero-trust.

Responsibilities

• Administers and supports private, hybrid, and public cloud compute/storage.
• Primary administrator for the Commvault data management platform health and performance.
• Oversees enterprise backup infrastructure including Quantum tape libraries, cloud storage targets, and SAN devices.
• Deploys CommCell VSA to facilitate backup/recovery across VMware and public cloud platforms.
• Evaluates new technologies and recommends enhancements to improve infrastructure efficiency and resource utilization.
• Maintains detailed systems infrastructure documentation for support personnel, developers, and users.

Skills

Backup hardware

Linux & Windows

Deployment leadership & security

Education

Bachelor’s degree (CS/Engineering)

Tools

Commvault

VMware vSphere

Fibre Channel

Cloud storage (AWS Glacier/Azure)

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking an Infrastructure Engineer to administer, develop, and support compute, storage, and private cloud infrastructure platforms and services while driving strategy for enterprise data management and recovery. This role acts as a primary administrator for the backup data management platform and oversees complex backup infrastructure, including Quantum tape libraries and cloud storage targets. By collaborating across Enterprise Infrastructure teams, you will help implement scalable, secure solutions and technology roadmaps that support the university's mission of pathbreaking research and teaching.

As part of the Technology Solutions & Services (TS&S) Infrastructure team, the Infrastructure Engineer is responsible for the administration, development, and support of compute, storage, and private cloud infrastructure platforms and services. This role serves as a thought leader in driving strategy for scalable and secure infrastructure, with a specific focus on enterprise data management and recovery. The position will engage and collaborate with TS&S and Enterprise Infrastructure (EI) peers to develop and implement scalable, secure infrastructure and computing solutions, architecture plans, technology roadmaps, and project plans. The Infrastructure Engineer operates as a thought leader, using expertise to drive strategy, and may manage multiple projects simultaneously.

An ideal candidate for this position is a thought leader with at least 5 years of related experience who possesses proven expertise in Commvault architecture and VMware vSphere protection. You are a solution-oriented professional capable of navigating complex Windows and Linux environments while maintaining a strong commitment to collaboration and service excellence.

Workplace Requirements

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, with a proposed salary range of $130,000 to $135,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• 3+ years of related experience in an Infrastructure Engineer or Systems Administrator role.
• In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Skills

• Proven ability to manage and troubleshoot physical backup hardware, including tape libraries and Fibre Channel fabrics.
• Ability to identify solutions within complex, disparate environments across Linux and Windows operating systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale deployment projects and implement security policies such as micro-segmentation and zero-trust practices.

Preferences

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, management information systems, or a related field.
• 5 years of related experience in an Infrastructure Engineer or Systems Administrator role.
• Experience with Commvault architecture, specifically managing CommServe job orchestration and MediaAgent data movement.
• Experience implementing and managing Commvault Virtual Server Agents (VSA) or similar technologies to protect complex VMware vSphere environments.
• Experience leveraging cloud storage (e.g., AWS Glacier, Azure Blob Storage) for long-term data retention and disaster recovery.

Essential Functions

• Manages, administers, and supports private, hybrid, and public cloud compute and storage environments.
• Serves as the primary administrator for the Commvault data management platform, ensuring the health and performance of the CommServe server and associated MediaAgents.
• Oversees enterprise backup infrastructure, including the configuration and maintenance of Quantum tape libraries, cloud storage targets, and SAN devices.
• Deploys and manages CommCell Virtual Server Agents (VSA) to facilitate seamless backup and recovery operations across VMware and public cloud platforms.
• Evaluates new technologies and recommends enhancements to improve infrastructure efficiency and resource utilization.
• Maintains detailed systems infrastructure documentation for support personnel, developers, and users.

Technology Solutions & Services (TS&S)

TS&S provides excellent constituent service, acting as a strategic partner to advance Rice University's priorities and mission of "pathbreaking research, unsurpassed teaching, and contribution to the betterment of our world." We fuel innovation at speed across the university by building a culture of trust, using an effective operating model, driving seamless experiences, and providing core IT capabilities. TS&S is service-oriented and team-enabling. We seek applicants who will contribute to our mission.

Trust Building and Stakeholder Engagement - Foster trust across the campus by being transparent, reliable, consistent, and solution-oriented in communication and execution. Ensure clear, consistent, and timely communication with all constituents, maintaining a service-oriented mindset and addressing challenges with integrity.

Collaboration and Cross-functional Commitment - Work effectively with colleagues across teams, departments, and roles to support shared goals and a positive work environment. Communicate clearly and professionally with team members throughout TS&S and across the campus to ensure smooth coordination of tasks and projects. Build and maintain positive relationships by being approachable, reliable, and responsive. Proactively share relevant information and follow up to ensure alignment and efficiency in team efforts.

Agility and Responsiveness - Adapt quickly to evolving needs, technologies, and priorities, ensuring efficiency and relevance. Identify potential challenges in advance and take proactive steps to minimize disruption to end users. Approach unexpected changes with a problem-solving mindset, balancing speed with thoughtful engagement. Prioritize user experience by delivering seamless, timely, and effective support and solutions. Maintain a culture of continuous learning - asking questions from a place of curiosity and possibility to enhance agility and service outcomes.

Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement - Maintain a culture of continuous improvement in all IT operations to ensure efficient and effective service delivery. Regularly assess and optimize processes, systems, and technologies to enhance performance, scalability, and user satisfaction.

Rice University HR | Benefits:

https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values:

Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Human Resources Office via email at [e-mail] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [e-mail]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.