IT Data Systems Engineer

University of Alaska; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement options

Annual leave

12 paid holidays

Tuition waivers

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Job summary

The University of Alaska is seeking an IT Data Systems Engineer aboard the RV Sikuliaq to maintain and support the vessel's specialized IT infrastructure for scientists and crew.

The role involves hands-on configuration, backup management, and on-sea support, with 1–3 months aboard per year and a comprehensive benefits package. Remote work is possible when not at sea, contingent on ship schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in IT or related field with 4 years' experience.
• Experience with PowerShell, Python, and shell scripting for automation.
• Experience configuring Proxmox virtualization infrastructure.
• Familiarity with Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy.
• Strong networking fundamentals and at-sea support experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and support the vessel's IT infrastructure and systems.
• Provide on-sea IT support for scientists, technicians, and crew.
• Configure backups, monitor system health, and perform routine maintenance.
• Collaborate with ship crew to ensure reliable connectivity and data handling.

Skills

PowerShell

Python

Shell scripting

Proxmox virtualization

Active Directory

DNS

DHCP

Group Policy

Networking basics

Help desk support

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT

Tools

Proxmox

Job description

Join the team aboard the University of Alaska Fairbanks' research vessel Sikuliaq as an IT Data Systems Engineer and play a critical role in supporting cutting-edge oceanographic research. This hands-on position offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic maritime environment, supporting and maintaining the vessel's specialized IT infrastructure and ensuring reliable technology systems for scientists, technicians, and crew operating at sea.

To thrive in this role, candidates should have experience in PowerShell, Python, and shell scripting for process automation highly desired. Experience configuring and operating ProxMox virtualization infrastructure, as well as configuring, tuning, and monitoring system backup methods, is also preferred. Familiarity with Microsoft Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy administration is strongly desired.

The successful applicant should have knowledge of general networking fundamentals and troubleshooting (TCP/IP v4, ARP, MAC address tables, etc), large data set handling, and help desk style support for at-sea technicians and scientists.

The successful applicant will be expected to be aboard the ship for 1-3 months per year, based on the ship schedule and needs.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.*

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (i.e. Information Technology or other related field) and 4 years progressively responsible experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Position Details:

This position will be physically located on board the RV Sikuliaq from one to three months per year (based on the ship schedule and needs) and can be remote when not aboard. Moving to Seward, Alaska is encouraged but not required. For each day at sea, cruise leave is accrued at a rate of 2.29 hours per day and sea pay is accrued as an additional $325 per day on top of base salary. This is a full-time, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 81, based on education and experience.

Application review will begin on October 26, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration; however, the recruitment will remain open until filled.

The University of Alaska (UA) requires employees to work on-site based on operational and business needs. Hybrid and remote work arrangements may be considered only for positions specifically designated and advertised as eligible for hybrid or remote work. Any approved arrangement will be based on the position's duties, operational needs, and the employee's ability to effectively perform the work remotely.

This is a term-funded position reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.*

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at [e-mail].

The University of Alaska (UA) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Non-Campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.*

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA:(Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or [e-mail]/907-786-1214 or [e-mail].

UAF:(Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or [e-mail].

UAS:(Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing [e-mail].