Network and Systems Specialist (Sr Software Engineer)

The University of Texas at Austin; United States; On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid basic medical

Retirement contributions

Paid vacation and sick time

Paid holidays

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Network and Systems Specialist at the Pickle Research Campus. The Sr Software Engineer will administer, monitor, and secure the tactical development network, configure Linux workstations and servers, and support infrastructure decisions.

Responsibilities include maintaining servers, ensuring security, documenting configurations, and collaborating with teams. Candidates should have 3+ years in software development and 2+ years in systems

Qualifications

• HS/GED with production experience and at least two programming languages.
• Three years of experience with software development in complex systems.
• Two years of software development with at least one year of systems administrative experience.
• Experience administering, configuring, and troubleshooting Linux-based systems (kernels, drivers, user-space).
• Ability to monitor, diagnose, and resolve server-level and gateway-level issues.
• Follows configuration, security, and documentation standards.
• Willing to work with new technologies; highly organized and capable of managing multiple tasks.
• US Citizenship; eligible for security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Administer, monitor, and maintain servers and network gateways supporting the tactical development network; diagnose server and gateway issues.
• Make recommendations on network architecture and resource allocation for the tactical development environment.
• Configure, deploy, and maintain Linux OS on workstations and servers (kernel, drivers, apps).
• Implement and maintain network security practices (firewall/iptables, STIG compliance, access control).
• Create and maintain documentation for network configurations, system builds, and procedures.
• Other related functions as assigned.

Skills

Programming languages

Software development

Systems administration

Linux administration

Network troubleshooting

Security practices

Documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

VMware virtualization

Bash scripting

PowerShell

YAML

Python

Ansible

Puppet

Git

SQL

Job description

Job Posting Title: Network and Systems Specialist (Sr Software Engineer)

Hiring Department: Applied Research Laboratories

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

Job Details

Purpose Administer, monitor, and secure the laboratory's tactical development network including making informed infrastructure decisions, resolving server and gateway-level issues, and configuring and maintaining Linux-based development workstations and servers.

Responsibilities

• Administer, monitor, and maintain servers and network gateways supporting the tactical development network, including diagnosing and resolving server-level and gateway-level issues.
• Make informed recommendations and decisions regarding network architecture, infrastructure changes, and resource allocation for the tactical development environment.
• Configure, deploy, and maintain Linux operating systems on development workstations and servers, including kernel configuration, device drivers, and user-space applications.
• Implement and maintain network security practices, including firewall/iptables configuration, STIG compliance, and access control.
• Create and maintain documentation for network configurations, system builds, and operational procedures.
• Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• HS/GED Production experience with at least two programming languages.
• Three years of experience with software development in complex systems.
• Two years of software development with at least one year of systems administrative experience.
• Demonstrated ability to administer, configure, and troubleshoot Linux-based systems, including kernel modules, device drivers, and user-space applications.
• Demonstrated ability to monitor, diagnose, and resolve server-level and network gateway-level issues.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound, informed decisions regarding network infrastructure and system configuration.
• Demonstrated ability to follow configuration, security, and documentation standards.
• Dynamic skill set, willing to work with new technologies, highly organized, capable of planning and coordinating multiple tasks and managing time.
• Attention to detail, effective problem solving, sound engineering judgment, and good communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with sensitive and confidential information, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member without daily supervision, and effectively communicate with all groups of clients.
• Ability to work under pressure, accept supervision, and maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• US Citizen.
• Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology / Information Systems (BSIT, BSIS), Network Engineering, Cybersecurity, or other related field with a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Experience administering tactical, classified, or isolated/air-gapped development networks.
• Demonstrated knowledge of networking protocols and services: TCP/IP, SSH, SCP, FTP, HTTP(S), DNS, DHCP.
• Experience with firewall/iptables configuration, STIG compliance, and network security hardening.
• Proficiency with Linux distributions (Red Hat, Ubuntu) and Windows interoperability.
• Experience with virtualization (VMware) and infrastructure monitoring tools.
• Scripting and automation experience: Bash, PowerShell, YAML, Python.
• Experience with configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet) and source control (Git).
• Knowledge of SQL and database administration.
• Ability to articulate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Prior work experience in professional or research-oriented environments.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal communication skills.

General Notes

An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.

Visit our website (www.arlut.utexas.edu) for additional information about Applied Research Laboratories.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays

Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.

Salary Range

$100,000-$115,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Use of manual dexterity
• Possible weekend, evening and holiday work
• Possible interstate/intrastate travel
• Exposure to all weather conditions.
• Exposure to electrical and mechanical hazards.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Employment Eligibility

• Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers.
• Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

Start Here, Change the World

At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world.

Comments and Inquiries

Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services.

Additional Information

Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone].

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UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus