Operating Systems Analyst

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-campus work

Remote work option future

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Technology Services is seeking an Operating Systems Analyst to maintain Linux/UNIX environments, HPC, and research workloads on campus in Richmond, VA. You will manage HPC clusters, desktops, servers, and VM instances, install configurations, handle backups, and troubleshoot across systems and networks.

The role requires strong Linux/UNIX knowledge, scripting skills, and ability to work with researchers to optimize workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS or information systems, or equivalent experience.
• Experience managing Linux systems preferred.
• Knowledge of Linux/UNIX, networking, and problem-solving.
• Experience with macOS and Windows hardware integrated with Linux servers.
• Proficiency in Bash, Python, C, C++, Java, SQL, and related languages.
• Ability to lift 50+ lb equipment and work with delicate components.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Commitment to respectful, professional conduct.

Responsibilities

• Maintain Linux/UNIX OS and applications with a focus on HPC and research needs.
• Support HPC clusters, desktops, servers, and VMs and their users.
• Install, configure, and update operating systems and software for security and operations.
• Manage users, files, permissions, and data backup/restoration.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, and networking issues across devices.
• Handle support requests via a centralized ticketing system.
• Consult with researchers to diagnose and resolve workflow issues.
• Coordinate with internal departments and vendors for support and RMAs.
• Provide after-hours support during emergencies.

Skills

Linux/UNIX systems

Scripting languages

Research computing HPC

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems

Job description

Advertising Summary:

Technology Services has an excitingopportunity for an Operating Systems Analyst to join ourteam.

Unit:

Technology Services

Department:

Technology Services

Department Summary:

Virginia Commonwealth University(VCU) Technology Services is a central IT organization supportingthe academic, research, and administrative missions of theuniversity. Technology Services provides scalable, secure, andinnovative technology solutions to all VCU units.

Duties & Responsibilities:

This position maintains Linux and UNIX operating systems,applications, and related products, with a focus on highperformance computing (HPC) and other research needs. Tasksinclude: Supporting the day-to-day operations of HPC clusters andthe researchers who use them; Supporting Linux desktops, laptops,servers, and VMs and their users; Installing, configuring, andupdating operating systems and other software to meet operationaland security requirements; Managing users and files, includingaccount creation, file permissions modifications, and data backupand restoration; Troubleshooting desktop, laptop, and serverhardware, software, and networking issues; Managing supportrequests through a centralized ticketing system; Consultingdirectly with researchers to diagnose and resolve technical issuesimpacting their workflows; Requesting support, changes, exceptions,etc. from other internal departments; Reporting issues to vendortechnical support and working with them to resolve those issues;Managing orders and RMAs and handling shipments; Providingafter-hours support as necessary during emergency situations.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems, including coursework in operating systems and systemsadministration, or equivalent experience (at least one year ofmanaging Linux systems preferred)
• Demonstrated knowledge of Linux and UNIX operating systems,applications, and networking, and the ability to diagnose andresolve problems in these areas
• Experience with macOS and Windows systems, especially using andtroubleshooting internal and external hardware and connectingsystems to Linux servers, clusters, and other researchsystems
• Demonstrated technical proficiency in one or more computerlanguages such as Bash, Python, AWK, C, C++, Fortran, Java,JavaScript, Lua, Perl, R, Ruby, and SQL
• Ability to lift and transport heavy (50+ lb) equipment and workcarefully with delicate pieces
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to complete tasks independently and autonomously, andwith effective priority management
• Ability to think critically and creatively to solve problemsand develop novel solutions
• Ability to collaborate in team settings
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment ofrespect, professionalism, and civility with a population offaculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences,or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting academic, scientific, and researchcomputing environments
• Experience managing enterprise Linux systems
• Experience with Btrfs, Lustre, LVM, XFS, ZFS, and other filesystems and technologies used for high performance, desktop, andserver storage
• Experience with LUKS, systemd-cryptenroll, and TPM-based diskencryption mechanisms
• Experience with InfiniBand or other high performance networkingtechnologies
• Experience with OpenVox/Puppet for configurationmanagement
• Experience with QEMU/KVM/libvirt, Docker, and othervirtualization technologies
• Experience developing, testing, and maintaining code using Gitand other standard tools
• Experience provisioning and managing basic web and databaseservers
• Experience with rackmount equipment and knowledge of datacenter infrastructure

Salary Range:

$75,000-$96,000

Benefits

All full-time university staff are eligible forVCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annualand holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planningand savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs,employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunitiesfor career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status:

Exempt

Hours per Week:

40

Restricted Position:

No

ORP Eligible:

No

Flexible Work Arrangement:

100% on campus, but opportunityto work remote at a future date

University Job Title:

24242N - IT Systems Analyst 2

Contact Information:

Contact Name: MaryTeller
Contact Email: [e-mail]