Platform Engineering Team Lead

Harvard University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plans with contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Harvard University is looking for a Platform Engineering Team Lead in Boston to guide the design and operation of core infrastructure platforms. This role oversees server operating system lifecycle management and enforces configuration standards.

The ideal candidate will possess deep technical skills combined with administrative oversight, focused on supporting research and teaching missions. Responsibilities include mentoring junior staff and collaborating across departments to improve system integration.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years’ post‑secondary education or relevant work experience.
• Experience managing server infrastructure platforms in a large‑scale environment.
• Strong experience with Windows and Linux server operating systems.

Responsibilities

• Guide the design and lifecycle management of core infrastructure platforms.
• Manage configuration management tools and baseline enforcement.
• Lead integration of identity and policy systems.

Skills

Server infrastructure management

Windows and Linux operating systems

Configuration management tools

Monitoring platforms

Active Directory and Group Policy

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

7 years of relevant work experience

Tools

Automation tools

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world‑changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well‑being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world‑renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

Job Description

As the Platform Engineering Team Lead, you will guide the design, operation, and lifecycle management of core infrastructure platforms that provide the foundation for secure and reliable technology services across HMS. You will lead efforts in server operating system lifecycle management, configuration enforcement, monitoring, compliance, and platform automation. This role combines deep technical execution with operational oversight and cross‑functional collaboration, helping to maintain well‑managed and integrated systems in support of HMS's research, teaching, and administrative missions. You will also serve as a key contributor on platform infrastructure initiatives spanning multiple projects. The ideal candidate will bring strong infrastructure engineering skills, automation expertise, and a focus on operational excellence and system integration.

Core Duties

• Oversee provisioning, patching, and decommissioning, administration and support of Server operating systems across the infrastructure platform lifecycle.
• Manage and maintain configuration management tools and baseline enforcement systems to ensure system consistency and compliance.
• Lead integration and administration of identity and policy systems including Active Directory and Group Policy.
• Implement and maintain system monitoring, alerting, and compliance reporting to ensure platform health and visibility.
• Automate system build processes and integrate infrastructure tools into provisioning workflows to support scalability and consistency.
• Ensure platform reliability and coordinate the integration of services across research, teaching, and administrative functions.
• Participate fully in the software development life cycle for operational tooling and infrastructure automation.
• Research, design, and implement technical solutions to meet infrastructure requirements and organizational goals.
• Identify opportunities to improve and simplify platform services and implement related enhancements.
• Contribute to the creation and maturing of operational and automation best practices.
• Act as a technical liaison to internal and external collaborators and mentor junior staff.
• Responsible for effective staff management, team workflows, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment.
• May participate in off‑hours on‑call rotation.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years’ post‑secondary education or relevant work experience.
• Supervisory experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing server infrastructure platforms in a large‑scale environment.
• Strong experience with Windows and Linux server operating systems, lifecycle management, and configuration tools.
• Experience with Active Directory, Group Policy, and identity integration.
• Experience with monitoring platforms, compliance tools, and system automation.
• Excellent troubleshooting, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and adapt to evolving technologies and priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build and cultivate strong relationships and work effectively with diverse groups.
• Demonstrated “can do” work ethic coupled with effective time management.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non‑Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work‑life balance and your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non‑discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.