Senior Systems Engineer

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 99,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Washington is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer in Seattle to lead identity and access management engineering and operations. The role focuses on authentication, authorization, access control, and governance across systems, data, and applications, with a hybrid work arrangement.

Responsibilities include designing, developing, deploying, testing, and integrating software, plus delivering technical consulting and participating in community activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 4+ years developing and supporting web applications.
• Backend development in Python/JavaScript/Bash for Linux/cloud.
• Database development with SQL (PostgreSQL).
• Experience with Python development and C maintenance.
• Experience with SDLC, Git, and code reviews.
• DevOps practices including testing, CI, and monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, test, debug, and deploy custom-built software.
• Evaluate, configure, integrate, and deploy open source and commercial software.
• Document, test, and merge code with unit and integration tests.
• Operate and monitor services to meet target service levels.
• Provide technical consulting to customers and partners; align solutions with UWIT practices.
• Represent UW at conferences and meetings and participate in professional development.

Skills

Python

JavaScript

Bash

PostgreSQL

Git

DevOps

CI/CD

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS / related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Job Description

UW Information Technology (UW-IT) has an outstanding opportunity for Senior Systems Engineer to join their team.

About This Opportunity

Reporting to IAM Director in the Information Security (IS) division, the Senior Systems Engineer serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) across engineering and operational aspects of identity and access management, including authentication and authorization, access control, and identity governance stewardship, ensuring secure and seamless access to systems, data, and applications.

This is an essential position and may be required to work remotely when UW suspends operations.

The salary information provided below is for a full-time position.

Key Responsibilities

50% - Design and development

• Design, develop, integrate, test, debug, and deploy custom-built software
• Evaluate, configure, integrate, deploy, improve, and contribute to open source software
• Evaluate, configure, integrate, and deploy commercial software
• Document, test, and merge code with unit and integration test frameworks

30% - Operations and maintenance

• Operate and monitor services to meet target service level
• Assess software against performance objectives
• Optimize software configurations for maintainability and agility

10% - Consulting and outreach

• Provide technical consulting to customers and partners
• Align customer solutions and integration architectures with UWIT practices
• Present/demonstrate solutions at in-person and online meetings
• Participate in wider community and industry activities

10% - Indirect

• Participate in professional development activities
• Represent the UW at conferences and meetings
• Perform other duties as required

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, informatics, mathematics, information science, business administration, English or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Four or more years of experience developing and supporting web applications, including:
• Backend development in a high-level language, such as Python, JavaScript, Bash, or similar, for deployment in a Linux or cloud environment;
• Database development using SQL and a relational database system such as PostgreSQL
• Experience developing software in Python and maintaining C
• Demonstrated experience with the software development lifecycle including version control (Git) and code reviews
• Experience with DevOps practices including testing, continuous integration, and monitoring
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision, both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated excellent written/oral communication skills, technical documentation skills, user liaison skills, and personal interaction abilities.

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Preferred Qualifications

• Frontend web browser development using HTML/CSS/JavaScript;
• Experience building, maintaining, and operating web service APIs, including management of authentication and authorization, versioning and change control, and caching and scaling.
• Experience deploying in cloud environments using tools like Docker and Kubernetes.
• Experience with deployment tools like Ansible and GitHub actions.
• Experience with Javascript frameworks like Angular or React.
• Experience with IAM technologies used in research and education communities like SAML, OIDC, InCommon, eduGAIN, eduPerson, and ORCID.
• Experience in a major research University setting.
• Familiar with messaging services like Amazon SNS/SQS.
• Knowledge of software test methodologies and automation tools.
• Knowledge of networking-related concepts such as routing basics, DNS, and DHCP

Working Conditions

• Currently this position is hybrid and requires at least 2 days in office.
• The position contributes to a collaborative team environment, in an open physical workspace, through ad hoc meetings focused on design and/or problem-solving, using a variety of communication and collaboration tools.
• The incumbent may need to respond to service incidents, outages, and respond to customer questions on a priority/urgency basis.
• The incumbent may need to work varied hours to meet priority project milestones and other externally imposed deadlines and to accomplish work assignments on which the activities of others depend. Occasional travel may be required. The same levels of participation are required in a remote work environment.

About The Team

UWIT is the University of Washington’s central IT organization, supporting all three campuses, UW medical centers, and global research. We partner across the University to power teaching, learning, innovation, and discovery. We are here to serve UW.

IAM within UW-IT, is at the very core of the University activities and is a critical component for FERPA, HIPAA, and numerous other administrative functions, such as human resources, facilities, purchasing, research grants, contracts and legal affairs. As more technological 'solutions' become available in the marketplace, this person needs to ensure that the University's interests with respect to identity and access are properly vetted before new solutions are deployed.

This position reports through the and will work closely with other IT units across three campuses and UW Medicine, as well as vendors such as Microsoft, Workday, ServiceNow etc. to implement and operate an identity and access solution that supports the University’s mission.

Compensation, Benefits And Position Details

Pay Range Minimum

$99,228.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum

$161,244.00 annual

Benefits

Other Compensation: For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

Not Applicable

About The UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.