Sr Systems Engineer

The Sr. Systems Engineer directs other team members on the administration of server and storage infrastructure. Continually analyzes the environment seeking ways to improve it. Identifies existing and potential problems, opportunities for improvement, and ways to enhance the level of service provided. Formulates strategies in response to the conditions uncovered. Evaluates strengths and benefits, as well as weaknesses, issues, costs and impacts of alternative strategies. Independently keeps abreast of new technologies that will improve SAN/storage infrastructure or servers running either Linux or AIX operating systems. Makes recommendations to implement new technologies and presents for approval to the appropriate advisory committee. Recommends the alternative that best addresses the issue or resolves the problem. For sizable proposals, provides management with an implementation plan that documents the result of the evaluation and a time line associated with the proposed initiatives. Writes monitors and troubleshoots Unix and Ansible scripts. Installs and maintains operating systems, systems software and layered products specific to Linux computer platforms. Provides assistance and support to other systems administrators of these platforms where applicable. Troubleshoots problems and provides consultation to clients about configuration and use of these platforms. Communicates to staff planned and implemented changes and status of problem resolution. Responds to end-user and IS requests for services. Coordinates activities with staff, including applications, Customer Services, the Help Desk, and the Data Center. Provides technical consulting services within and outside the department. Mentors staff. Serves on University and/or Medical Center specific teams as an active participant.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Leads analysis of use case requirements, design solutions, and deploys on premise or cloud based infrastructure. Provides expertise in on-premise virtual infrastructure, specifically in clustered high availability environments. Provides assistance in integrating on-premise solutions with cloud solutions. Orchestrates and automates the deployment of solutions hosted on both cloud services and on premise infrastructure.
• Leads, advises on and completes proactive performance monitoring, analysis, alerting, reporting and tuning, proactive capacity analysis and provision solutions, maintenance activities including deploying patches and ensuring that firmware and software are up to date, incident and problem analysis, resolution, and follow-up to ensure platform stability.
• Maintains an interoperability Matrix in order to ensure cross-vendor compatibility. Creates, reviews, and maintains technical documentation including solution designs and reference guides
• Leads discussions of new products and services to enhance the delivery of infrastructure services; engages vendors as appropriate.
• Prepares necessary paperwork and documentation to ensure conformance to University standards and procedures.
• Leads, advises on and completes implementation and maintenance activities during business hours as well as outside of business hours. Provides 24-hour on-call support when scheduled. Serves as a technical escalation point to others serving in on-call roles.
• Maintains a broad knowledge of technology, equipment, and/or systems. Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned

• High School diploma or equivalent and 7 years of related experience required
• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline such as Computer Science, Business, Data Science, Engineering preferred
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in a higher education or healthcare field preferred
• Experience leading a team of Systems Engineers preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Expertise with virtualization technology and cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure required
• Knowledge of server hardware and storage array networks required
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills and exemplary speaking and presentation skills, as well as the ability to interact with all levels of staff, as appropriate, to communicate, and to process communications from others on technical change required
• Ability to provide on-call support as required, as well as ability to perform after-hours and weekend maintenance and implementation activities required
• Ability to travel to and from Data Center facilities required
• Strong scripting skills preferred
• Expertise with server operating systems and orchestration and automation tools preferred
• Strong knowledge of the unix operating system preferred

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.