OT Network System Administrator

The Infrastructure and Resilience Information Technology (I&R IT) department at CU Boulder encourages applications for an OT Network System Administrator! This work unit designs, configures, implements, administers, maintains, secures, and renews the infrastructure and technology platforms supporting departmental operations and Boulder campus infrastructure. The work unit is responsible for servers, virtualization platforms, networks, firewalls, storage, backup services, and related infrastructure supporting Information Technology (IT), Operational Technology (OT), and Industrial Control Systems (ICS). System Administration consults and collaborates with users, service owners, campus partners, vendors, and other I&R IT work units to identify appropriate solutions, maintain reliable and secure services, manage technology lifecycles, and support organizational continuity and resilience.

This positions main responsibility is the technical administration and operation of the OT network infrastructure that I&R IT is responsible for. This includes designing, configuring, and administering OT network infrastructure and connectivity. Administering VLANs, subnets, IP addressing, network segmentation, switch connectivity, network ports, data jacks, and related network services supporting OT and facilities technologies.

This position also analyzes technical systems, resolves technical issues, and replaces systems based on independent judgment with guidance from the Supervisor, procedures, and standard process. The position works with team members using system administration, programming, and database management skills to solve business needs and to ensure coordinated efforts, new and existing software and solutions, area support, administration, and end-user support. CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The I&R Office areas of responsibility include long-range capital planning, architecture, design and construction, the operation and maintenance of all campus facilities and utilities, transportation services, workplace accident prevention and the creation of a safe working environment for campus employees, environmental health and safety, campus logistics, and efforts around sustainability and resiliency.

Beyond creating a safe and secure environment, the department is embarking on several projects that are key to the strategic vision of the campus including: crafting a clear and comprehensive framework and methodology for campus master planning, developing strategies and tactics to improve campus sustainability and resiliency, and dynamically working within the campus and with our community partners to positively impact humanity., Purpose: Own the technical administration and operation of OT network infrastructure.

• Design, configure, administer, document, monitor, and support OT network infrastructure and connectivity.
• Administer subnets, network segmentation, IP addressing, VLANs, switch connectivity, data jacks, network ports, and related network services supporting OT and facilities technologies.
• Develop, document, and maintain network architecture diagrams, connectivity documentation, addressing information, and operational records.
• Draft firewall policy requirements, network access requirements, connectivity requests, and technical implementation plans based on operational and security requirements.
• Coordinate implementation of approved network and firewall changes with I&R IT, OIT Networking, OIT Security, vendors, contractors, and system owners.
• Monitor network performance, capacity, availability, and lifecycle status, and recommend improvements to improve operational reliability and supportability.
• Support connectivity requirements for building automation, utility metering, lighting controls, access control systems, security systems, and other OT technologies.

OT Infrastructure Diagnostics and Technical Coordination

Purpose: Provide the diagnostic, troubleshooting, and coordination capability that currently requires significant involvement from senior staff.

• Investigate and resolve complex OT connectivity and communications issues involving field devices, servers, applications, vendors, network infrastructure, and operational systems.
• Determine whether failures originate at the device, network, firewall, server, application, vendor, or operational-process layer.
• Collect, validate, interpret, and document troubleshooting evidence to support technical analysis and decision-making.
• Coordinate investigations involving operational staff, facility-system owners, vendors, contractors, OIT, consultants, and I&R IT technical staff.
• Identify missing information, unsupported assumptions, documentation gaps, ownership issues, and recurring technical problems.
• Develop technical recommendations and proposed corrective actions based on available evidence.
• Support root-cause analysis efforts and operational problem resolution.
• Improve troubleshooting processes, evidence collection practices, escalation quality, and diagnostic procedures.

System Administration and Infrastructure Support

Purpose: Maintain broad SysAdmin capability and contribute to work-unit resilience.

• Provide administration and operational support for virtualization platforms, servers, directory services, storage platforms, monitoring systems, enterprise applications, and related infrastructure.
• Assist with maintenance, upgrades, lifecycle replacements, troubleshooting, and implementation of supported infrastructure systems.
• Participate in cross-training and operational backup coverage for shared System Administration responsibilities.
• Develop and maintain technical procedures, support documentation, and operational records.
• Collaborate with other System Administration staff to improve reliability, documentation, and supportability of shared services.

OT Infrastructure Projects and Implementation

Purpose: Ensure networking and OT infrastructure requirements are incorporated into projects.

• Participate in capital projects, operational projects, system upgrades, and infrastructure initiatives involving network-connected OT systems.
• Review OT networking requirements including VLANs, subnets, firewall requirements, data jacks, network ports, and connectivity needs.
• Coordinate with project managers, system owners, consultants, contractors, vendors, OIT, and I&R IT staff.
• Assist with implementation planning, testing, validation, cutover activities, operational turnover, and documentation.
• Identify technical risks, unsupported designs, operational concerns, and lifecycle implications.

Professional Development, Documentation, and Knowledge Sharing

Purpose: Build durable organizational capability rather than individual expertise.

• Maintain and expand technical knowledge related to networking, OT systems, ICS technologies, infrastructure, cybersecurity, diagnostics, and troubleshooting.
• Participate in professional development activities, training events, certifications, technical communities, and industry learning opportunities.
• Share knowledge through documentation, cross-training, mentoring, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Develop standards, procedures, troubleshooting guides, and other documentation improving operational consistency and capability.
• Find opportunities to reduce organizational dependency on individual experts through improved documentation, knowledge transfer, and operational practices.

What You Should Know

• We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.
• This is a primarily in-person position. Limited hybrid work may be available after onboarding, but is not guaranteed. This role has an anticipated work schedule of Monday - Friday during regular business hours. This position will be expected to respond to emergencies and minimal after hours work as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a closely related field, and 1 year of experience in an IT/OT driven field with a focus in security administration using current technologies, plus 1 year of recent experience as a Windows System Administrator and Network Administrator.
• Additional work experience in IT/OT may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the degree., * Networking - VLANs, Firewalls, Switches, Subnets, Troubleshooting, etc.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and decision-making skills with the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to learn, interpret, and follow complex policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and implement solutions that address multi-faceted requirements.
• Ability to anticipate system issues and resolve proactively or escalate appropriately., Formal training, certifications, or demonstrated work experience in 3 or more of the following areas:
• Experience managing Operational Technology.
• Network Administration (Cisco, Juniper, or Dell preferred).
• Windows Administration.
• Unix/Linux Administration.
• VMware Enterprise or Microsoft Hyper-V.
• Storage Area Networks / vSAN.
• Endpoint Hardening / IT Security.
• Database Administration (SQL or Oracle preferred).
• Experience supporting facilities, building systems, or industrial control systems.

The salary range for this role is $70,900 - $79,700 annually, with the potential for a future base pay increase of 5% based on exceptional performance., At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes’ America’s Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.