Operations Engineer Infrastructure, College of Arts and Sciences

Job Description

The College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) at the University of Washington is seeking a Systems & Cloud Administrator (Operations Engineer) to join our Infrastructure team. This role is responsible for the reliable operation security and continuous improvement of the server and cloud platforms that support academic research and administrative computing across the College.

This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys keeping complex systems running smoothly while also contributing to automation modernization and improved operational practices. Youll work in a hybrid environment spanning on-premises infrastructure virtualized platforms and cloud services collaborating closely with application developers automation engineers and security staff.

This is a team-based position that provides opportunities for cross-training and skill development across related functional areas. The role includes supporting other engineers as needed and serving as backup to ensure reliable and continuous service delivery

How Youll Spend Your Time:

Systems & Cloud Operations 45%

• Operate and maintain Linux server environments across on-premises virtualized and cloud platforms.

• Serve as the primary operational owner for server platforms supporting CAS IT applications and services.

• Monitor system health performance and capacity to ensure high availability and reliability.

• Manage system-level identity authentication and access controls in coordination with campus identity services.

• Respond to and troubleshoot operational issues escalating and collaborating as needed.

System Maintenance Patching & Lifecycle Management 25%

• Plan and execute operating system updates security patches and platform upgrades across development test and production environments.

• Perform and validate system backups restores and disaster recovery procedures.

• Participate in server lifecycle planning including upgrades migrations and decommissioning.

• Coordinate maintenance activities with application teams to minimize service impact.

Security Compliance & Risk Reduction 20%

• Implement and maintain secure system configurations aligned with University and CAS IT standards.

• Support vulnerability remediation audit readiness and compliance reporting.

• Evaluate operational risks and recommend improvements to strengthen system security and resilience.

• Ensure compliance with software licensing data protection requirements and institutional IT policies.

Documentation Collaboration & Continuous Improvement 10%

• Maintain clear accurate documentation for system configurations procedures and operational workflows.

• Contribute to shared runbooks standards and knowledge bases.

• Collaborate with infrastructure automation monitoring and application teams to improve reliability and efficiency.

• Stay current with evolving technologies tools and operational best practices.

What Were Looking For:

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Computer Science Software Engineering or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

• 45 years of progressively responsible experience in systems administration infrastructure operations or cloud/platform engineering.

Additional Requirements

• Experience supporting production computing environments that require high availability security and operational reliability.

• Demonstrated experience working within established IT standards policies and security frameworks preferably in a higher education or research environment

Desired Technical Skills:

• Strong experience administering Linux-based systems (RHEL Rocky Ubuntu or similar); Windows Server experience preferred.

• Experience with virtualized and/or cloud-based infrastructure including platforms such as VMware AWS or Azure.

• Proficiency with scripting and automation using tools such as Python or Bash.

• Experience with system patching upgrades and lifecycle management including operating systems and core services.

• Familiarity with infrastructure monitoring and alerting concepts and tools.

• Working knowledge of identity and access management systems (e.g. Active Directory LDAP or cloud identity platforms)

• Understanding of system security best practices including configuration hardening patch compliance and access controls.

General Requirements:

• Keep current with campus standards technology developments and College guidelines to ensure that the highest standards of reliability and performance are met.

• Demonstrated experience working with minimal supervision both independently and in a collaborative team environment and within deadlines.

• Demonstrated client service skills and the ability to work with personnel of various levels of technical background.

• Excellent written and oral communications skills.

• Self-motivated resourceful and proactive.

• Operationally minded with experience developing implementing and managing effective processes and systems.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to exercise independent judgement and creatively solve problems.

Compensation Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Temporary or Regular

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

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 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 or .

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.