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. You’ll 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 You’ll 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 We’re Looking For:

Minimum Requirements

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

• 4–5 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:

Shift:

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 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 [email protected]. 

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.