Systems Engineer

KanREN
2029 Becker Drive, Suite 282
Lawrence, KS 66047
Phone: 785-856-9800
Fax: 785-856-9877
www.kanren.net

Position Description
Position Title: Systems Engineer
Reports to: Director of Technology
Based at: Lawrence, KS
Salary Range (2024): $65,000 to $95,000 per year

Position Overview

The ideal KanREN Systems Engineer will have a proven track record of technical competence and success in deploying, troubleshooting, and supporting a range of server hardware and appliances as well as their associated software and services.
Systems Engineers must demonstrate in-depth experience with a range of server-based platforms and authentication technologies. Systems Engineers support other KanREN staff by evaluating, selecting, and deploying the best hardware and software to address any needs identified. Systems Engineers also implement and troubleshoot new hardware and software-based services as
KanREN continues delivering cutting edge technologies to our members. An interest in working with new technologies and pushing the envelope on existing technology is a must. On the job, Systems Engineers perform the following primary job duties:

• Implementing long-term Systems strategies as theoretical needs materialize into actual needs, including deployment and maintenance of:
• Server Hardware and Operating Systems on or off premises.
• Cloud Server Instances.
• Commercial Applications from multiple developers.
• Open-Source Applications; and
• Cloud Software as a Service (SaaS) instances.
• Identifying the current Applications needs of connected members and the appropriate solutions available to meet those needs in a cost-effective manner.
• Identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving technical Applications problems and unintended consequences of technology solutions which might compromise the integrity of KanREN's deployed technologies in the backbone, aggregation layer, or on-premises equipment used to deliver connectivity.
• Applying strong and professional communication skills to interact with and relate to non-technical users, highly technical users, and business administrators from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Providing operational support to both KanREN staff, and KanREN members in the daily use, and configuration of the Applications deployed as a part of KanREN's statewide infrastructure.
• Identifying, troubleshooting, and communicating about recurring platform issues with KanREN's Network Architects to ensure such issues are addressed in long-term strategic plans.
• Applying strong hands-on skills with deploying, monitoring, and maintaining essential Applications including:
• Open-Source Operating Systems such as Linux and BSD.
• Commercial Operating Systems such as Windows.
• Virtualization Technologies such as VMware and Xen.
• Identity Management and Directory Services such as LDAP, Active Directory, RADIUS, and SSO integrations.
• Core server daemons such as BIND9, ISC dhcpd, OpenLDAP, OpenSSH, and Apache httpd; and
• Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) solutions
• Applying strong hands-on skills in both Command Line Interface (CLI) and Graphical User Interface (GUI) administration of various systems as needed.
• Adaptability in rapidly acquiring understanding of emerging infrastructure technologies as new solutions become available.

Essential Functions
• Server systems configuration, installation, and maintenance
• Task prioritization and timely resolution to systems related problems
• Adheres to the KanREN Vision, Mission, and Values at all times.
• Participation in the after-hours emergency response team
• Cross-train with other technical areas to provide backup support (ie. network, video, etc.)
• Willingness to work occasional extra or odd hours as projects and/or network/systems events dictate.
• Occasional travel - sometimes overnight
• Technical writing, documentation, and delivery of technical seminars
• Able to lift 50 lbs
• Other duties as assigned.
 
Key Technologies or Abilities
• Familiar with accepted WAN/LAN architectures including common transport and routing technologies.
• Proficiency with systems-based network support services (DNS, VPN, DHCP, etc.)
• Proficiency with common Internet-based systems services (SMTP, IMAP, POP, HTTPS etc.)
• Proficiency with SSL certificates, including renewal, installation, and procurement.
• Proficiency with UNIX-based operating systems administration and architecture, including scripting.
• Proficiency with VMware vSphere administration and/or other hypervisors and their management tools
• Proficiency with administration and provisioning of centralized network storage arrays, including iSCSI and VxRail
• Proficiency with administration of Identity Management Systems including Directory Services and LDAP
• Proficiency with administration of network/system monitoring applications (Libre, RRDtool, streaming telemetry, ELK - Elasticsearch Logstash, Kibana, etc.)
• Ability to manage systems security posture, including best practices, industry standards, and scheduling patches/updates.
• Experience with LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP) (web services)
• Assessment of hardware and software technology and its viability for application
• Ability to work individually and with a team.
• Ability to communicate complex topics to a wide variety of audiences accurately and effectively.
• Superior customer service skills in a customer-centric environment

Requirements

This is a hybrid position. The candidate may work remotely or at the KanREN offices in Lawrence, KS. The candidate must be available for member and staff engagement during normal, weekday business hours (M-F, 07:00 to 19:00 CT). The candidate must be available for on-site visits to the KanREN NOC (located in Lawrence, KS) and to member locations within the State of Kansas. Occasional overnight work for maintenance, repair and installation is expected.

Four-year degree, preferably in a technical or scientific field. At least four years of experience in systems administration and/or engineering, including Unix-like systems (Linux and BSD).

Must be detail-oriented with a strong commitment to quality. The System Engineer must be a motivated, life-long learner committed to keeping up to date with emerging technology, have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals.

This position requires the applicant be eligible to work in the United States of America.

Authority

• Directs resources for the restoration of critical services when called upon to do so.
• Maintain server systems in a stable and secure environment.
• Authority implied by organizational directives and initiatives as assigned by the Executive Director.

Financial Responsibility

• May approve expenditures related to service restoration in critical/emergency situations up to an amount specified in corporate policies.
• Assists the Executive Director in generating server/systems related budget items.
• Approves expenditures from Systems specific accounts.
• Works with executive leadership to develop and monitor the annual budget as it pertains to systems infrastructure and programs.