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Departmental Overview The Berkeley Seismological Laboratory conducts essential research on earthquakes and solid earth processes while collecting and delivering high quality geophysical data. It provides robust earthquake and hazard information including real-time alerts to the public, in collaboration with our partners. It also enables the broad consumption of earthquake information by everyone while educating and training students at all levels and from all backgrounds.
The position of network engineer exists to ensure the performance and resiliency of the network. The networking equipment to be managed, ranging from routers and switches to cell modems and digital radios, must operate across diverse environments, from environmentally-controlled data centers to remote field stations. The links to be supported between equipment include transports such as cellular, satellite, radio, microwave, WiFi, Ethernet, and VPN tunnels. Integrating network components, and improving the network through collaboration, is vital to the BSL's mission of earthquake monitoring and scientific research.
Application Review Date The First Review Date for this job is: September 18, 2026 - Open Until Filled
Responsibilities - Install and maintain networking equipment and configurations to support the flow of data from 200+ remote field stations to, between, and within multiple data centers, both on-prem and in the cloud (AWS). Secure and maintain data communications with outside partners and the public. Develop and maintain network monitoring and diagnostic tools.
- Monitor and respond to network performance degradation and/or loss of connectivity, both within the data center and from remote field stations. Troubleshoot and resolve network issues, both directly and through interactions with a diverse set of collaborators, contacts, and service providers. Review and address bandwidth and latency requirements. Assist with the configuration and troubleshooting of Linux systems and software that perform data acquisition.
- Manage the security and firmware of networking equipment. Work directly with vendors to isolate and resolve complex hardware, firmware, and/or configuration issues. Configure and troubleshoot Linux systems and software that support network services.
- Review, collaboratively with colleagues, the data flow needs of the organization. Coordinate all phases of complex network projects, from design and procurement to deployment and documentation. Evaluate and test new, or enhanced, network solutions, with an emphasis on the robust and resilient transfer of data from remote field stations to data processing centers.
- Provide expert advice on network solutions and explanations of network issues. Consult with other units and outside collaborators on the joint use of networks, including compatibility and conformance to standards. Participate in cross-disciplinary group discussions, activities, and efforts.
- Other tasks as assigned.
Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
- Thorough understanding of common networking protocols, including OSI layer 2 and layer 3 at an expert level.
- Hands-on experience with various networking hardware platforms, both with installation and maintenance.
- Experience with diagnostic tools, including network monitoring and performance assessment.
- Experience with network management systems, including configuration revision control, automating tasks, and remote deployments.
- Experience working within and supporting a Linux environment, including the ability to write and maintain custom scripts.
- Ability to gather, organize and analyze data in the completion of a variety of functional assignments.
- Ability to communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization.
- Able to learn effectively and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated diverse problem-solving skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Preferred Qualifications - Direct operational experience with OSPF, BGP, and IPSEC protocols.
- Experience specifically with Cisco, Palo Alto, Mikrotik, and Sierra Wireless platforms.
- Experience supporting remote field equipment, such as modems, radios, and edge routers.
- Experience writing complex Bash and Python scripts, along with the use of Ansible.
- Experience with Linux systems administration, especially Redhat, including interface bonding and 802.1Q tagging.
Salary & Benefits For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $100,000 to $150,000 yearly ($8,333.33 to $12,500.00 monthly). This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits. This position is FLSA Exempt and paid monthly.
Other Information This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Technical Unit (TX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE).
Conviction History Background This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
Misconduct Disclosure As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
Misconduct means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
Equal Employment Opportunity The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
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