Senior Faculty Specialist

Job description

Job Description Summary Organization's Summary Statement: The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the A. James Clark School of Engineering is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to support enterprise IT operations at the Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS). Since 1956, LPS, in partnership with the University of Maryland, has been advancing the physics and engineering behind information science and technology. LPS is a unique organization with a model of basic and applied research at the intersection of academic research and national security, supporting over 400 users across multiple sites. The Senior Systems Administrator will serve as a senior member of a small, collaborative IT team responsible for maintaining core IT infrastructure, improving production system reliability and security, and providing hands-on support to researchers and staff across multiple sites. The ideal candidate is a versatile generalist with strong fundamentals in systems and network administration, a methodical approach to problem-solving, and a record of delivering dependable IT services in mission-critical environments. The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland serves as a catalyst for high-quality research, innovation, and learning, preparing our students to develop innovations that address the 21st-century Grand Challenges (e.g., energy, environment, security, and human health) and improve the human condition. The Clark School is dedicated to leading and transforming the engineering discipline and profession, accelerating entrepreneurship, and transforming research and learning activities into innovations that benefit millions. Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Experience: Six (6) years of professional systems administration experience in a team-based IT organization, including hands-on management of Windows Server and/or Linux environments supporting a substantial user base. Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and related directory and network services. Knowledge of enterprise virtualization platforms and hypervisor management Skill in diagnosing and resolving complex systems and infrastructure issues across multiple platforms. Skill in oral and written communication, including the ability to document procedures and work effectively with both technical and non-technical users. Ability to plan, manage, and complete multiple concurrent tasks with minimal supervision. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small team and to provide effective customer service in a research environment. Preferences: Experience administering enterprise virtualization environments, including hypervisor deployment, VM lifecycle management, and migration between platforms. Proficiency with scripting and automation tools such as PowerShell, Bash, Python, or Ansible, including the use of version control tools such as Git. Experience with IT security hardening practices, including vulnerability scanning and remediation (e.g., Nessus, STIG compliance). Experience with enterprise backup solutions (e.g., Veeam) Experience with monitoring and log analysis platforms (e.g., Grafana, Elastic/Kibana). Experience with configuration management or automation frameworks (e.g., Ansible, Katello). Experience supporting IT operations in scientific, research, or federal environments. Familiarity with enterprise services such as Exchange Server, certificate services, and endpoint management tools (e.g., MECM), and endpoint protection platforms (e.g., Trellix, Defender). Demonstrated ability to author and maintain technical documentation and standard operating procedures. Licenses/ Certifications: N/A Physical Demands: N/A Requires the ability to work in server rooms and wiring closets. May require lifting, carrying, or transporting IT equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. Requires prolonged periods of sitting and standing with extensive computer use. Responsibilities may occasionally require evening or weekend work to support maintenance windows, outages, or urgent operational needs. Additional Job Details Visa Sponsorship Information: UMD will not sponsor the successful candidate for work authorization in the United States now or in the future. Required Application Materials: Cover Letter Resume Three Professional References Best Consideration Date: July 31, 2026 Posting Close Date: N/A Open Until Filled: Yes Financial Disclosure Required No For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website . Department ENGR-Electrical & Computer Engineering Worker Sub-Type Faculty Regular Salary Range $142,400–$177,900 Benefits Summary For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link . Background Checks Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed. Employment Eligibility The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment. EEO Statement The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy. 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