Linux Systems Administrator & Data Engineer (Non-Student Temporary)
University of Michigan
How to Apply
Apply through http://careers.umich.edu/ (click on APPLY NOW box on the upper right corner of this page).
Job Summary
We are seeking a part-time Linux Systems Administrator with specialized expertise in sensor interfacing and Data Engineering to join our technical team. This role combines traditional system administration responsibilities with hands-on work in sensor integration and data acquisition systems. The ideal candidate will maintain our server infrastructure while developing and managing sensor communication protocols and data collection systems.
This is a part-time, temporary position. Temporary employment is limited to 12 months of duration. Work expectation is 10-15 hours/week.
Responsibilities*
- System Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance, updates, and security patches on Ubuntu Linux servers
- Performance Monitoring: Monitor server performance, resource utilization, and system health metrics
- Backup & Recovery: Implement and maintain robust backup strategies and disaster recovery procedures
- Security Management: Configure firewalls, manage user access, and implement security best practices
- Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve system issues, hardware failures, and network connectivity problems
- Documentation: Maintain comprehensive system documentation and operational procedures
- Sensor Interface: Design and implement communication protocols for various sensor types (temperature, pressure, humidity, motion, etc.)
- Data Acquisition: Develop scripts and applications to collect, process, and store sensor data
- Protocol Implementation: Work with common sensor communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART)
- Real-time Monitoring: Set up real-time sensor monitoring dashboards and alerting systems
- Automation: Develop automated scripts for system maintenance and sensor data processing
- Database Management: Manage databases for storing and organizing sensor data
- Network Configuration: Configure network services and ensure reliable sensor connectivity
- API Development: Create APIs for sensor data access and system integration
Required Qualifications*
- Linux Expertise: 3+ years of hands-on experience with Ubuntu Linux administration
- Command Line Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of bash scripting and Linux command-line tools
- Sensor Technologies: Experience with sensor interfacing, data acquisition, and embedded systems
- Programming: Proficiency in Python (Jupyter Notebook), bash scripting, and at least one additional language (C/C++ or Go)
- Hardware Knowledge: Understanding of electronic circuits, communication protocols, and sensor principles
- Networking: Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, network troubleshooting, and security protocols
- Server Management: Experience with package management (apt), service configuration (systemd), and log analysis
- Monitoring Tools: Familiarity with system monitoring tools (Nagios, Zabbix, or similar)
- Database Systems: Experience with SQL databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL) and time-series databases (InfluxDB)
- Virtualization: Knowledge of containerization (Docker) and virtualization technologies
- Version Control: Proficiency with Git and collaborative development workflows
- Microcontrollers: Experience with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar embedded platforms
- Data Processing: Experience with sensor data analysis and signal processing techniques
- Communication Protocols: Hands-on experience with I2C, SPI, UART, RS-485, MQTT
Per sponsor requirements, employment on this project grant is limited to:
(1) U.S. citizens, (2) lawful permanent residents as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20), (3) other protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) and (4) Canadian citizens (pursuant to the principles underlying the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement), if such participation will involve visual inspection of the Technology, Intellectual Property or Technical Information, or oral exchanges of information about the foregoing.
Desired Qualifications*
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- Machine Learning: Basic understanding of data analysis and machine learning for sensor data
- IoT Platforms: Experience with IoT platforms and cloud integration
- Time-Series Databases: Experience with InfluxDB, Grafana, or similar monitoring stacks
- Web servers: NGINX, Apache
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
This job posting is for a University of Michigan Temporary position. Temporary employment may be full or part time, but in either case is limited in duration. Please review the full posting description for details.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
E-Verify
The University of Michigan participates with the federal EVerify system. Individuals hired into positions that are funded by a federal contract with the FAR EVerify clause must have their identity and work eligibility confirmed by the EVerify system. This position is identified as a position that may include the EVerify requirement.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.