The System Administrator is responsible for the administration, security, and reliability of discrete infrastructure systems and services that support ASPIRE’s research, engineering, and data‑driven activities. This role ensures the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of research computing environments while supporting specialized research systems, experimental hardware, and advanced computing workloads.

Working closely with the Director of Intelligent Systems & Security, the System Administrator supports system‑wide network security, access control, and data continuity efforts. The role serves as a key technical resource for information security, compliance, and research infrastructure operations, and provides Tier 2/3 support beyond standard university IT services. The System Administrator also holds on‑call and escalation responsibilities to maintain network and system functionality and to respond to security or infrastructure incidents.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. U.S. Work Authorization is required for the duration of employment.

1. Information Security & Compliance

• Security Architecture: Design and implement secure network segments for research labs, ensuring isolation of sensitive equipment (e.g., servers, testbeds) from public networks.
• Vulnerability Management: Perform regular vulnerability scans, patch management, and system hardening for all servers and workstations.
• Compliance: Lead efforts to align ASPIRE’s IT infrastructure with federal security frameworks (e.g., NIST 800-171, CMMC) where applicable for grant compliance.
• Access Control: Manage identity and access management (IAM) policies, ensuring ""Least Privilege"" access to research data and shared storage.
• Incident Response: Serve as the primary point of contact for security incidents, coordinating with the University’s Central Information Security Office (ISO).

2. Research Computing & Infrastructure Operations

• Foundation Support: Provide specialized IT support for engineering laboratories, including interfacing computers with experimental hardware, data acquisition systems, and GPU clusters for AI/ML workloads.
• Systems Administration: Manage Linux and Windows server environments, virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware/Proxmox), and storage solutions (NAS/SAN) dedicated to research data.
• Data Lifecycle Management: Architect robust backup and disaster recovery solutions for critical data, ensuring integrity and availability.
• Asset Management: Maintain an accurate inventory of IT assets, software licenses, and hardware lifecycles.

3. User Support & Liaison

• Technical Support: Provide Tier 2/3 support to faculty, staff, and graduate students for complex technical issues that go beyond standard helpdesk scope.
• Onboarding: Securely provision devices and accounts for new researchers and students; conduct offboarding to ensure data retention and access revocation.
• Liaison: Act as the technical liaison between ASPIRE and the University’s Central IT department, advocating for ASPIRE's unique research needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree.
• 2–5 years of systems administration or infrastructure experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree.
• CompTIA Security+, Linux+, or Microsoft/Linux administration certifications.
• Cloud platform certifications (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Experience in systems administration, infrastructure operations, or information security in an enterprise, research, or regulated environment.
• Demonstrated experience administering Linux and Windows server environments, including system hardening, patching, and performance monitoring.
• Hands‑on experience with network security, including segmentation, firewalls, access controls, and secure lab or research environments.
• Experience supporting research or engineering computing systems, including systems interfacing with experimental hardware, data acquisition platforms, or specialized workloads.
• Experience providing Tier 2/3 technical support, troubleshooting complex infrastructure and security issues beyond standard helpdesk scope.
• Strong documentation and communication skills, including the ability to prepare procedures, inventories, and compliance‑related materials.
• Experience implementing or maintaining security controls aligned with federal or industry frameworks such as NIST SP 800‑171, CMMC, or similar compliance standards.
• Proven experience with vulnerability management, including vulnerability scanning, patch management, and system hardening.
• Understanding of data lifecycle management, including secure backups, disaster recovery, and data continuity planning.
• Experience administering virtualized environments (e.g., VMware, Proxmox, or similar).
• Experience managing storage solutions such as NAS/SAN systems used for research or high‑value data.
• Exposure to GPU‑enabled systems, high‑performance computing, or AI/ML workloads is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in asset management, including tracking hardware lifecycles, licenses, and configurations.
• Experience provisioning and deprovisioning systems and accounts while ensuring secure onboarding and offboarding.
• Experience working in a federally funded, grant‑driven, or university‑affiliated research environment.
• Familiarity with research data protection requirements and handling of sensitive or export‑controlled information.

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV"

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and may lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

The Utah State University ASPIRE Foundation is advancing the future of electrified transportation by translating world‑class research into real‑world infrastructure, planning, and deployment solutions. Created out of a nationally recognized Utah State University research program, ASPIRE builds on a strong foundation that includes a prestigious National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center award, along with sustained engagement through federal grants, state programs, and private‑sector partnerships. Since its formation, ASPIRE has grown significantly in scale and scope, supporting projects and collaborations internationally.

ASPIRE Foundation serves as the implementation and coordination hub for work that extends beyond academic research. The organization brings together professional staff, university partners, industry collaborators, utilities, and public agencies to address system‑level challenges such as charging infrastructure development, power and grid integration, corridor‑scale planning, and technology demonstration and deployments. ASPIRE is known for its ability to integrate technical analysis, planning, and real‑world testing to move concepts to reality and tackle challenges for deployable solutions.

With an experienced professional team and deep university and industry relationships, ASPIRE Foundation operates as a trusted technical partner within the intelligent electrified transportation ecosystem. Its work emphasizes rigor, collaboration, and practical outcomes—supporting infrastructure readiness, workforce development, and long‑term system resilience. Joining ASPIRE offers team members the opportunity to help shape infrastructure and energy systems, and contribute to complex and interdisciplinary efforts that will shape the next generation of mobility."

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 12/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 10/2025