CENIC AIR Engineer
1 day ago
La Mirada
Job Description About CENIC: Join the team that connects California to the world — advancing education and research statewide by providing the world-class computing network essential for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. Our organization operates the California Research and Education Network (CalREN), a high-capacity computer network with more than 8,000 miles of optical fiber. The network serves over 20 million users across California, including the vast majority of K-20 students, together with educators, researchers, and individuals at other vital public-serving institutions. POSITION SUMMARY The CENIC AIR Engineer supports the development, deployment, and operation of CENIC AIR infrastructure and services, including distributed computing and storage environments, Science DMZ-connected resources, field data collection systems, and precision-agriculture research workflows. This role combines hands-on engineering, systems support, automation, documentation, and field deployment work to help CENIC AIR serve researchers, educators, and participating campuses. Working with CENIC AIR leadership, internal technical teams, and external research partners, the CENIC AIR Engineer helps install, configure, monitor, document, and improve technical systems that support AI-enabled research and education. Responsibilities may include supporting Nautilus nodes and related distributed computing tools, collecting and managing imagery and sensor data, assisting with drones and advanced camera systems, developing lightweight software or automation workflows, and helping translate field and campus needs into practical technical improvements. This role is intended for an engineer with a broad, applied technical foundation and a willingness to work across systems, software, networking, data, and field environments. It requires curiosity, sound judgment, strong documentation habits, and the ability to learn quickly while contributing to a new and evolving CENIC initiative. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY None. This position may provide day-to-day guidance, technical support, and task coordination for CENIC AIR interns or student participants as assigned. KEY SUCCESS FACTORS Broad applied technical curiosity across distributed systems, software, data, networking, and field research environments Hands-on problem-solving ability, with comfort troubleshooting unfamiliar systems, equipment, and workflows Strong documentation habits and attention to detail, especially when working with research data, field deployments, and evolving technical procedures Ability to work collaboratively with CENIC staff, researchers, students, and external technical partners Willingness to learn quickly and contribute in a new, evolving initiative where tools, processes, and requirements may continue to mature Clear communication skills, including the ability to explain technical work to both technical and non-technical collaborators ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS CENIC AIR Infrastructure Support and Deployment Support the deployment, configuration, and ongoing improvement of CENIC AIR infrastructure, including distributed computing and storage resources, Science DMZ-connected environments, and related networked systems Assist with the installation, configuration, and maintenance of Nautilus nodes, IoT devices, LoRaWAN antennas, and related field or campus-based equipment Work with CENIC AIR leadership, UCSD National Research Platform engineers, and CENIC technical teams to support project plans, implementation tasks, and practical improvements to CENIC AIR services Help assess system performance, capacity, and reliability needs for CENIC AIR-connected campuses and research environments Stay informed about relevant developments in distributed computing, AI infrastructure, precision agriculture, and research and education networking Field Data Collection and Research Support Support field data collection activities for CENIC AIR research projects, including imagery, video, geospatial data, sensor data, and related technical documentation Assist with the setup and operation of drones, advanced camera systems, sensors, and other field equipment used in precision-agriculture and AI-enabled research workflows Organize, process, and manage collected data to support computer vision, analytics, visualization, and related research applications Help identify practical field, campus, or researcher needs that can inform CENIC AIR infrastructure improvements and service development Support workshops, demonstrations, or training activities for participating campuses, researchers, instructors, or student cohorts as assigned Systems, Software, and Automation Support Develop, adapt, or maintain lightweight software tools, scripts, and automation workflows that support CENIC AIR operations, data processing, monitoring, documentation, or research workflows Support the configuration, use, and troubleshooting of distributed computing environments, including Kubernetes-based tools, JupyterLab/JupyterHub environments, visualization tools, and related research platforms Assist with data-processing workflows for imagery, video, geospatial, sensor, or telemetry data used in AI-enabled research and precision-agriculture applications Contribute to the evaluation and improvement of tools used for visibility, performance monitoring, workflow automation, and operational support Work with internal and external technical partners to troubleshoot issues, test changes, and document repeatable procedures for CENIC AIR systems and services Documentation, Training, and Collaboration Create and maintain clear technical documentation, field notes, configuration records, procedures, and project updates for CENIC AIR systems, deployments, and research workflows Assist with training materials, demonstrations, workshops, or knowledge-sharing sessions for CENIC staff, researchers, instructors, students, or participating campuses Provide day-to-day technical guidance or task support to CENIC AIR interns, student participants, or project collaborators as assigned Coordinate with CENIC technical teams, UCSD National Research Platform engineers, and external partners to support implementation, troubleshooting, and service improvement activities Communicate project status, technical issues, field observations, and support needs clearly to CENIC AIR leadership and relevant stakeholders EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, information technology, data science, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience Experience or coursework in one or more relevant technical areas, such as distributed systems, Linux systems administration, networking, software development, data processing, geospatial analysis, computer vision, or AI-enabled research workflows Hands-on experience with technical troubleshooting, field deployments, systems configuration, data collection, or automation Familiarity with research computing environments, Kubernetes, JupyterLab/JupyterHub, visualization tools, or distributed storage and compute platforms is preferred Familiarity with Science DMZ concepts, IP networking, sensors, drones, advanced camera systems, or precision-agriculture workflows is preferred Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document technical work and collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders Experience in research and education, public sector, nonprofit, higher education, or mission-driven technical environments is preferred WORK ENVIRONMENT This position operates in a hybrid environment that may include remote work, professional office settings, campus or research sites, and outdoor or field locations. Work may involve standard computer-based tasks as well as hands-on technical work with field equipment, sensors, drones, cameras, networking equipment, and other CENIC AIR-related systems. Travel to participating campuses, research sites, conferences, or workshops may be required to support installations, field data collection, demonstrations, training, or project coordination. WORK HOURS The regular workweek is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Evening and weekend work may be required based on CENIC’s business demands. TRAVEL Travel to participating campuses, research sites, conferences, workshops, or field locations may be required based on CENIC AIR project needs. LICENSES A valid California Basic Class C Driver’s License is required if driving is required. WORK AUTHORIZATION: Documented Proof of identity and legal eligibility to work in the United States. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. CENIC does not offer STEM OPT training opportunities and cannot complete Form I-983. WHY WORK AT CENIC? • Company Culture: Small teams and a collaborative environment provide the opportunity to make a large impact in a small organization., • Community Engagement: We work with research and education institutions in the largest state economy in the United States. Your work has meaning., • Generous Health Benefit Package: We value our employees' wellness. We offer a variety of medical, dental, and vision benefits.. We have you covered with life, short-term, and long-term insurance. We also offer pet insurance at a discount., • Paid Time Off: We offer liberal vacation, sick leave, and 15 paid holidays., • Investment in Your Future: CENIC contributes to your 403(b) even if you don't. We also offer matching contributions. Pre-tax and Roth options are also available. Direct applicants only. No recruiters. CENIC is an equal opportunity employer – Vets/disabled