Job Details
Associate Research Engineer
2025-06-23 Nevada System of Higher Education Reno,NV
Description:
Job Description
The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) invites applications and nominations for the position of Associate Research Engineer. This is a renewable, full-time, non-tenured, administrative position and reports to the Principal Research Engineer. The position will be located in Reno, Nevada.
The NSHE is comprised of eight institutions: two universities, a state university, four community colleges and a research institute. The public system of higher education in Nevada continues to experience growth with significant opportunities in serving over 105,000 students and 15,000 employees.
The Associate Research Engineer develops and maintains networking, systems, and data architecture for forward-facing technology research and development (R&D) activities within SCS/NevadaNet, particularly aligned with and supporting academic research and related education at Nevada's leading research universities and state/community colleges, as well as elements of statewide connectivity for community anchors and other institutions. This includes collaboration and contribution to major technology- and network-dependent science and engineering projects in Nevada and the national research and education technology ecosystem. The position leverages SCS/NevadaNet's central position in NSHE to pioneer implementation of leading-edge technologies as part of statewide digital transformation of connectivity, research, and education.
The Associate Research Engineer works under the supervision of a Senior or Principal Research Engineer, and with other SCS core engineering teams and distributed NSHE faculty and staff. The position possesses and continually develops a functional knowledge of networking and computing hardware, associated software, troubleshooting, and technical management procedures. Primary technical areas of focus will be assigned based on the incumbent's skills and/or SCS's needs in areas of research engagement and support. Additional technical areas of focus will be assigned based on cross-training needs in SCS or R&D activities within NSHE's institutions. Technical areas of focus include, but are not limited to, elements of data network hardware and software (e.g., fiber and copper circuits, routers, switches, wireless bridges, wireless gateways, edge computing hosts), network monitoring (e.g., SNMP, PerfSonar, Nagios, Intermapper), network control (e.g., routing protocols, security, automation), associated data and computing systems (e.g., databases, store & forward protocols, visualization, throughput computing, high performance computing), and operating system and virtualization environments (e.g., Linux, Windows, software containers, public/private clouds). Technologies and solutions piloted by this position in research service areas will contribute to long-term planning and evolution of production NevadaNet and System Computing Services architectures. The Associate Research Engineer contributes to R&D projects managed by more senior personnel and assists with leading student worker cohorts that support core SCS and NevadaNet technology systems and trajectory.
Under a Senior or Principal Research Engineer, the Associate Research Engineer has substantial interaction with active research projects across NSHE institutions as well as Nevada State offices/agencies with network-driven service missions. The Associate Research Engineer may lead low-complexity projects under direct guidance of a senior colleague and participate in regional/national research computing and data (RCD) communities. The Associate Research Engineer occasionally provides training and education to students within NSHE-SCS or associated with collaborative projects and contributes technical information to funding proposals or publications that promote and expand Nevada's higher-education and scientific capabilities, school and library connectivity, and rural digital equity.
SALARY GRADE: Grade B (starting salary range approximately $65,000 to $75,000.00; depending on experience). A benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, and retirement.
APPROXIMATE STARTING DATE: August 15, 2025
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The successful candidate must have earned a Bachelor's degree in computer science or related technical field from an accredited institution with two (2) years of experience in a field directly related to Information Technology or Information Security. Alternatively, five (5) years of direct experience with a multi-user system in a complex enterprise or university may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.
Preference: will be given to candidates whose work experience is directly applicable to performing or contributing to research and development in a technical field of science or engineering; and/or whose relevant experience is in a higher education or academic environment.
License or certificate required for this position: Licenses or certificates are not required. However, additional consideration may be given to candidates with professional certifications directly applicable to the primary technical areas of focus with which the incumbent will be engaged. Examples include certifications relevant to specific operating systems, enterprise hardware, platforms, and broader concepts such as identity management and information security.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Successful candidates must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is recommended that applicants for this position demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas within their application materials:
TO APPLY: The application process will be handled through the Workday on-line search process. Application materials must include a current resume, detailed cover letter, and the name, email address and telephone number of four professional references willing to be contacted. Applicants should fully describe qualifications and experience as the initial review evaluates applicants based on documented, relevant qualifications and professional work experience. Applications will be considered incomplete without all requested materials. References will only be contacted for those who advance to the final phase of the search and with prior consent of the applicant. The review of materials will begin immediately. Materials should be addressed to Stephanie Flatt, Human Resources, and are to be submitted via on-line application at For assistance with NSHE's on-line applicant portal, contact Stephanie Flatt at (775) ###-####.
INTERNAL APPLICANTS: Current employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education MUST use the "Find Jobs" process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at NSHE institutions. Once you log into Workday and type "Find Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate the specific job posting by typing the requisition number (e.g. R0000000) in the search box.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications may be submitted until the position is filled. The review of materials will begin immediately, however, for full consideration applications should be submitted by July 6, 2025.
For more information about the Nevada System of Higher Education, please visit our website at www.nevada.edu. The Nevada System of Higher Education hires only United States citizens and noncitizens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. NSHE is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Exempt
Yes
Full-Time Equivalent
100.0%
Required Attachment(s)
Application materials must include a current resume, detailed cover letter, and names, addresses, and telephone numbers of four professional references willing to be contacted.
Posting Close Date
Note to Applicant
A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.
References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.
As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.
All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements. Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.
HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents.
Thank you for your interest in employment with Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), System Administration and System Computing Services. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:
- Draft applications are saved automatically and can be accessed through your candidate home account.
- Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment. Once a recruitment has closed, applications will no longer be accepted.
Job Description
The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) invites applications and nominations for the position of Associate Research Engineer. This is a renewable, full-time, non-tenured, administrative position and reports to the Principal Research Engineer. The position will be located in Reno, Nevada.
The NSHE is comprised of eight institutions: two universities, a state university, four community colleges and a research institute. The public system of higher education in Nevada continues to experience growth with significant opportunities in serving over 105,000 students and 15,000 employees.
The Associate Research Engineer develops and maintains networking, systems, and data architecture for forward-facing technology research and development (R&D) activities within SCS/NevadaNet, particularly aligned with and supporting academic research and related education at Nevada's leading research universities and state/community colleges, as well as elements of statewide connectivity for community anchors and other institutions. This includes collaboration and contribution to major technology- and network-dependent science and engineering projects in Nevada and the national research and education technology ecosystem. The position leverages SCS/NevadaNet's central position in NSHE to pioneer implementation of leading-edge technologies as part of statewide digital transformation of connectivity, research, and education.
The Associate Research Engineer works under the supervision of a Senior or Principal Research Engineer, and with other SCS core engineering teams and distributed NSHE faculty and staff. The position possesses and continually develops a functional knowledge of networking and computing hardware, associated software, troubleshooting, and technical management procedures. Primary technical areas of focus will be assigned based on the incumbent's skills and/or SCS's needs in areas of research engagement and support. Additional technical areas of focus will be assigned based on cross-training needs in SCS or R&D activities within NSHE's institutions. Technical areas of focus include, but are not limited to, elements of data network hardware and software (e.g., fiber and copper circuits, routers, switches, wireless bridges, wireless gateways, edge computing hosts), network monitoring (e.g., SNMP, PerfSonar, Nagios, Intermapper), network control (e.g., routing protocols, security, automation), associated data and computing systems (e.g., databases, store & forward protocols, visualization, throughput computing, high performance computing), and operating system and virtualization environments (e.g., Linux, Windows, software containers, public/private clouds). Technologies and solutions piloted by this position in research service areas will contribute to long-term planning and evolution of production NevadaNet and System Computing Services architectures. The Associate Research Engineer contributes to R&D projects managed by more senior personnel and assists with leading student worker cohorts that support core SCS and NevadaNet technology systems and trajectory.
Under a Senior or Principal Research Engineer, the Associate Research Engineer has substantial interaction with active research projects across NSHE institutions as well as Nevada State offices/agencies with network-driven service missions. The Associate Research Engineer may lead low-complexity projects under direct guidance of a senior colleague and participate in regional/national research computing and data (RCD) communities. The Associate Research Engineer occasionally provides training and education to students within NSHE-SCS or associated with collaborative projects and contributes technical information to funding proposals or publications that promote and expand Nevada's higher-education and scientific capabilities, school and library connectivity, and rural digital equity.
SALARY GRADE: Grade B (starting salary range approximately $65,000 to $75,000.00; depending on experience). A benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, and retirement.
APPROXIMATE STARTING DATE: August 15, 2025
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The successful candidate must have earned a Bachelor's degree in computer science or related technical field from an accredited institution with two (2) years of experience in a field directly related to Information Technology or Information Security. Alternatively, five (5) years of direct experience with a multi-user system in a complex enterprise or university may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.
Preference: will be given to candidates whose work experience is directly applicable to performing or contributing to research and development in a technical field of science or engineering; and/or whose relevant experience is in a higher education or academic environment.
License or certificate required for this position: Licenses or certificates are not required. However, additional consideration may be given to candidates with professional certifications directly applicable to the primary technical areas of focus with which the incumbent will be engaged. Examples include certifications relevant to specific operating systems, enterprise hardware, platforms, and broader concepts such as identity management and information security.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Successful candidates must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is recommended that applicants for this position demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas within their application materials:
- Functional knowledge of computer networking, server, operating system, and data concepts directly applicable to wide-area networking, internet-of-things, cloud architecture, cluster computing, and user management.
- Experience in computing and networking hardware deployment and operation.
- Experience in OS (especially UNIX/Linux) systems administration and management.
- Experience in software infrastructure deployment, management, and automation.
- Knowledge of database concepts and operations.
- Knowledge of IT systems monitoring, telemetry methods, and basic analytics.
- Experience analyzing and troubleshooting technology as part of pilot or R&D deployments.
- Experience with one or more scripting or code-as-infrastructure languages and tools (for example: Linux/bash, Python, Windows/Powershell, C++, SSH, Git, Ansible, Docker, Elasticsearch, InfluxDB, Prometheus, Grafana).
- Experience with Microsoft productivity tools (Visio, Word, Excel, Teams, Sharepoint).
- Ability to effectively prioritize multiple tasks based on criticality and workload.
- Ability to effectively communicate with users, peers, and management objectively and with a courteous and professional attitude.
- Ability to discern when independent action, peer collaboration, or escalation through a chain of command is needed to resolve issues.
- Ability to exercise strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a creative mindset.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills across a variety of audiences, including technical and non-technical users, team members, and managers.
- Experience performing routine technical tasks and solving problems of low to medium complexity relevant to R&D initiatives within NSHE.
- Ability to meticulously analyze and troubleshoot problems.
- Experience participating in the implementation of technically complex projects affecting many end-users.
- Ability to work non-standard hours, i.e. some nights and weekends, participate in research team meetings, and travel to remote sites or SCS datacenters as needed, in support of SCS's research-facing operations.
- Perform routine network, computing, and/or data systems monitoring, management, and maintenance.
- Installation and configuration of new hardware and software solutions in research networking and computing environments.
- Analyze and diagnose hardware and software failures.
- Implement and maintain infrastructure monitoring dashboards and basic analytics, with provision for integrating network cybersecurity elements.
- Work with Network Services group to maintain Layer 1-3 services for public and private research networks.
- Participate in learning, contribution, and tertiary support roles with SCS Network Services, Systems Engineering, and Security groups.
- Utilize modern DevOps tools for streamlined and repeatable workflows, including elements of team communication, code version control, deployment testing, and logging.
- Testing and implementation of new active and passive monitoring of network component, link, and path state, performance, and health across mixed optical, wired, and wireless wide-area networks.
- Testing and implementation of data capture, transport, analytics, visualization, and archival software systems on a combination of edge, aggregation, core, and cloud computing infrastructures.
- Testing and implementation of distributed computing and software host systems from the edge to aggregation points to the network core, leveraging private and public clouds where appropriate.
- Task-based supervision of student workers within Research Engineering as part of software development or infrastructure maintenance projects.
- Guidance and leadership of basic IT troubleshooting procedures for engineering student workers within NSHE-SCS.
- Group development and consultation interface between students and senior engineering roles and project leads within NSHE-SCS or collaborative projects.
- Work directly with state-wide research/service programs within NSHE to advance research/service data workflows and applications between these programs and their stakeholders.
- Participate in nationally and internationally impactful science and engineering working groups with networking and technology applications.
- Attend and participate in technology sessions and workshops in scientific and engineering conferences.
- Pursue collegial integration across NSHE institutions through student & faculty collaborations, science project participation, and informal student advising.
- Development and mentoring of colleagues and student associates in research technology and networking best practices.
- Develop technical expertise through participation in formal and informal educational sessions, seminars, workshops, and vendor technology demonstrations.
- Oversee tasks and project work by student colleagues in a team environment.
- Assist in recruitment, hiring, and developing new personnel, particularly students, within SCS.
- Work with the Principal Research Engineer and other senior personnel on project and budget planning.
- Maintain project records, logs, and documentation using appropriate SCS procedures and tools.
TO APPLY: The application process will be handled through the Workday on-line search process. Application materials must include a current resume, detailed cover letter, and the name, email address and telephone number of four professional references willing to be contacted. Applicants should fully describe qualifications and experience as the initial review evaluates applicants based on documented, relevant qualifications and professional work experience. Applications will be considered incomplete without all requested materials. References will only be contacted for those who advance to the final phase of the search and with prior consent of the applicant. The review of materials will begin immediately. Materials should be addressed to Stephanie Flatt, Human Resources, and are to be submitted via on-line application at For assistance with NSHE's on-line applicant portal, contact Stephanie Flatt at (775) ###-####.
INTERNAL APPLICANTS: Current employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education MUST use the "Find Jobs" process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at NSHE institutions. Once you log into Workday and type "Find Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate the specific job posting by typing the requisition number (e.g. R0000000) in the search box.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications may be submitted until the position is filled. The review of materials will begin immediately, however, for full consideration applications should be submitted by July 6, 2025.
For more information about the Nevada System of Higher Education, please visit our website at www.nevada.edu. The Nevada System of Higher Education hires only United States citizens and noncitizens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. NSHE is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Exempt
Yes
Full-Time Equivalent
100.0%
Required Attachment(s)
Application materials must include a current resume, detailed cover letter, and names, addresses, and telephone numbers of four professional references willing to be contacted.
Posting Close Date
Note to Applicant
A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.
References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.
As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.
All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements. Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.
HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents.