Network Engineer - Berkeley Seismology Lab

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Departmental Overview

The Berkeley Seismology Lab (BSL) operates a large seismic and geophysical network across northern California to collect, analyze, and archive data, for the purposes of earthquake monitoring, early warning and scientific research. In collaboration with the USGS Earthquake Management Project, the BSL jointly operates the northern California component of the USGS Advanced National Seismic System to provide public earthquake information, earthquake early warnings (ShakeAlert system / MyShake app), and long-term earthquake monitoring. For these and other related projects, the BSL is also responsible for training, education, and outreach activities.

BSL operates a network of continuous real-time data collection from remote geophysical stations to centralized processing and archival. Networking infrastructure, with equipment ranging from routers and switches to cellular modems and digital radios, operates across diverse environments, ranging from inside data centers to last-mile station telemetry. Data paths include cellular, radio, microwave, WiFi, Ethernet, and VPN tunnels. This position exists to ensure the performance and resiliency of networking infrastructure, which is vital to earthquake early warning, earthquake monitoring and scientific research.

This is a 100% FTE, 2-year contract with the possibility for extension and / or conversion to career based on available funding.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is : September 16, 2025 - Open Until Filled

Responsibilities

30% Leads the design, specification, configuration, installation, management and troubleshooting of data communications equipment for the flow of data from approximately 200 geophysical field stations to, between, and within multiple data centers, both on-prem and in the cloud. This includes equipment such as cell modems, digital radios, routers / switches, microwave networking infrastructure, and cloud technologies. Oversees, configures, secures, manages, and troubleshoots data communication (ex. Ethernet, T1s, microwave links, VPNs, firewalls, etc.) with outside partners and the public. Develops and implements monitoring and diagnostic tools, software, and procedures.

20% Troubleshoots throughout the data communications network, interacting with a diverse set of contacts, collaborators and service providers to resolve problems. Troubleshooting responsibilities include the hardware, software and security of equipment in the field and data center, but also includes problems with data communications service providers, such as telemetry outages. Reviews and responds to network performance degradation, bandwidth usage, and data flow issues.

15% Oversees, configures, secures, manages and troubleshoots data communications hardware and software within the data center, including redundant VPN gateways, routers, and switches. Works directly with vendor / manufacturer / technical support to isolate and resolve complex hardware and software issues. Configures and troubleshoots systems that support network services.

15% Consults with other units and outside collaborators on planning, implementation and security for jointly used data communications systems. Works with outside partner organizations and stakeholders to ensure compatibility & conformance with their standards for data paths that cross their networks. Participates in cross-functional group discussions, activities and efforts. Provide advice and guidance on data communications infrastructure. Provides expert advice to users / units on data communication issues.

15% Collaboratively reviews with other staff the data flow needs of the organization. Coordinates all phases of multiple, complex network projects : planning, design, procurement, implementation and documentation of completed infrastructure, including maps, figures, and updating database records. Evaluates and tests new, or enhanced, data communications electronics and services, including for security, reliability, robustness, and performance. Explores, develops and manages options for redundant communications paths from remote stations.

5% Other tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Thorough understanding of various network hardware platforms, network related protocols and software including understanding of OSI layer 3 protocols and layer 2 protocols at a complex level and related technical standards critical to the operation of interconnected networks.
• In-depth experience with network diagnostic and performance management tools and software, including proactive monitoring and resiliency assessments.
• Thorough and broad knowledge and experience working with network management systems, including configuration revision control, automating tasks, and remote deployments.
• Ability to gather, organize and analyze data in the completion of a variety of functional assignments.
• Able to learn effectively and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization.
• Self-motivated and works independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated diverse problem-solving skills.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $100,000 to $150,000 yearly ($8,333.33 to $12,500.00 monthly). This is a 100% FTE, 2-year contract position eligible for benefits. This position is FLSA Exempt and paid monthly.

Other Information

This is a 100% FTE, 2-year contract with the possibility for extension and / or conversion to career based on available funding.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Misconduct Disclosure

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Misconduct means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct :

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

The University of California's Affirmative Action policy.

The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy .