Network Engineer (5168C) - Berkeley Seismological Lab

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The Berkeley Seismological Laboratory conducts essential research on earthquakes and solid earth processes while collecting and delivering high quality geophysical data. It provides robust earthquake and hazard information including real-time alerts to the public, in collaboration with our partners. It also enables the broad consumption of earthquake information by everyone while educating and training students at all levels and from all backgrounds.

The position of network engineer exists to ensure the performance and resiliency of the network. The networking equipment to be managed, ranging from routers and switches to cell modems and digital radios, must operate across diverse environments, from environmentally-controlled data centers to remote field stations. The links to be supported between equipment include transports such as cellular, satellite, radio, microwave, WiFi, Ethernet, and VPN tunnels. Integrating network components, and improving the network through collaboration, is vital to the BSL's mission of earthquake monitoring and scientific research.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: May 1, 2026 - Open Until Filled

Responsibilities

• Install and maintain networking equipment and configurations to support the flow of data from 200+ remote field stations to, between, and within multiple data centers, both on-prem and in the cloud (AWS). Secure and maintain data communications with outside partners and the public. Develop and maintain network monitoring and diagnostic tools.
• Monitor and respond to network performance degradation and/or loss of connectivity, both within the data center and from remote field stations. Troubleshoot and resolve network issues, both directly and through interactions with a diverse set of collaborators, contacts, and service providers. Review and address bandwidth and latency requirements. Assist with the configuration and troubleshooting of Linux systems and software that perform data acquisition.
• Manage the security and firmware of networking equipment. Work directly with vendors to isolate and resolve complex hardware, firmware, and/or configuration issues. Configure and troubleshoot Linux systems and software that support network services.
• Review, collaboratively with colleagues, the data flow needs of the organization. Coordinate all phases of complex network projects, from design and procurement to deployment and documentation. Evaluate and test new, or enhanced, network solutions, with an emphasis on the robust and resilient transfer of data from remote field stations to data processing centers.
• Provide expert advice on network solutions and explanations of network issues. Consult with other units and outside collaborators on the joint use of networks, including compatibility and conformance to standards. Participate in cross-disciplinary group discussions, activities, and efforts.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Thorough understanding of common networking protocols, including OSI layer 2 and layer 3 at an expert level.
• Hands-on experience with various networking hardware platforms, both with installation and maintenance.
• Experience with diagnostic tools, including network monitoring and performance assessment.
• Experience with network management systems, including configuration revision control, automating tasks, and remote deployments.
• Experience working within and supporting a Linux environment, including the ability to write and maintain custom scripts.
• Ability to gather, organize and analyze data in the completion of a variety of functional assignments.
• Ability to communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization.
• Able to learn effectively and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated diverse problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct operational experience with OSPF, BGP, and IPSEC protocols.
• Experience specifically with Cisco, Palo Alto, Mikrotik, and Sierra Wireless platforms.
• Experience supporting remote field equipment, such as modems, radios, and edge routers.
• Experience writing complex Bash and Python scripts, along with the use of Ansible.
• Experience with Linux systems administration, especially Redhat, including interface bonding and 802.1Q tagging.

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 career position eligible for full benefits. This position is FLSA Exempt and paid monthly.