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Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?
The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.
Job Description
The Senior Systems Engineerplays a key role within the IT Operations team in a thirty-plus person Information Technology Department at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining secure, reliable, and scalable hybrid infrastructure across Microsoft Azure, Windows Server, and Linux/UNIX environments.
The Senior Systems Engineer ensures the stability, security, and performance of core systems and services while driving modernization through automation, infrastructure-as-code, and cloud-native technologies. This individual will also collaborate across IT and academic teams to deliver innovative solutions that advance research, teaching, and operational excellence at HKS.
Essential Functions:
- Design, implement, and manage scalable hybrid infrastructure leveraging Microsoft Azure, and on-premises Windows and Linux/UNIX servers.
- Enhance and modernize all aspects of HKS infrastructure to take advantage of emerging technologies, cloud-native capabilities, and infrastructure-as-code (IaC) practices.
- Automate provisioning, patching, and deployment using tools such as Ansible, Azure DevOps, PowerShell DSC, and other automation frameworks to ensure consistency, efficiency, and compliance.
- Act as the technical lead and primary technical contact and administrator for cloud-based websites (Drupal), including managing vendor relationship with serverless CMS hosting (Pantheon).
- Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize system performance and reliability across operating systems, virtualization platforms, and applications using tools such as LogicMonitor, Azure Monitor, and Splunk.
- Collaborate with IT Operations, Security, and Development teams to design and maintain secure, compliant systems aligned with Harvard’s cybersecurity and identity management standards.
- Administer Azure Active Directory, identity and access management integrations, and support enterprise authentication (SSO, MFA, conditional access).
- Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity solutions for hybrid and cloud-native systems to ensure uptime and data integrity.
- Serve as technical lead and primary administrator for cloud-based and web-hosted environments, including collaboration with vendors for hosting and infrastructure management.
- Develop tools, scripts, and integrations to automate and streamline day-to-day operations and reduce manual effort.
- Provide Tier 3 support for Windows and Linux-based services, ensuring issues are resolved efficiently and documented appropriately.
- Contribute to cross-functional IT projects, providing technical expertise, documentation, and peer mentorship.
- Ensure compliance with university and industry security standards, and actively participate in system audits, patching, and vulnerability remediation.
- Provide consultation and subject matter expertise on cloud architecture, automation, and infrastructure modernization initiatives.
- Provide after-hours support as needed to maintain system availability and business continuity.
- Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT Code of Conduct (https://huit.harvard.edu/it-professional-code-conduct-protect-electronic-information).
Working Conditions:
- Normal office environment with hybrid work requirement (3 days/week on-site Tuesdays-Thursdays).
- Some after-hours work may be required for releases, incident response, system upgrades or other time-sensitive work.
Physical Requirements:
- Required to move about in an office environment and sit for extended periods of time.
- Required to move about within the School and University.
- Reach with hands and arms.
- Frequent use of hands for data entry / keystrokes and simple grasping.
- Required to lift, and move up to 50 pounds of equipment using available moving tools.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Minimum of five years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- 5+ years of relevant experience is required.
- Real-world experience designing, implementing, and deploying secure cloud-native services and environments.
- Experience with using infrastructure-as-code to automate and manage systems and environments.
- Experience in at least two programming/scripting languages (Java, C, Bash/Shell, Python, PHP, JavaScript).
- Demonstrated experience with cybersecurity fundamentals.
Additional Qualifications:
Technical
- 5+ years’ experience supporting enterprise Windows and UNIX/Linux infrastructure.
- Significant experience deploying and managing cloud infrastructure and services, preferably Azure.
- Significant scripting experience using Python, Bash/shell, Perl, PowerShell, or other scripting languages.
- Significant experience in automation and configuration management tools, preferably Ansible.
- Experience with system monitoring tools, preferably LogicMonitor.
- Experience deploying to Code Version Control, preferably Git.
- Experience with secure software design.
- Familiarity deploying or developing for the Drupal CMS.
- Familiarity with log aggregation tools, preferably Splunk.
- Familiarity with relational and /or NoSQL databases, preferably MySQL.
Non-technical
- Self-motivated; able to work independently; able to quickly learn new technologies.
- Demonstrated ability to multitask and adjust to changing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated team performance skills, service mindset approach, and the ability to act as a trusted advisor to both internal and external customers.
- Background in higher education is desirable, however, a fresh perspective is also welcome.
Additional Information
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal
- Other Information: This position is based on our campus in Cambridge, MA and required to work a minimum of 3 days/week (Tuesday-Thursday) on-site. Normal office hours. Some after-hours work may be required for releases, incident response, system upgrades or other time sensitive work.
Work Format Details
This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.