As a Platform Engineer, you will play a key role in the design, operation, and lifecycle management of Linux- and Unix-based infrastructure platforms that provide secure, scalable, and reliable services across Harvard Medical School. This Tier 3 position focuses on expert-level Linux systems administration, infrastructure automation, configuration enforcement, and monitoring in support of research, teaching, and administrative computing needs. The role requires deep technical skill, an automation mindset, and the ability to independently solve complex infrastructure problems while contributing to ongoing platform optimization and project work.
Core Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform expert-level build, configuration, and lifecycle management of Linux/Unix operating systems across physical and virtual environments.
- Manage and optimize infrastructure automation and configuration management systems (e.g., Ansible, Puppet) to enforce compliance and consistency.
- Implement and maintain robust system monitoring, alerting, and logging solutions to ensure platform health, performance, and visibility.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex system-level incidents and performance issues across diverse Linux-based platforms.
- Support the integration of infrastructure platforms with identity, authentication, and access control systems (e.g., LDAP, Kerberos, Active Directory).
- Participate in the software development life cycle for operational tooling, including scripting and infrastructure-as-code approaches.
- Evaluate new technologies and contribute to technical solution design that meets performance, security, and reliability requirements.
- Collaborate with peer infrastructure and application teams to ensure seamless system integration and service delivery.
- Develop and maintain system documentation, standards, and procedures to support operations, audits, and knowledge sharing.
- Mentor junior team members through technical guidance and documentation.
- Participate in off-hours on-call rotation.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications:
- Minimum of five years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- At least 5 years of experience managing Linux/Unix infrastructure in an enterprise or research computing environment.
- Demonstrated expertise with configuration management, automation frameworks, and scripting languages (e.g., Ansible, Bash, Python).Experience implementing and supporting monitoring and logging platforms (e.g., Prometheus, Nagios, ELK, Grafana, Zabbix).
- Strong understanding of networking, storage, security, and access control within Linux systems.
- Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication; ability to collaborate with cross-functional technical teams.
- Ability to work independently and prioritize complex tasks in a dynamic environment.
- Commitment to operational excellence, service reliability, and continuous improvement.
- Strong documentation practices and a collaborative mindset.
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal
- Other Information: Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.
- Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.
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Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 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.
