Computer Specialist

Computer SpecialistAs a Computer Specialist I, II, III, or Senior, you will play a crucial role in optimizing and managing our high-performance computing infrastructure and supporting network to support complex scientific, engineering, and research applications at the Mississippi State University (MSU) High Performance Computing Collaboratory (HPC2). Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.Salary Grade: 15Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.The High Performance Computing Collaboratory (HPC²), an evolution of the MSU NSF Engineering Research Center (ERC) for Computational Field Simulation, at Mississippi State University is a coalition of member institutes and centers that share a common core objective of advancing the state-of-the-art in computational science and engineering using high performance computing; a common approach to research that embraces a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented concept; and a commitment to a full partnership between education, research, and service. The mission of the HPC² is to serve the University, State, and Nation through excellence in computational science and engineering.Area of SpecializationWindows Operating SystemsEssential Duties and Responsibilities1. Install, configure, and manage Windows operating systems on physical and virtual servers and desktops. 2. Upgrades, migrations, life cycle management, and change management processes 3. Create, manage, and support virtual machines (VMs) and virtual desktop infrastructure based on business needs.4. Monitor and optimize system performance, including resource allocation, load balancing, and recommend hardware/software upgrades.5. Perform basic troubleshooting of hardware, software, and operating systems, escalating complex issues to appropriate technical staff as needed.6. Provide user and system support, including coordination with computing staff for integrating services such as file systems, printing, and other system resources.7. Implement and maintain security best practices across the computing environments.8. Package software and schedule automated, remote deployments.9. Maintain comprehensive documentation of system configurations, processes, and procedures.10. Stay current with industry trends and technologies related to systems administration and virtualization.11. Manage, train, and provide operational oversight to junior-level system administrators; collaborate with cross-functional IT teams to ensure seamless integration of systems and services.12. Perform other duties as assigned.Supervisory Responsibility: This position will occasionally lead small teams and assist in training, developing and evaluation of lower-level computer specialists. This position provides hands-on maintenance of advance research computing infrastructure to support researchers.Minimum QualificationsMinimum Required Education and ExperienceLevel I Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. Level II Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field plus 4 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.Level III Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field plus 8 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.Senior Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field plus 10 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Promotions are based off years of service as well as knowledge, skills, abilities, and performanceSubstitution allowed: Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered with HR Approval.Preferred Qualifications• Proficiency with Windows operating systems, including experience as a system administrator for virtual and physical environments.• Working knowledge of networking technologies and services such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, PXE, VLANS, Radius, Proxies, etc.• Experience with system end-point management tools and platforms, such as SCCM, KACE, Altiris, Cisco Secure Endpoint, Deep Freeze, and backup solutions. • Experience with Active Directory configuration, group policy management, and site replication.• Experience managing SSL certificates, • Experience with virtualization platforms and tools such as VMware vSphere, Microsoft Remote Desktop, Hyper-V, Citrix Virtual Desktop, or similar technologies.• Understanding and experience with cybersecurity principles, tools, and practices, including knowledge of NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, or CMMC Security Controls.• Relevant certifications in information technology or cybersecurity.• Proficiency in one or more programming/scripting languages such as C, C++, Java, Perl, Python, Perl, Power Shell, or SQL queries.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities• Strong written and oral communication skills.• Demonstrated ability to understand and document software business rules and requirements using diagrams, written use cases, and user stories.• Strong analytical and technical skills with an attention for detail and accuracy.• Strong organization skills and the ability to self-direct efforts to complete planning and documentation requirements.• Strong problem-solving skills• Self-motivated and directed, with the ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.Working Conditions and Physical Effort• Work involves occasional exposure to unusual elements found in a data center workspace, such as confined space, medium noises and lifting of items up to 40 pounds.• Requires limited lifting of files and records and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.• Frequent external imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one's control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis. • Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.Instructions for ApplyingLink to apply: Clause: Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.Equal Employment Opportunity StatementMississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, View phone number on click.appcast.io.What do I do if I need an accommodation?In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.