IT Data Systems Engineer

Join the team aboard the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ research vessel Sikuliaq as an IT Data Systems Engineer and play a critical role in supporting cutting-edge oceanographic research. This hands-on position offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic maritime environment, supporting and maintaining the vessel’s specialized IT infrastructure and ensuring reliable technology systems for scientists, technicians, and crew operating at sea.

To thrive in this role, candidates should have experience in PowerShell, Python, and shell scripting for process automation highly desired. Experience configuring and operating ProxMox virtualization infrastructure, as well as configuring, tuning, and monitoring system backup methods, is also preferred. Familiarity with Microsoft Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy administration is strongly desired.

The successful applicant should have knowledge of general networking fundamentals and troubleshooting (TCP/IP v4, ARP, MAC address tables, etc), large data set handling, and help desk style support for at-sea technicians and scientists.

The successful applicant will be expected to be aboard the ship for 1-3 months per year, based on the ship schedule and needs.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (i.e. Information Technology or other related field) and 4 years progressively responsible experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Position Details:

This position will be physically located on board the RV Sikuliaq from one to three months per year (based on the ship schedule and needs) and can be remote when not aboard. Moving to Seward, Alaska is encouraged but not required. For each day at sea, cruise leave is accrued at a rate of 2.29 hours per day and sea pay is accrued as an additional $325 per day on top of base salary. This is a full-time, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package . UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule , Grade 81, based on education and experience.

Application review will begin on October 26, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration; however, the recruitment will remain open until filled.

The University of Alaska (UA) requires employees to work on-site based on operational and business needs. Hybrid and remote work arrangements may be considered only for positions specifically designated and advertised as eligible for hybrid or remote work. Any approved arrangement will be based on the position’s duties, operational needs, and the employee’s ability to effectively perform the work remotely.

To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE .

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Sarah Walters, Sikuliaq's HR Coordinator, at View email address on us.fitly.work.

This is a term-funded position reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at View email address on us.fitly.work .

The University of Alaska () is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination () against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

* Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA : (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: . Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: View phone number on us.fitly.work or View email address on us.fitly.work / View phone number on us.fitly.work or View email address on us.fitly.work . 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: . Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: View phone number on us.fitly.work or View email address on us.fitly.work .

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: . Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: View phone number on us.fitly.work or emailing View email address on us.fitly.work .