Network & Cybersecurity Administrator Associate

The Network Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Administrator Associate works onsite and forms part of the Network Infrastructure team and assists the Cybersecurity team with designing, building, implementing, and maintaining NOIRLab’s information technology systems and operations related to Network Infrastructure and Cybersecurity and participates in day-to-day operational support.

Essential Functions

• Supports the execution of initiatives in Network Infrastructure planning, performance analysis, and tuning and assists in planning cybersecurity procedures, standards, and guidelines, risk assessments, incident response, vulnerability testing, and maintaining the cybersecurity footprint throughout NOIRLab.
• Installs, terminates, and verifies connectivity of physical infrastructure such as Ethernet and fiber cables, cable drops, and patch panels; monitors network performance and configures network infrastructure to support NOIRLab staff's day-to-day network access.
• Assists with testing and validation of system designs and enhancements.
• As part of the Cybersecurity team, keeps up-to-date to maintain and promote awareness of the latest security and privacy legislation, regulations, advisories, alerts, and vulnerabilities pertaining to critical IT infrastructure.
• Provides general support for Linux, Mac, and Windows end-user systems, Network Infrastructure and devices, and Cybersecurity initiatives.
• Contributes to the design and definition of standards, processes, and procedures by which NOIRLab’s information technology systems and staff conform and operate.
• Provides project assistance on consultation and execution related to the delivery of technological innovation to the observatory and/or supports sustainable ongoing operations in Network Infrastructure and Cybersecurity.
• Possesses an awareness and knowledge of new technologies, systems, methods, and processes and channels this information through NOIRLab’s ITOps to pursue system innovation, efficiency, stability, and scalability.
• Assists with technical documentation of system designs and architecture.
• Utilizes processes, procedures, checklists, best practices, and presentations. Observes change/configuration control systems.
• All AURA employees are responsible for the proper management and control of all AURA property within their work area, whether assigned to them or someone else. This responsibility includes reporting any known missing, stolen, or non-working property in their work area to their supervisor or the AURA Property Officer.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position.

Other Functions

• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2-3 years of relevant experience in network infrastructure administration and cybersecurity-related fields.
• Experience with state-of-the-art network infrastructure and network administration.
• Experience supporting IT operations, including distributed data centers, information systems support, network infrastructure, shared services, and cybersecurity.
• Experience working with IT and Cybersecurity policies, procedures, and standards.
• Possess a working knowledge of enterprise-scale information technology best practices and the ability to provide related support and integration.
• Experience with tier 3 or tier 4 data center methodologies and IT component administration.
• Possess a solid understanding of cybersecurity frameworks and standards (CIS, NIST, etc).
• Experience in information systems change control, information technology performance management, IT infrastructure management/improvement, and process development.
• Experience working with physical network infrastructure (fiber, fiber termination, testing, ethernet, structured cabling).
• Project experience in various system administration disciplines, such as Information Systems architecture design and analysis, as well as system monitoring.
• Possess a broad knowledge of industry-standard platforms and the ability to provide integration and support for enterprise infrastructure.
• Ability to communicate and work well with customers and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to execute multiple tasks/projects simultaneously.
• Able to work with continual deadline pressure, handle complex technical issues, and provide timely solutions.
• Strong skills and background related to supporting and design of enterprise-scale information systems.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License; clean driving record; ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle

Preferences

• Knowledge of Spanish is a plus
• Professional certifications related to Networking, Cybersecurity, and IT service, such as CompTIA Network+, CCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Security+, GSEC, GISF, CISM/CISA, CNSP/CNSA, SSCP, ITIL, Prince2, PMP, or similar are a plus.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk; or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess - sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.
• Must possess – 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so that others understand and can respond appropriately.
• Must possess sufficient mobility, strength or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) grasp, push, pull, turn or otherwise manipulate tools and mechanisms; b) push, shove, pull or otherwise safely and efficiently manipulate tools or mechanisms; c) lift, hold, maneuver, objects of 50 lbs or more; d) maintain balance while performing work; e) remove parts, systems, tools of 50 lbs or more
• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States.
• Occasional work at summit locations ranging from 6,800’ to 14,000’ altitude

This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees.

Salary Range

$38.71 - $42.63 per hour. The final salary will depend on skills, qualification, experience and job location. 

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources.

How to Apply

Apply by August 8, 2025 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org