JOB SUMMARY:
 
The Software Systems Engineer will support the software development staff by administering the systems required for custom software development. Additionally, he/she will participate in various phases of the software development life cycle including design, coding, review, testing, implementation and documentation using an iterative process. Additional duties include providing ongoing support, maintenance and enhancement of systems. The Software Systems Engineer is responsible for working with other teams (mainly software engineers) throughout the organization to determine the feasibility, requirements and technical design on assigned projects. Technical expertise will be provided in support of all business and IT sponsored projects. Key performance indicators include customer satisfaction, problem resolution, efficiency and project deliverable success rate. A strong work ethic and multi-tasking in a fast paced support environment is necessary. Friendly interpersonal skills with the ability to easily and effectively interact with technical, non-technical, support, and business staff at all levels is necessary.
 

 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
 
1. Analyze current applications for performance, diagnose for problems and design solutions to problematic/complex problems.
 

 
2. Implement a wide variety of current tools and techniques (i.e. Tomcat, Websphere, Subversion, Bugzilla, etc.) that enable writing and executing custom programs necessary to meet the organization’s needs.
 

 
3. Provide technical engineering and support for server hardware, middleware, and software, including all related peripheral components.
 

 
4. Work with team members to determine technical design and specifications for organization’s needs. Actively participate in customer discussions and develop requirements specifications.
 

 
5. Work closely with business and IT associates, and outside vendors to effectively plan, deploy, and maintain the server infrastructure environment additions and changes.
 

 
6. Provide ongoing support, maintenance and enhancement of software systems.
 

 
7. Other duties as assigned.
 

 
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENT:
 
Requires the ability to work independently and makes decisions, speak clearly, read and write in English, manual dexterity, bend, reach, stoop, lift up to 50 pounds, sit for long periods, ability to coordinate information and activities, ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, perform mathematical calculations, ability to function in a fast paced environment, meet critical deadlines, customer service oriented, and projects a positive interaction with outside agencies.
 

 
EQUIPMENT USED:
 
Laptops, server (rack-mounted) computers, routers, switches, printers, scanners, copy machines, fax machines, general office and specialized software, general office equipment or other specialized equipment of research activities.
 

 
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
 
None
 

 
SCOPE AND COMPLEXITY:
 
This job will require you to use skills across several different disciplines thereby providing an intellectually stimulating work environment. A standard week might look something like this:
 
• Writing an ANT script to automate compilation of an application
 
• Setting up a software life cycle process
 
• Developing a shared library design for in-house applications
 
• Creating an application space on existing server architecture
 
• Implementing a software version control system
 
• Determining the most efficient server architecture for various applications
 
• Writing a script on a server to perform a cron job
 
• Collaborating with your team members
 
• Researching a new technology
 
• Enhancing an application for robustness
 
• Thinking about a more efficient way to deliver solutions
 
• Being called upon to fix a laptop because everybody else is busy
 
• Document all of the above (as relevant)
 
• Provide cogent reports on all of the above (as relevant)
 
This is a sample of what you might encounter, however, there will be new challenges each week, some of which are straightforward while others will be more complex and require some thought. At all times, and in relation to all projects, strong communication teamwork and a good attitude are a must.
 

 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent with at least 3 years of working experience
 
• IBM Websphere, Apache Tomcat, Apache web server
 
• Subversion
 
• ANT administration
 
• Shell scripting (BASH or other)
 
• Server administration: Linux/Windows
 
• Software Life Cycle methodologies
 
• Must be able to function well as a team member within a project and have the ability to search for technical solutions independently
 

 
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
 

 
• Oracle, MySQL, MS SQL Server database administration
 
• LAN/WAN administration (Cisco)
 
• Java programming experience
 
• FTP server administration
 
• DNS server administration
 
• Maven/Ivy