Job Summary
Associate Systems Engineer
Purdue University - West Lafayette, IN
This entry-level role offers the opportunity to grow as a technical professional while supporting the instructional and research missions of multiple colleges across Purdue. As part of a collaborative IT team, you will help maintain reliable, secure, and user-ready computing environments that empower teaching, learning, and discovery.
Position overview
As an Associate Systems Engineer, you will work under immediate supervision to contribute to the development, installation, coordination, and maintenance of enterprise-level Windows, MacOS, and Linux environments, systems, software, and system management tools. You will support the instructional goals of the College of Engineering, College of Health and Human Sciences, College of Pharmacy, College of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue Polytechnic, and the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research and Partnerships (EVPRP), including Discovery Park.
Key responsibilities
- Assist with the deployment, configuration, and maintenance of Windows, MacOS, and Linux systems in classrooms, labs, and departmental environments
- Contribute to the implementation and support of enterprise software and system management tools to ensure consistency, security, and reliability at scale
- Help monitor system performance and availability, identify issues, and participate in troubleshooting to minimize downtime
- Support imaging, patching, and lifecycle management processes for end-user and instructional systems
- Collaborate with team members to document procedures, configurations, and standards
- Provide customer-focused technical support to faculty, staff, and students, escalating issues as needed
What you’ll bring
- Foundational knowledge of Windows, MacOS, and/or Linux operating systems and basic system administration concepts
- Interest in enterprise-scale computing, automation, and system management tools
- Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn from more experienced team members
- Clear communication skills and a service-oriented mindset when working with campus partners
Why Purdue
In this role, you will:
- Build your technical career in a setting that values learning, mentorship, and growth
- Support multiple colleges and research units, gaining exposure to diverse technologies and use cases
- Contribute to a university environment where reliable technology helps students and faculty do their best work every day
What We're Looking For
Education and Experience Required:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Six (6) months professional experience in one or more of the following areas required: Windows, MacOS, or Linux systems administration
- Hardware maintenance of advanced computer, peripherals, and networking systems required
- Purdue IT experience a bonus
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered
Skills Needed:
- Knowledge of one or more of the following is required; familiarity of the rest is desired: Windows, Mac OS, or Linux
- Familiarity with software redistribution techniques (i.e. SCCM/CM, Puppet, etc.) desired
- Ability to:
- work with a wide variety of computer hardware, software, operating systems, peripherals, etc.
- work with a wide variety of faculty, staff, and students in a multitude of environments like instruction, administration, and research
- troubleshoot a variety of environments
Additional Information:
- Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
- A background check will be required for employment in this position
- FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
- Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
- Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days
Career Stream
Professional 1
- Pay Band S060
- Job Code #20003457
Career path maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/
The anticipated annual salary for this position is between $53,208 and $56,500 commensurate with the candidate’s education and experience. The final salary offer will be determined based on a variety of factors, including equity, available budget, educational background, and relevant experience.
Who We Are
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Purdue University is an EOE employer.