Hardware Engineer
Apply now Job no: 520364
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Computer Science
Union: PSU
Categories: Computer & Information Technology, College of Information &
Computer Sciences
About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked
public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate
and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the
scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural
environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition,
the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College,
Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to
the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
Under the direction of the Sr. Hardware Engineer, the Hardware Engineer has
responsibility for providing hardware support and creative electronics
solutions for the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences
(CICS) computing and networking infrastructure. The position installs,
configures, and troubleshoots servers, personal computers, data center
equipment, and a variety of other electronics. Performs hardware maintenance
on computing systems and network equipment and provides customer support to
college faculty and staff by resolving hardware issues.
Essential Functions
Performs installation, fault diagnosis, and board-level repair for a wide
variety of state-of-the-art computers including personal computers,
workstations, multiuser systems, and specialized multiprocessor systems.
Installs, configures, and maintains computer hardware, including servers
in data center racks, wireless computer network equipment and conducts
preventive and remedial maintenance.
Supports students, faculty, and staff by analyzing, troubleshooting, and
diagnosing hardware problems. Responds to inquiries and troubleshoots and
resolves challenging issues independently. Consults with users to clarify
needs and escalates inquiries when necessary.
Responsible for the installation and maintenance of network cabling,
jacks, and patch panels.
Designs, develops, and builds specialized electronic circuits for
projects.
Designs and fabricates specialized metal, wood, and electronic solutions.
Completes detailed reports listing requests for technical assistance,
steps taken to resolve them, and the specific dates and individuals
involved.
Manages a team of undergraduate students for network cabling installations
and other specialized projects, such as furnishing and/or moving offices.
Creates training materials pertaining to computer troubleshooting and
usage.
Stays current with established and emerging technology standards and
protocols, operation systems, software applications, cloud platforms,
hardware platforms and peripherals, security, programming languages, and
industry certifications. Researches, tests, and assesses new technologies
for potential use and implementation.
Acts as the initial point of contact for hardware-related concerns from
faculty, students, and staff in CICS.
Organizes and files documentation pertaining to warranties and
instructional guides for computer hardware.
Other Functions
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education,
Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a
related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
with hardware troubleshooting, repair, or installation. One year (1) of
relevant experience may be substituted per one year (1) of required
education.
Strong “maker” mindset with the ability to problem solve and think
creatively.
Demonstrated client-facing or user-facing experience in a customer-focused
position involving technical knowledge of the organization's hardware
products and services.
Experience with electronic and fiber optic test equipment, including;
installing and maintaining network cabling infrastructure including Cat 6A
and fiber optic.
Experience with component level troubleshooting.
Knowledge of local area network hardware and operations.
Extensive experience working with different operating systems including
Windows and Mac OS, particularly from a hardware troubleshooting
standpoint.
Expertise with standard office software platforms (such as email, Office
365, and calendar systems such as iCal, Outlook, or Google).
Ability to accept constructive feedback regarding customer experience with
hardware and IT services.
Comfortable working in and assisting others through company help desk
software and other remote access desktop programs.
Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to explain technical
jargon to a non-technical audience, use tact, and maintain protection of
private and secured information.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work and
complete assignments in an efficient and effective manner, balancing the
demands of concurrent and potentially competing projects.
Strong interpersonal and open communication skills with the ability to
interact effectively and create and maintain harmonious relationships with
a diverse population of staff, faculty, students, and off-campus
constituents.
Independent initiative. Must be able to stay on task and work productively
with a minimal amount of supervision or guidance. Willingness to take on a
variety of tasks related to the successful operation of the Computer
Science Computing Facility and the College as appropriate. The ability to
adapt and work effectively as the College grows and evolves. Ability to
work effectively and collegially under pressure.
Ability to think through problems, identify key factors and underlying
causes of hardware failures, and seek out information to generate
solutions or propose potential alternatives.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and integrity and maintain
confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education,
Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Knowledge of computer operations, computer hardware, analog-video
electronics, and digital prototype construction.
Experience designing, building, or contributing to an online portfolio of
electronics-related projects on Hackster.io, Hackaday, webpage(s), or
similar online platforms.
Experience working in creative, problem-solving environments such as
makerspaces, hackerspaces, hackathons, or hardware prototyping
competitions.
Industry-specific certification in relevant hardware technologies such as
Apple hardware certification, Dell certification, or CompTIA A+.
Experience with fabrication using plastic, metal, or wood.
Experience managing other hardware technicians.
Experience with word processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google
Docs, spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, and file
organization software such as Google Drive or OneDrive.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Ability to push/pull/lift objects up to 50 pounds.
Ability to climb a ladder and work on wiring/equipment overhead.
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
Must work occasional nights and weekends.
Salary Information
Level 26
PSU Salary Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information
for three (3) professional references.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to
race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national
origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-
related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity
and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any
other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment,
admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services,
and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the
University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a
program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and
to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified
minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the
policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state
statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative
action.
Advertised: Aug 23 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
