Network Engineer - Berkeley Seismological Lab
Christina M Valen
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: May 1, 2026 - Open Until Filled
The Berkeley Seismological Laboratory conducts essential research on earthquakes and solid earth processes while collecting and delivering high quality geophysical data. It provides robust earthquake and hazard information including real-time alerts to the public, in collaboration with our partners. It also enables the broad consumption of earthquake information by everyone while educating and training students at all levels and from all backgrounds.
The position of network engineer exists to ensure the performance and resiliency of the network. The networking equipment to be managed, ranging from routers and switches to cell modems and digital radios, must operate across diverse environments, from environmentally-controlled data centers to remote field stations. The links to be supported between equipment include transports such as cellular, satellite, radio, microwave, WiFi, Ethernet, and VPN tunnels. Integrating network components, and improving the network through collaboration, is vital to the BSL's mission of earthquake monitoring and scientific research.
- Install and maintain networking equipment and configurations to support the flow of data from 200+ remote field stations to, between, and within multiple data centers, both on-prem and in the cloud (AWS). Secure and maintain data communications with outside partners and the public. Develop and maintain network monitoring and diagnostic tools.
- Monitor and respond to network performance degradation and/or loss of connectivity, both within the data center and from remote field stations. Troubleshoot and resolve network issues, both directly and through interactions with a diverse set of collaborators, contacts, and service providers. Review and address bandwidth and latency requirements. Assist with the configuration and troubleshooting of Linux systems and software that perform data acquisition.
- Manage the security and firmware of networking equipment. Work directly with vendors to isolate and resolve complex hardware, firmware, and/or configuration issues. Configure and troubleshoot Linux systems and software that support network services.
- Review, collaboratively with colleagues, the data flow needs of the organization. Coordinate all phases of complex network projects, from design and procurement to deployment and documentation. Evaluate and test new, or enhanced, network solutions, with an emphasis on the robust and resilient transfer of data from remote field stations to data processing centers.
- Provide expert advice on network solutions and explanations of network issues. Consult with other units and outside collaborators on the joint use of networks, including compatibility and conformance to standards. Participate in cross-disciplinary group discussions, activities, and efforts.
- Other tasks as assigned.