Join a Purpose-Driven Team as a Systems/Network Engineer at Vernier

At Vernier Science Education, we believe that technology should empower learning and make science accessible, engaging, and inspiring. For over 40 years, we’ve been a pioneer in creating innovative tools that support hands-on STEM education. As a Perpetual Purpose Trust-owned company and long-time member of Oregon’s 100 Best Companies to Work For, we are deeply committed to our mission, our community, and our people.

We are currently looking for a passionate and skilled Systems/Network Engineer to join our dedicated Information Technology team. In this pivotal role, you’ll be responsible for the design, implementation, and ongoing management of our on-premise network and systems infrastructure—with a strong emphasis on Linux-based administration. This isn’t just a support role—it’s a chance to lead key technology initiatives, implement proactive solutions, and help future-proof our systems while collaborating with a dynamic, mission-aligned team.

At Vernier, you won’t just be managing servers or networks—you’ll be building resilient systems that help us better serve educators and students around the world.

What It’s Like to Work Here

Vernier fosters a collaborative, team-oriented environment where innovation thrives. You’ll join a group of individuals who are curious, dedicated, and respectful—people who believe in doing excellent work while having fun along the way. Whether supporting day-to-day operations or leading strategic IT initiatives, your voice will be heard, your expertise respected, and your growth supported.

We value work-life balance and provide a hybrid work model (with at least 3 days per week in our Beaverton office), competitive compensation, robust benefits, paid volunteer hours, generous PTO and sabbaticals, and opportunities for continuous learning. Our onsite perks include a fitness center, bike storage, and easy access to public transit.

Who You Are

You're a seasoned IT professional with deep Linux and virtualization expertise, eager to own end-to-end infrastructure responsibilities. You enjoy problem-solving, researching the best tools and methods, and working both independently and collaboratively. You’re adaptable, self-driven, and confident in managing complex systems—all while staying focused on what matters most: supporting a purpose that truly impacts students and educators.

Job Description

Job Title: Systems/Network Engineer

FLSA: Exempt

Department: Information Technology

Reports To: IT Supervisor

SUMMARY

This role involves the design, implementation, and maintenance of Vernier's on-premise network and systems infrastructure with a strong emphasis on Linux-based systems administration. This includes utilizing Linux, Windows, and other systems to manage DNS, DHCP, routing, WLAN, firewall, virtual machine systems, security appliances, switches, storage arrays, physical servers, and access points. The Network/Systems Engineer will also provide IT technical expertise in hardware, hosting resources, and networking, working closely with the IT Team to ensure company-wide support for all Vernier business systems. Additionally, this position will provide IT support to both on-site and remote internal customers.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES **

• Provide expertise and leadership while collaborating with others to define and implement solutions for networking, virtualization, security, information storage, and disaster recovery.
• Ensure systems/network structures and capabilities connect seamlessly with current business strategies while planning ahead for future opportunities.
• Manage on-premise storage (SAN, NAS, NFS, SMB/CIFS) and backup systems (VEEAM, Backuppc).
• Manage Linux servers, including performing regular updates and facilitating migrations to supported versions as needed.
• Manage a dynamic virtual server environment utilizing VMware/vSphere and Proxmox, with a varying number of virtual machines based on needs.
• Work proactively to ensure swift and effective recovery in the event of data loss, security breaches, and/or during disaster recovery scenarios.
• Collaborate on Identity Management initiatives, including Active Directory and IM system evaluations.
• Perform backup and restoration of various databases as required.
• Provide backup support for other IT functions, including Linux and Microsoft Administration, as needed.
• Stay up-to-date with new and emerging technologies and market trends.
• May act as a backup for web support
• Deliver excellent customer service and maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with colleagues and external partners.
• Utilize the IT ticketing system for tracking short-term and intermediate tasks and for service remediation.
• Provide general IT support as necessary.
• Responsibilities may include managing software license purchases, loaner laptops, inventory assets, and deploying new end-user machines as required.
• Largely works independently, prioritizing daily tasks and escalating issues to the leadership when necessary.
• A hybrid work schedule may be possible, after an initial start-up period, requiring at least three days per week in the office.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Linux system deployment and administration.
• Linux certification: LPIC-2 or above, LFCS, or comparable
• Sonicwall firewall configuration and administration.
• Configuration of multiple LAN/WLAN/VLANs (Unifi, SonicWall, etc.).
• Managing and deploying virtual machines using VMware, including managing VEEAM backups.
• OpenVPN setup and administration.
• System monitoring and power redundancy management.
• Conducting technical research, providing information and quotes, and evaluating build/buy/cloud infrastructure solutions for management and partner-level decision-makers.
• Provide technical input and mentorship on complex IT solutions.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

• LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) programming experience.
• Experience working with Proxmox virtual machine software.
• Web design and development.
• WordPress knowledge and experience.
• Docker knowledge and experience.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (or certification equivalent and additional experience) plus 7+ years of experience with networking/storage /virtualization/data frame focus/general IT support. Experience and/or certifications can be considered in lieu of a Bachelor's in some instances. Additional certifications in networking, etc., are desirable.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers. Ability to effectively present information to top management.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

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 and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, typical of an open-cubicle setting.

Vernier Science Education is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.