Linux Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer II

Location: Fully Onsite at Pittsburgh, PA

Contract Duration: 3-months duration

Pay rat: $60/hr on W2

Benefits: Dental, Health, Vision, PTO

Job Overview

We are seeking a Systems Engineer II to support critical research data collection operations that help power the future of human connection and immersive technologies.

In this role, you will work at the intersection of hardware, software, and research operations, ensuring the reliability and readiness of complex systems used in user studies and data capture environments.

This is a highly hands-on engineering support role focused on troubleshooting, maintaining, and improving existing systems rather than building new platforms from the ground up. You will collaborate closely with researchers, software engineers, hardware engineers, and operations teams to keep capture environments running smoothly and efficiently.

The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys solving complex technical problems, and can quickly adapt to changing priorities while supporting multiple concurrent projects.

You will be successful in this role if you can:

• Quickly diagnose and resolve technical issues with minimal disruption to research operations.
• Maintain high operational reliability across multiple concurrent projects.
• Effectively collaborate across diverse teams and disciplines.
• Continuously improve systems, processes, and documentation.
• Operate comfortably in ambiguous and rapidly evolving environments.

Job Responsibilities:

• Support capture operations via hardware and software troubleshooting, root cause analysis, cross-functional collaboration, process improvement, and engineering improvements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues across Linux, Windows, and macOS systems using terminal/CLI tools and standard diagnostics.
• Perform basic network debugging and issue triage (e.g., connectivity, DNS, DHCP, routing basics) and support common network protocols.
• Develop and maintain lightweight automation/scripts in bash and/or Python to improve reliability and operational efficiency. (No need to build from scratch — primarily maintaining and improving existing tools.)
• Support and maintain systems used in onsite user study environments, including coordination with internal stakeholders to ensure readiness for sessions.
• Follow established data handling, participant privacy, and operational protocols for user study environments.
• Document procedures, common issues, and fixes to support repeatable operations and knowledge sharing. Update SOPs as issues are resolved or processes change.
• Provide operational support for camera/optical systems, lighting, audio systems, and/or AV equipment (e.g., RME, Blackmagic, AVB), and assist in capture-stage or VR hardware environments as needed.
• Support multiple concurrent data collection projects spanning different disciplines (electrical, software, hardware), prioritizing and context-switching as needed.
• Coordinate with a wide range of cross-functional partners — including researchers, engineers, and non-technical stakeholders — to keep operations running smoothly.

Must Have Qualifications:

• 2 years of experience in hardware troubleshooting (cameras, networking, PDUs), data collection operations, software scripting, and on-site lab support for complex R&D capture systems.
• Must be able to adhere to data handling and participant privacy Protocols for user study environments.
• Experience troubleshooting Linux, Windows, and macOS systems using command-line interfaces and diagnostic tools.
• Understanding of networking fundamentals, including DNS, DHCP, routing, connectivity troubleshooting, and common network protocols.
• Experience writing or modifying scripts using Bash and/or Python.
• Strong analytical and root cause analysis skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with both technical and non-technical partners.

Nice To Have Qualifications:

• Experience supporting camera systems, optical systems, lighting equipment, audio systems, or AV technologies.
• Familiarity with platforms and technologies such as RME, Blackmagic, or AVB networking.
• Experience supporting data collection operations, research environments, or capture-stage workflows.
• Exposure to VR, AR, XR, or emerging technology hardware.
• Experience developing automation tools or scripts from scratch.
• Strong process improvement and technical documentation experience.
• Previous experience working in large-scale R&D or technology organizations.

Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, qualified applicants will be considered for assignment with arrest and conviction records. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness, meet client expectations, standards, and accompanying requirements, and safeguard business operations and company reputation. #TMN