What are the responsibilities and job description for the Systems Administrator II position at University of Southern California?
USC's School of Cinematic Arts is seeking a Systems Administrator II to join its Creative Technology & Support team. The School of Cinematic Arts is the premier school for the study of cinematic arts and works on the cutting edge of technology in all aspects of media production.
The Systems Administrator II will be a member of the engineering team responsible for designing, building, and maintaining servers, theater projection systems, storage, networks, and workstations for the School of Cinematic Arts. This position has additional focus on troubleshooting and programming AV control systems in our theaters and classrooms, as well as servicing large-format digital cinema projectors. Exhibition spaces include a 341 seat Dolby Atmos theater and a 55-seat IMAX Theater.
Programming experience with a strong understanding of algorithms and software design patterns is a must, with the ideal candidate having experience configuring AV hardware control systems. Support will include calibration and tuning, assuring compliance with industry standards. The candidate would work closely with other systems administrators, staff, and end-users to identify and resolve issues in a timely manner.
The successful candidate should be a self-starter with a passion for technology and a demonstrated ability to deep-dive into advanced issues, take full ownership of a project or problem until it is fully completed, actively monitor system status, and learn new technologies.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Server, storage, and network administration
- Software development for AV control and access systems, including AMX, Extron, Crestron, and QSC
- Windows and macOS systems administration and deployment
- Installing and managing cabling, AV hardware, and replacing projector lamps
- Creating documentation and signal flow diagrams
- Troubleshooting and resolving support tickets
- Performing other related duties as assigned or requested.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Information Technology, or combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.
3 years of experience in systems administration, application design, or AV design/build
Preferred Qualifications:
AV Systems engineering experience in the entertainment industry (theaters, production, post-production, visual effects, animation, gaming) is highly desired.
- 3 years of experience programming applications or control systems in languages such as C , C#, Python, .NET, Javascript, etc...
- Troubleshooting and calibrating cinema projectors (Christie, Barco, Canon, IMAX)
- Troubleshooting and calibrating theater audio systems
- Application development (desktop or web)
- Bachelor's Degree in computer science, engineering, or information technology with 3-8 years of directly related work experience.
USC employees, by virtue of the university's status as a nonprofit tax-exempt organization, may qualify for public service student loan forgiveness (PSLF).
The hourly rate range for this position is $43.93 - $49.11. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.
Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 2 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Intermediate understanding of and experience with systems administration, backups, operating systems programming languages and associated hardware platforms.
REQ20167430 Posted Date: 09/11/2025 - Thru date - 2025-11-07 Apply
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety.
Salary : $44 - $49
