To be considered, a cover letter and resume are required. The cover letter must be the leading page of your resume and should:

• Specifically outline the reasons for your interest in the position and
• Outline your particular skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Starting salaries will vary depending upon the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

The University of Michigan's Information and Technology Services (ITS) is seeking an experienced and innovative Cellular Core/Network Automation DevOps Engineer Senior to join our Infrastructure Engineering team. In this role, you will contribute to the design of advanced private and public cellular, RF, IP network, and protocol transport infrastructure powering campus-wide communications - working with RF/network systems leads and architects to advance the University's strategic U-M Net Cellular service, communications systems architecture for building automation and access control, and related service initiatives. You will join a team of engineers, software developers, and operations staff to adopt, transform, build, and maintain systems over time.

A successful candidate has proven experience in delivering next-generation solutions that merge traditional network engineering with RF/cellular systems, automation, DevOps methodologies, and cloud technologies. This role requires the ability to learn fast and share your knowledge in a collaborative way to reach optimal outcomes. Your contributions in this role will be at the forefront of expanding U-M communications infrastructure as a managed ITS service, paving the way for innovation, security, scalability, and performance.
This position partners closely with voice, infrastructure monitoring, cellular, and network engineering teams, requires hands-on technical leadership, mentoring, and active engagement with cross-disciplinary projects. You will help to shape a DevOps culture and engineering practice within ITS Infrastructure, evolving legacy project management and systems approaches as you contribute to cellular/RF systems deployment, network and monitoring software automation, and support reliable critical communications technologies. This role reports to the Telecommunications Manager, ITS Infrastructure.
For more information about ITS, please visit our website: https://its.umich.edu/

Cellular Core, Network Automation, and DevOps Engineering (50%)

• Contribute to the design, development, deployment, and lifecycle management of complex cellular, RF, and network infrastructure, encompassing both hardware and software-based systems.
• Architect, describe, implement, and continuously improve DevOps practices for cellular, RF, network, and voice platforms.
• Collaborate with a small group of technical leads and domain experts in RF/cellular, voice, and network technologies-including CBRS (private networks), MOCN and network sharing, 5G NR core software, eSIM management and provisioning, neutral host Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), small cells, Wi-Fi, IP routing/switching, time/sync distribution, cellular modem/routers, and SIP/IMS voice architectures.
• Collaborate with technical experts in this team and across campus on wired and wireless communication systems architecture for access control and building automation systems, including RS-485, MODBUS, MOSCAD, and ethernet, as well as 802.15.4-like (e.g. Zigbee, Thread) protocol engineering.
• Develop end-to-end technical architecture for new service offerings, integrating automation, scripting, API event-driven configuration, and cloud-based management systems across multiple vendors.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve complex system issues; coordinate incident response and post-mortem analysis to ensure robust production operations.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity experts to assess risk and implement security best practices for communications infrastructure.
• Produce and maintain comprehensive engineering documentation (design specs, validation reports, change controls, as-built records) with an emphasis on maintainability and ML/AI querying.

Project Management & Strategic Initiatives (20%)

• Coordinate with ITS Project Management and Service Management teams across the full engineering lifecycle of projects-from requirements gathering and planning through design, implementation, and transition to operations-with a focus on on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Provide necessary detail to construct project plans and timelines; create network implementation and contingency strategies; coordinate among internal/external stakeholders and vendor partners.
• Track and report on project status, risks, and KPIs to management and impacted groups.
• Contribute to technology pilots, vendor product evaluations, and strategic lab initiatives in support of emerging wireless and networking technologies.

Technical Leadership & Team Collaboration (20%)

• Provide technical mentoring and support to staff; foster skill development in RF, networking, DevOps, and automation practices.
• Collaborate with architects, leads, and seniors within ITS Infrastructure to accelerate strategic design and implementation processes while adapting to organizational realities and accepting input.
• Actively consult on other teams and projects across ITS, promoting knowledge-sharing, process standardization, and best-practice adoption.
• Drive integration of AI/ML, automation, and analytics into operational workflows and business processes.

Service Enhancement & Continuous Improvement (5%)

• Identify opportunities to enhance system performance, efficiently dimension system capacity, and deliver additional value to the campus community.
• Work with Performance Support and Business Support Analysts to modernize knowledge base articles, process documents, and standard operating procedures for operational excellence.

Professional Development & Community Engagement (5%)

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of advancements in RF engineering, automation, DevOps, and cloud communications.
• Participate in professional conferences, training, and relevant technical communities; champion best practices and innovative approaches across ITS.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Relevant basic network systems certifications (Cisco, HPE, Palo Alto, Ericsson, Nokia, Motorola, iBwave, JMA preferred, others considered).
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in networking, telecommunications, or DevOps engineering roles supporting large-scale, real-time or critical communications systems.
• Robust technical expertise in RF/cellular system architecture, CBRS network architecture, neutral host DAS, multi-vendor networking environments.
• Advanced knowledge of full-stack IP networking including deep troubleshooting, optimization, and integration.
• Demonstrated proficiency in automating IT workflows and monitoring using Python, REST APIs, or equivalent technologies.
• Experience with Linux administration and scripting for infrastructure automation and orchestration.
• Hands-on experience with cloud-based network, telecom, and contact center platforms (e.g., Amazon Connect, AWS networking services, ONF/CNCF, TIP).
• Understanding of common communications and signaling protocols, specifically 3GPP cellular, Wi-Fi, GNSS timing/sync, ethernet, TCP/IP, NTP/PTP, RS-485, 802.15.4, LoRa, P25, MiFare, NFC.
• Proven ability to design, maintain, and secure production services including VMs, containers, k8s clusters, CI/CD pipelines, and monitoring/alerting platforms for production communications systems.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, able to convey complex concepts to multidisciplinary audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, creative problem solving, customer service, and operational excellence.

• Master's degree in a relevant technical field (e.g., Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science).
• Advanced industry certifications (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer, Advanced Networking, RF-specific credentials).
• Experience integrating AI/ML models into network or business operations for efficiency and analytics.
• Proven systems integration and architecture experience with case studies available.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional and cross-departmental engineering initiatives.

• Project management experience with large enterprise or higher education technology environments.

   

Organizational Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to advance the goals of the University of Michigan through technology, with a strong understanding of the institution's mission and stakeholder landscape.
• Builds and sustains positive, diverse, and inclusive teams and relationships.
• Excels in creative problem solving, strategic planning, and leading projects through change and ambiguity.
• Communicates effectively with technical, non-technical, and leadership audiences.
• Committed to professional growth, continuous learning, and mentoring others in evolving technical fields.
• Provides proven leadership and accountability, managing risk, conflict, and change with a solutions-oriented approach.
• Dedicated to delivering high-quality, value-driven services for U-M's diverse community.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Regular office work includes computer-based tasks, meetings, and collaboration.
• Occasional travel between university sites is required.
• High-speed home internet and a personal mobile device are required.
• Consistent, punctual attendance is essential.
• May require occasional work outside standard business hours and on weekends.
• Valid driver's license with fewer than 7 points required, ability to pass U-M Motor Vehicle Record check. 

Benefits

The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Immediate vesting in a retirement plan with two-for-one matching contributions
• Multiple options for health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care
• Paid parental leave and family-friendly policies

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and requirements of the role and is not intended to be exhaustive.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.

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