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- Tasks: Lead systems engineering and operations for WPI's enterprise infrastructure.
- Company: Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a leading university focused on innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy 4 weeks paid leave, health insurance, tuition assistance, and flexible hours.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of IT in education with impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field with 8 years of experience required.
- Other info: This role offers a competitive salary and a chance to mentor a talented team.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: Worcester, United Kingdom
Job Category: Other - EU work permit required: Yes
Job Reference: 4574c69020ec
Job Views: 4
Posted: 25.06.2025
Expiry Date: 09.08.2025
Department Name: Information Technology
Division Name: Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI
Job Description Summary: The Associate Director, Systems Engineering Operations leads the planning, implementation, and daily management of WPI’s enterprise systems infrastructure. This includes oversight of Windows and Linux environments, virtualization platforms, cloud services, and device integrations. Reporting to the Chief Information Security & Technology Officer, the Associate Director manages a team of Systems Engineers and Systems Administrators who support the core systems that keep the university running. This role is responsible for setting standards, creating repeatable processes, and ensuring secure, reliable, and efficient IT services. The Associate Director plays a key role in identifying and implementing new technologies, guiding team development, and collaborating with IT and academic departments. This position balances strategic planning with hands-on expertise to align infrastructure with WPI’s mission and compliance needs.
Compensation depends on experience and ranges from $95,000 to $110,000 annually. The role includes a generous benefits package: 4 weeks of paid time off, an extra week off at the end of December, 13 paid holidays, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a 9.5% retirement match after one year, disability and life insurance, tuition assistance (including full WPI tuition for dependents after 3 years), free access to the fitness center, wellness resources, flexible summer hours, employee discounts, and opportunities to join employee resource groups.
Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and lead systems operations strategies aligned with institutional goals. Partner with members of Information Technology Services (ITS) Leadership to establish priorities and standards.
- Enterprise Systems Oversight: Lead daily operations and long-term planning for enterprise Windows and Linux servers, virtualization, and backup environments. Maintain system uptime and performance.
- Automation & Infrastructure Tools: Oversee SCCM, Intune, and automation platforms. Drive efficiencies and modern infrastructure practices such as scripting and infrastructure-as-code.
- Endpoint-Integrated Systems Support: Support back-end systems critical to endpoint services including provisioning, patching, and academic lab infrastructure. Collaborate closely with Endpoint and Desktop teams.
- Security and Compliance: Ensure system operations meet institutional security policies and compliance requirements. Collaborate with Information Security to maintain secure configurations and audit readiness.
- Team Management: Supervise, mentor, and develop Systems Operations team members. Oversee performance reviews, goal setting, and workforce planning.
- Operational Excellence: Ensure effective documentation, proactive monitoring, and service request fulfillment. Promote continuous improvement and adherence to SLAs.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 8 years of related experience.
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.
Associate Director, Systems Engineering and Operations employer: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Contact Detail:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Systems Engineering and Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in systems engineering and operations, particularly in enterprise environments. Understanding current technologies like cloud services and automation tools will help you stand out during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field by attending relevant conferences or local meetups. Building connections can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals within WPI.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experience managing teams. Highlight specific examples of how you've developed team members and improved operational efficiency in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Worcester Polytechnic Institute's mission and values. Tailoring your conversations to align with their goals will demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, Systems Engineering and Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in systems engineering and operations. Focus on your leadership roles, technical skills with Windows and Linux environments, and any experience with cloud services or virtualization platforms.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for technology and education. Discuss how your strategic leadership aligns with WPI’s goals and mention specific technologies or processes you have implemented in previous roles.
Highlight Team Management Experience: Since the role involves managing a team, emphasise your experience in mentoring and developing team members. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams to achieve operational excellence.
Showcase Security and Compliance Knowledge: Given the importance of security in this role, include any relevant certifications or experiences that demonstrate your understanding of IT security policies and compliance requirements. This will show your capability to maintain secure configurations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Worcester Polytechnic Institute
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the responsibilities and expectations for the Associate Director position. Familiarise yourself with WPI’s IT infrastructure, including Windows and Linux environments, as well as cloud services and virtualization platforms.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams and managing projects. Highlight specific examples where you've developed strategies or improved processes, especially in systems engineering and operations.
✨Emphasise Security and Compliance Knowledge
Given the importance of security in this role, be ready to talk about your understanding of institutional security policies and compliance requirements. Share any relevant experiences where you ensured secure configurations or maintained audit readiness.
✨Prepare Questions
Have insightful questions ready for your interviewers. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, current challenges in the IT department, or how WPI measures success in this role. It shows your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.
