Who we are

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Job Summary

The Computer Operator performs standard operational procedures and provides support services for internal and external users of the computers and peripheral equipment. The Computer Operator is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of information and services in a multi-disciplined computing environment, including and monitoring application programs and systems utilities, and quality control.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent

• One (1) or more years of experience working with computer and network equipment and operating software

• Valid U.S. driver’s license

Note: Relevant combinations of education, training, and experience may also be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Microsoft products and computer networks
• Requires planning, organizing and effective time management skills
• Requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Requires ability to anticipate and solve problems
• Ability to work independently, under pressure in a variety of technical situations and meet established goals and objectives
• Requires excellent customer service skills

Preferred Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities

• Any certificates in Networking or Telecommunication
• Any certificate in System Administration Linux or Microsoft
• Any certificates in Basic Database utilization/creation

Representative Job Duties

• Monitor the status of computer rooms and perform physical checks to ensure safe and continued operation of equipment such as HVAC. Monitor temperature and humidity levels to prevent adverse environmental impact to major systems. Monitor the operation of services, including computers, printers, networks, and phone systems, identify service irregularities and equipment failures. Execute standard operating procedures or contact support staff when conditions warrant action. 
• Record observations, respond to issues as they occur, and execute standard operating procedures. Contact support staff when conditions warrant action 
• Execute procedures for managing offsite tape handling following standard procedures and maintain security of password lists and key. 
• Patrol remote campus locations and complete security checks, monitor and maintain status of equipment and resolve issues as needed. 
• Provide customer support including, handle and distribute printer and plotter output, install and remove equipment from computer rooms, rebooting servers or executing specific procedures on equipment, respond to phone and e-mail inquiries, assess the nature of reported problems, and execute standard operating procedures. 
• Maintain VCC, CII and remote computer supply areas, receive deliveries, put away supplies, complete necessary paperwork according to policies and procedures and notify supervisor of low supply levels to ensure appropriate levels are available. 
• Update and provide documentation regarding systems and store relevant data according to established procedures into operations database(s). 
•  Promote building and lab security by following walk through and lockup procedures. - 
• Participate in processes to improve operational activities. 
• Maintain appropriate practices to ensure confidentially and security of data, especially with the regards to mandated requirements (i.e. FERPA, HIPPA, PCI, etc.) 

Shift

3rd Shift: 11:00pm - 7:30am; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (ending Monday morning at 7:30am)

This position is considered an essential role. 

Travel

Driving

Driving a personal vehicle for non-passenger use

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $18.00 per hour

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).