Linux Systems Engineer (m/f/d)

About the job

Linux Systems Engineer (m/f/d)

The ID Section Educational IT Services (EduIT) supports contemporary, effective, and innovative teaching at ETH with a coordinated portfolio of tools, services, and support. The portfolio (including Moodle, EvaSys, EduApp) supports lecturers and students throughout the entire higher education didactic practice, from learning objectives through the design of learning activities, teaching, examinations to evaluation.

EduIT is responsible for the digital examinations service at ETH Zurich and is a leader in Switzerland. This includes around 350 examinations on ETH computers with over 27,000 examination attempts per year as well as formative tests and interim examinations on student devices. EduIT operates two large Moodle instances with tens of thousands of active users and develops open-source learning technologies such as Moodle plugins or the Safe Exam Browser (SEB). These tools are used at universities worldwide.

To strengthen our team, we are looking for an experienced and committed individual as Linux Systems Engineer (m/f/d) from 1 January 2027.

Job Description

This role offers a varied activity with plenty of scope for creativity in a well-established team. You will be significantly involved in ensuring the technical functionality of the systems as well as co-developing and successfully implementing technical innovations in the field of teaching/learning technology. In addition, you will expand the scalability of our services in the context of increasing student numbers through automation and process development and maintain diverse contacts within the IT services and ETH.

This versatile position includes planning, further development, and operation of the IT systems and services for teaching with the following exciting tasks:

• Ensuring the operation, integration, scaling, and optimisation of the IT systems in the EduIT section's service portfolio
• Further development of the IT architecture for the Digital Examinations service
  • Further development of the deployment solution for examination computers (Exam Portal)
  • Maintenance and further development of the Moodle maintenance pipelines (Moodle Zero Downtime)
  • Responsibility for the ETH JupyterHub within the Computational Competencies project
• Participation in other innovative projects in the field of teaching technology
• Main responsibility for monitoring and alarming of EduIT systems
• Close collaboration with IT Operation Managers and service managers
• Active contribution of own ideas and independent implementation

As a Linux Systems Engineer at ETH Zurich, you can expect exciting technical tasks, innovative projects in teaching technology, and varied interaction with different interfaces and customers. Driven by the increasing number of students, we are constantly striving to further automate and professionalise our services.

Within our nine-person team (plus three apprentices), we place great value on a collegial atmosphere. You can expect an interesting and versatile position in a highly dynamic university environment where you will come into contact with various technologies. Nothing stands in the way of a quick integration into the team and the university environment through mutual support, short communication paths, and a lived informal culture.

Profile

• Completed vocational training or university of applied sciences degree in computer science or a related field
• Certifications in Linux (LPIC, RHCE, RHCSA)
• Solid knowledge in the following areas:
  • Linux/Unix system administration (primarily Red Hat)
  • Linux server applications (including web servers, databases, proxies)
  • Monitoring (Zabbix, Grafana, Prometheus)
  • PHP-based web applications
  • IT security in web hosting
  • Automation of server deployment and configuration management (Ansible, Semaphore, GitLab CI)
  • Kubernetes and Docker as well as continuous integration and deployment
• Good knowledge in the following areas:
  • Administration of open-source databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB)
  • Scripting and programming (Python, Go)
  • Networking (basics)
• Experience with Moodle and software testing (Playwright, pytest) is an advantage
• Certifications in Kubernetes (CKA) are an advantage
• ITIL Foundation certification and experience in the higher education environment are a plus

We offer

Your profession with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive changes in society.

Working at the Vice Presidency for Infrastructure and Sustainability (VPIN) means actively shaping the future of ETH Zurich – an inspiring, international, and innovative institution. Your commitment creates the best conditions for excellence in teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and sustainability at ETH Zurich.

In an open, inspiring atmosphere, trust, reliability, and mutual respect form the foundation of our collaboration. We offer you not only security but also diverse development opportunities. With us, you can expect meaningful work in an innovative and appreciative environment that you can help shape and that opens up new perspectives for you.

• At ETH Zurich, you will find a dynamic and international environment
• A cheerful, helpful, open team and a modern workplace
• You will have scope for creativity and practical, creative solutions are very welcome
• We live: Lifelong Learning
• Benefits such as public transport subscriptions and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ , childcare, attractive pension schemes , etc.

Working, Teaching and Researching at ETH Zurich

Diversity and sustainability are important to us

In line with our values , ETH Zurich supports an inclusive culture. We promote equal opportunities, value diversity, and maintain a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all employees and students are respected. On our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website , you can learn how we ensure a fair and open environment where everyone can develop and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

Are you attracted to the university environment and the chance to constantly learn new things? Are you ready to master the daily challenges together with our well-established team?

We look forward to receiving your online application (direct applications only) with the following documents:

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae
• References
• Certificates of education and further training

Further information about the IT services can be found on our website . Please apply exclusively via the online application portal. Applications by email or post will not be considered.

For enquiries, please contact Flavio Steger, Team Leader Educational Systems Engineering, Tel. +41 44 633 71 71 or email flavio.steger@id.ethz.ch (no application documents), who will be happy to assist you.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the best technical and natural science universities in the world. We are known for our excellent teaching, pioneering fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. More than 30,000 people from over 120 countries find an environment with us that promotes independent thinking and a climate that inspires top performance. Located in the heart of Europe and globally networked, we develop solutions together for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.