Systems Administrator

As a Systems Administrator at METR, your main responsibilities include managing user access across several platforms like AWS and Google Workspace, streamlining onboarding processes for new hires, and serving as the primary technical support contact. You will also develop comprehensive documentation for systems and troubleshoot various issues, all while collaborating closely with security consultants to maintain robust security protocols.

To become a Systems Administrator at METR, you should have proven experience in systems administration, especially with Linux systems. Strong knowledge of user administration, including SSH access and software updates, is essential. Additionally, familiarity with AWS services, particularly IAM and EC2, alongside excellent problem-solving and communication skills, will be highly beneficial. Prior experience with SaaS platforms and general technical support is also advantageous.

METR is committed to the continuous growth of its employees, including Systems Administrators. You'll find that we encourage attendance at workshops and conferences related to AI and systems management. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in exciting projects that develop your skills further, enhancing not just your career, but also your contributions to our mission in AI safety.

A Systems Administrator at METR will have the opportunity to work with various tools and platforms, including AWS, Google Workspace, GitHub, and Tailscale. You will also manage identity management systems like Auth0 and be involved in overseeing and optimizing numerous SaaS platforms, making your role both diverse and challenging.

The work environment for a Systems Administrator at METR is collaborative, dynamic, and driven by a shared mission to make AI safer. You'll be a part of a dedicated team that values innovation and continual improvement, where your ideas and contributions are welcomed. Our workplace culture emphasizes open communication, teamwork, and the importance of supporting each other in technical challenges.

When answering this question, outline your relevant experience including user management, troubleshooting, and general system maintenance on Linux systems. Sharing specific examples of tasks you've successfully executed, like creating user accounts or handling network issues, can demonstrate your expertise effectively.

Discuss your approach to technical support, emphasizing your communication skills and empathy. Share a specific instance where you resolved a user's issue, detailing the steps you took to understand their problem and how you guided them to a solution. This shows not only your technical skills but also your ability to connect with users.

Highlight your hands-on experience with AWS, focusing on services like IAM and EC2. Detail any projects where you managed instances, handled security configurations, or integrated services. Being specific about your contributions and the outcomes will help showcase your qualifications.

Provide an example of a process you optimized, explaining the problem you identified and the steps you took to improve it. Quantifying the results, like reduced time spent on onboarding or increased efficiency in user access management, will make your impact clearer.

Talk about the importance of clear documentation in systems administration. Discuss methods you use to ensure documentation is up-to-date, accessible, and useful for team members, such as creating playbooks or instructional guides, which boosts team efficiency.

Explain your method for prioritizing tasks—perhaps you assess issues based on urgency, impact, and the needs of users or teams affected. Providing a specific scenario where you balanced multiple tasks effectively will help illustrate your approach.

Describe your understanding of security implications in systems administration and how you apply best practices to protect user data and access. Mention your experience collaborating with security teams and following protocols to enhance security measures in your role.

Share how you keep your skills and knowledge fresh, such as following industry blogs, participating in online courses, or attending workshops. Mention specific technologies you're excited about, as it shows your commitment to professional development.

Focus on a relevant challenge you encountered, detailing the steps you took to resolve it, any collaboration with teammates, and what you learned from the experience. This reflects your problem-solving skills and resilience.

Discuss how you create training materials and facilitate smooth onboarding processes for new users. Highlight any past experiences where your training resulted in enhanced user understanding and reduced support requests.