Systems Engineer

Join our Mission to Protect Humankind!

Vaxcyte is a clinical-stage vaccine innovation company engineering high-fidelity vaccines to protect humankind from the consequences of bacterial diseases, which have serious and costly health consequences when left unchecked. Working to eradicate or treat bacterial infections such as invasive pneumococcal disease, Group A Strep, and Shigella is just the beginning. Our path to success is clear and well-defined, and Vaxcyte is set up to go the distance. 

WHAT  we do is every bit as important as HOW  we do it! Our work together is guided by four enduring core values:

*RETHINK CONVENTION: We bring creative and intellectual diversity to every facet of the work we do in order to innovate and re-innovate the way vaccines are delivered.

*AIM HIGH: We embody our collectively audacious goal to courageously make the most complex biologics ever attempted to protect humankind.

*LEAD WITH HEART: Everyone leads at Vaxcyte with a kindness-first, inclusive approach to collaboration and vigorous debate that advances our business objectives.

*MODEL EXCELLENCE:  The magnitude of our challenge requires our shared commitment to demonstrating integrity, accountability, equality and clarity across communications and decision making.

Summary:

Vaxcyte is seeking a Systems Engineer to design, deploy, and maintain the systems and infrastructure that support the organization. Working within the Systems Engineering team, the Systems Engineer administers core cloud, SaaS, and network technologies, contributes to technical projects, and provides escalated support - deepening their expertise with guidance from senior engineers. This role is a strong fit for a hands-on engineer who takes ownership of their work and wants to develop and grow their skills across a modern, cloud-first environment.

Essential Functions:

• Install, configure, and maintain cloud servers, workstations, lab infrastructure and networks.
• Administer and support core SaaS and infrastructure technologies, including Okta, M365, Microsoft Intune, Proofpoint, Zoom, Meraki, and virtualization technologies including vSphere, and Proxmox.
• Implement, manage, and troubleshoot security measures and cybersecurity initiatives that protect company data and systems.
• Contribute to IT projects and initiatives, executing assigned workstreams and collaborating with senior engineers on more complex efforts.
• Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot office infrastructure, SaaS applications, and network services (e.g., DNS, DHCP, NTP).
• Contribute to the automation of manual and recurring tasks to improve efficiency.
• Perform new system deployments, migrations, and application lifecycle activities.
• Provide Tier 2 / Tier 3 support and serve as a technical resource for the IT Operations team, escalating complex issues to senior engineers as needed.
• Participate in cross-functional technical projects with other teams - for example, supporting enterprise application implementations or internal business tools.
• Create and maintain clear documentation of IT procedures, configurations, and policies.
• Participate in pre-scheduled, after-hours support for special projects or events.
• Assist in administering the organization’s enterprise AI platforms (e.g., Microsoft 365 Copilot, ChatGPT / Claude Enterprise) - including user provisioning, access, and configuration.
• Help configure and maintain integrations between AI platforms and internal systems, such as SSO / identity (Okta) and data connectors.
• Follow and help implement AI security and governance practices, including data-handling, access control, and acceptable-use requirements.

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience with a minimum of 5+ years of relevant IT / systems engineering experience. Biotech experience is a plus. Other combinations of education and/or experience may be considered.

• Working knowledge of foundational IT applications such as Okta, M365, Zoom, and Microsoft Intune / MEM.
• Experience administering cloud servers, workstations, and networks, including familiarity with Layer 2 / Layer 3 networking and services such as DNS, DHCP, and NTP.
• Experience with server administration, network administration, and security administration.
• Some experience with scripting (ex. Power Shell, python) and/or automating manual workstreams.
• Exposure to administering or supporting enterprise AI tools is a plus.
• A systematic problem-solving approach, strong communication skills, and a sense of ownership and drive.
• Ability to create clear documentation, adapt and learn new skills, and stay current with developments in the field.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Reports to: Senior Director, IT Operations & Infrastructure

Location: San Carlos, CA

Work Arrangement (may be adjusted based on business needs, job responsibilities, or changes to company policy): Onsite (minimum of 4 days per week onsite)

Compensation:  The compensation package will be competitive and includes comprehensive benefits and an equity component.

Salary Range: $148,000 - $172,500 

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Recruitment Fraud Notice

Please be aware of fraud or scams from individuals, organizations and/or internet sites claiming to represent Vaxcyte in recruitment activities. Vaxcyte has an established recruitment process for all positions prior to issuing an offer for employment and we will never extend unsolicited employment offers or ask candidates to provide financial or sensitive personal information as part of the application process. All legitimate communication from Vaxcyte will come from an official @vaxcyte.com email address. Qualified and interested candidates should apply to current openings at  vaxcyte.com/careers.