Job Description

Gordon and Betty Moore established the foundation to create positive outcomes for future generations. Guided by this vision and the Statement of Founders' Intent, the foundation fosters path-breaking environmental conservation, scientific discovery, and preservation of the special character of the San Francisco Bay Area. We strive to make significant and durable impacts on the world.
Together, we work to honor the vision of our founders and serve as stewards of the resources they have entrusted to us. We establish specific strategies based on advice from experts, identify partners who share our goals and measure results along the way. We build relationships and fund work in areas where we hope to make significant impacts; and we know that working together expands our ability to drive meaningful change.

The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled and collaborative Infrastructure Systems Engineer to design, build, and maintain a secure, high-performing technology infrastructure across both on-premises and cloud environments. This role is critical to ensuring the reliability, scalability, and security of the foundation’s systems while enabling seamless integration of cloud platforms and modern tools. Working closely with the Director of IT/Head of Technology, the Infrastructure Systems Engineer will play a key role in strengthening core infrastructure, advancing cybersecurity practices, and supporting the evolving technology needs of a mission-driven organization.

This role is based in Palo Alto, California, at the foundation’s main office. We operate under a hybrid work model that combines flexibility with meaningful in-person collaboration. Staff are required to work and reside within a reasonable driving distance of the Palo Alto office, and this role will work onsite in Palo Alto a minimum of one to two days per week. Additional on-site presence is required during the weeks of the May and November board meetings and periodically throughout the year as business needs require. A fully remote work arrangement is not available for this position.

Key Responsibilities

On-premises and Cloud Infrastructure

• Design, implement, operate, and maintain on-premises and cloud-based server and network environments.
• Monitor system, network, and application performance to ensure efficient operation, availability, reliability, and scalability.
• Troubleshoot complex infrastructure issues, perform root-cause analysis, and implement long-term corrective solutions to minimize downtime.
• Architect and deliver infrastructure projects, including high-availability systems, virtualization, storage, backup, and disaster recovery solutions.
• Administer virtualized environments (Hyper-V) and Azure cloud platform networking, security, and remote access.
• Implement automation and configuration management tools to improve reliability and operational efficiency.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and operational procedures.
• Monitor the help desk ticketing system for infrastructure-related issues affecting end users and provide occasional backup support for technology team colleagues on general technical support requests.
• Evaluate emerging networking and infrastructure technologies, including AI-enabled tools and automation, and recommend improvements aligned with organizational needs and security standards.

Network and Security Operations

• Manage and maintain network and cloud infrastructure, including switches, firewalls, VPNs, and secure remote access.
• Administer information security systems and controls to protect foundation data and systems.
• Regularly review emerging and existing security systems, tools, processes and recommend and implement where appropriate to stay current with security best practices.
• Respond to and resolve complex network, server, and security incidents in a timely and effective manner.
• Develop, test, and maintain incident response and business continuity plans for infrastructure disruptions.
• Serve as key member of the foundation’s cyber security and response team.
• Keep the Director of IT/Head of Technology abreast of any known security issues/vulnerabilities that need to be addressed in a timely fashion.
• Keep up to date with Windows security updates, using caution to ensure successful updates.

Infrastructure Support and Planning

• Collaborate with external vendors on system selection, procurement, implementation, upgrades, and support.
• Assist in developing and maintaining policies related to information security, acceptable use, and infrastructure standards.
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and lifecycle planning for infrastructure-related products and services.

Qualifications

While we understand that there are multiple paths to developing specific expertise, our ideal candidate will likely have the following:

Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or related field preferred but not required; candidates with relevant practical experience are encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated experience with the design, operation, and maintenance of both on-premises and cloud-based server, network, and Microsoft infrastructure environments, typically developed over 8 or more years in progressively responsible roles.
• Solid knowledge of network connectivity and protocols, with an emphasis on Cisco switches, Palo Alto Network products, and Prisma Access Remote Access. Hands-on experience with Microsoft Windows Server and Active Directory, SQL Server, Azure and Microsoft 365.
• Desired Certifications (not required):
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate/Professional (CCNA/CCNP)
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP – (ISC)²)
  • CompTIA Network+, Security+
• Strong, in-depth knowledge of networking concepts, protocols, and infrastructure architecture.
• Deep understanding of security best practices and experienced with implementing and maintaining a secure environment while being able to balance security with ease of use.
• Demonstrated analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

Competencies

• Works independently, manages competing priorities, and collaborates effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Operates with accountability, sound judgment, and alignment with foundation values.
• Plans, prioritizes, and delivers high-quality work on time and within scope.
• Diagnoses complex technical issues and develops practical, sustainable solutions.
• Provides responsive, professional service and advice while adhering to foundation policies and security requirements.
• Communicates clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders and contributes to team effectiveness.
• Stays current with infrastructure technologies and security best practices and ensures appropriate implementation across foundation systems.
• Availability and willingness to periodically work outside of regular business hours for routine system maintenance or in emergency situations.
• Self-learner who demonstrates curiosity about emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and shows initiative in adopting tools that enhance effectiveness.

Attributes

Our ideal candidate will also demonstrate the following foundation attributes, which describe how we strive to do our work with each other and our partners:

• Committed to Excellence
• Passionate
• Collegial
• Open and Honest
• Humble and Self-Aware

Compensation and Benefits

The Moore Foundation offers a generous total compensation package that includes a competitive base salary, an incentive compensation program and comprehensive benefits to support your life, health and well-being.

The expected salary range for this position is between $200,000 and $220,000 per year. Our job titles and salary ranges may span more than one career level, and the salary offered to a candidate will be determined based on factors such as the position's scope and responsibilities, job-related knowledge and skill set, depth of experience, certifications and/or degrees, and our practice of upholding salary equity within the foundation.

Our health benefits include employer-paid options for medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents; a mental wellness program; paid parental leave; employer-paid disability and life insurance benefits; and pre-tax flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.

Other benefits include 6 weeks of paid time off per year and 10 paid holidays; a 401(k) retirement savings plan with a foundation contribution of up to 10% and a Roth 401(k) option; a matching gifts program for qualifying charitable contributions; hybrid work arrangements and a home office stipend; and a commuter benefits program.

To support you in achieving your career goals, the foundation offers a professional development program to all benefits-eligible employees that includes an annual financial benefit of $5,000 and paid time off to participate in educational programs.