DevOps Analyst

USC Online IT is seeking a DevOps Analyst with a solid programming background to build, maintain, and support our Docker-based lab images, ETL and data-warehouse workflows, and CI/CD automation. This role has two core components: software development and student/faculty-facing support.

On the development side, you'll write and maintain code, scripts, and tooling across the full lifecycle in a multi-developer environment. You'll own the development, support, and maintenance of our Docker images and containerized lab environments, troubleshoot application issues, and improve our build, testing, and deployment processes. You'll also contribute to software development tasks related to data-engineering workflows, including ETL and CI/CD pipelines and/or web application development.

On the support side, you'll help students and faculty run Docker containers on their personal computers and assist the instructional designers and subject matter experts with updating the Docker containers to meet course objectives.

Candidates must have practical experience with Linux/Unix, Docker, and hands-on programming (such as Python, C#, .NET Core, Bash, PowerShell, or similar). A strong understanding of ETL concepts, data workflows, and modern CI/CD pipelines is required. This role is key to ensuring the stability, scalability, and usability of USC Online's technical and student-facing infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

Docker Image Development & Management

• Maintain and update Docker images for each course assignment, ensuring consistency in naming conventions, interaction, and usage.

• Implement Git version control to maintain compatibility as new tool versions are released and to integrate changes from non-technical contributors.

• Manage a multi-developer environment for Dockerfiles, ensuring proper repository structure, CI/CD workflows, and automated release pipelines.

• Ensure stable and reproducible images for students across different platforms and student-provided computing equipment.

Student Lab Support & Documentation

• Serve as the primary resource for student lab (Docker) support and maintenance, troubleshooting issues related to Docker, Python, Jupyter Notebooks, and related technologies.

• Develop comprehensive documentation for setting up and using the student lab environment.

• Collaborate with SMEs, course designers, and administration to align images with course deliverables.

Either Data Warehouse or Software Development

Data Warehouse Support

• Support and maintain existing ETL processes (SQL Server Integration Services) for our data warehouse and education technology.

• Troubleshoot data integration issues and reconcile exceptions from upstream data sources.

• Participate in the redesign of the data flow and processing architecture.

• Develop and maintain queries, stored procedures, and views used for reporting in Tableau.

• Cross train and collaborate with other developers.

Software Development

• Support and maintain existing ASP.NET Core MVC web applications for our education technology using C#, JavaScript, JQuery, Telerik Kendo UI, and SQL Server.

• Troubleshoot issues and exceptions in development and production environments.

• Contribute to UI, performance, and security improvements.

• Participate in software development life cycle (SDLC) improvements, including security and vulnerability management.

• Cross train and collaborate with other developers.

DevOps & CI/CD

• Design and maintain CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOpsto automate Docker image builds and deployments.

• Use YAML-based configurations to ensure standardization across multi-developer environments.

• Implement best practices in source code control (Git, GitHub, Azure DevOps) for managing Dockerfiles and supporting infrastructure.

• Maintain change management processes to ensure smooth updates and minimal disruption to students.

The hourly rate for this position ranges from $41.73- $49.08. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.