Junior Hardware & Server Solutions Technician
Kanehl Consulting - Junior Hardware & Server Solutions Technician (Contract Position)
About Us
We're a growing SAAS and independent consulting business based in West Salem, WI, specializing in manufacturing data collection and analysis. Founded by a UW La Crosse and UW Madison alumni, we're looking for talented individuals to join our team and contribute to exciting projects.
The Opportunity
We’re seeking a Junior IT and Hardware Technician who loves tinkering with hardware and server setups to help us develop a new product aimed at small manufacturing clients. This project involves creating a robust yet cost-effective server solution for clients with minimal infrastructure. The system needs to be simple to set up and equipped with built-in remote management and monitoring tools.
This role is ideal for a student nearing graduation or a recent graduate looking to gain professional experience, tackle challenging problems, and apply modern tools for server setup and management. If you thrive on building and troubleshooting hardware setups, and you’re eager to apply your skills in real-world scenarios, this role is for you. We're looking for self-motivated individuals who can independently research new technologies and implement effective solutions.
Position Details
- Location: Remote but being closer to Wisconsin is helpful for possible hardware handoffs
- Hours: Flexible, choose your own hours
- Duration: Initial project-based contract with possibility of extension
- Start Date: As soon as possible
- Compensation: Project based, likely $100 for first starter project
- Work Authorization: For direct contracts you need to be US based, but I am willing to work through 3rd party contract houses if needed for non-US contractors
What You'll Do
- Build and configure a hardware solution to function as servers for small manufacturing clients.
- Set up and manage VPNs, reverse proxies, and virtual machines.
- Configure and maintain Windows and Linux servers, including networking, firewalls, and backups.
- Design solutions for remote management and ensure system resilience, allowing for maximum uptime.
- Integrate cloud services for data storage and web services as needed.
- Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef for automation.
- Troubleshoot hardware and software issues, proposing efficient solutions for replacements or repairs.
Required Skills
- Strong experience with Windows and Linux server setup and maintenance.
- Proficiency in VPNs, reverse proxies, and virtual machine configurations.
- Familiarity with networking fundamentals, firewalls, and cloud basics.
- Ability to create scripts using PowerShell or Bash.
- Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Ansible, Puppet, or Chef.
Nice-to-Have Skills
- Experience with Windows Deployment Services (WDS), Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), PXE boot from network, and Linux preseed scripts.
- Knowledge of hardware setup and repair processes.
- Understanding of low powered single board computers (e.g., Beaglebone, Raspberry Pi) and microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino and ESP)
What We Offer
- A chance to work on a real-world project that can help small businesses streamline their operations and improve their efficiency.
- Flexible work arrangements and project timelines.
- Opportunities to collaborate with experienced professionals in the manufacturing and IT space.
- Possibility to work with open source projects
Company Culture and Work Environment
We're committed to creating an exceptional opportunity for career growth for our contractors. Our approach includes:
- Carefully chosen technologies to enhance your resume and marketability
- Tailored experiences to help you grow as a professional
- Openness to new ideas and technologies based on your interests
- Belief that excited, engaged technicians produce better work
- Support for exploring and contributing to open source projects
- Flexible project choices to align with your career goals and interests
Growth Opportunities
While this is a short-term contract position, top performers may be considered for extended contracts for maintaining systems on a part time basis in your free time. We're invested in your professional development and will actively help you find better job opportunities through our network.
Selection Process
- Initial application review
- Completion of technical challenge found here https://gist.github.com/TheCodingCanal/9d53665afea87a640093d0fc252e4630
- Virtual or in-person interview
- Small paid project (1-2 months) to assess mutual fit
- Decision on continued collaboration
This unique selection process allows both parties to evaluate the working relationship with minimal risk. If either party feels it's not a good fit after the initial project, we can part ways amicably.
Important Notes
- This is a project-based contract position with the possibility of extension based on performance and mutual fit
- Compensation is entry-level, reflecting the beginner nature of the role
- As a contractor, you will be responsible for your own taxes and benefits
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
To apply, please send your resume and a brief explanation of why you're interested in this position to
Jesse Dahir-Kanehl, Owner of Kanehl Consulting
608-669-2913