Automation Engineer

Boston, MA, United States; Chicago, IL, United States

About Charles River Associates

For over 50 years, Charles River Associates has been a premier consulting firm that offers employees a place to learn from a diverse group of consultants, industry experts, and academics. At CRA you will be exposed to leading minds who use economic, financial, and business analysis to solve complex world problems for an impressive roster of clients, including major law firms, Fortune 100 companies, and government agencies. Through a collegial environment, formal and informal training opportunities, and a broad array of professional development resources, your experience at CRA will open doors for you throughout your career.

The Information Technology (ITS) department at Charles River Associates is currently a team of more than 40 professionals dedicated to enhancing, maintaining, and developing the firm's technology infrastructure and security. The team is comprised of four functions:

  • Service Delivery & Telecom
  • Enterprise Application Solutions
  • Infrastructure, Networking and Cloud Solutions
  • Information Security

Information Technology staff are based in the Boston, Chicago, London, Munich, New York, Oakland, San Francisco, College Station and Washington, DC offices.

Mainly a Microsoft house, CRA is looking to maximize the performance of our on-premise systems and hybrid infrastructure, meaning experience with cloud technologies is essential for this role. 

Position Overview

As an Automation Engineer at CRA, you will be instrumental in transforming our global infrastructure by automating repetitive and manual tasks. You will work within a diverse and complex on-premises environment, collaborating with a lean team to establish foundational automation practices that enhance efficiency, minimize human error, and pave the way for future hybrid cloud integration. This role is perfect for a proactive, detail-oriented individual with a strong scripting background who is passionate about driving meaningful change.  

Basic Qualifications 

  • Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years in an infrastructure or systems administration role, with a focus on scripting and automation.
  • Scripting Proficiency: Expertise in scripting languages such as PowerShell, Python, or Bash, with a proven track record of developing and implementing automation scripts for both Windows and Linux environments.
  • Version Control: Hands-on experience with version control systems, preferably Git.
  • Configuration Management: Practical experience with configuration management tools like Ansible for automating on-premises infrastructure.
  • Infrastructure Knowledge: Strong understanding of on-premises infrastructure, including servers (Dell, Lenovo), storage (Pure Storage, Nimble), and virtualization (VMware).
  • Collaboration Skills: Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including operations, applications, and security.
  • Mindset: A problem-solving and efficiency-oriented mindset with the ability to think critically and translate manual processes into automated solutions. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Experience with a diverse set of network and security vendors (Cisco, Palo Alto, etc.).
  • Familiarity with monitoring and observability tools like LogicMonitor.
  • Exposure to multi-cloud environments (Azure, AWS, GCP) and a foundational understanding of hybrid concepts. 

Career Growth and Benefits 

  • CRA’s robust skills development programs, including a commitment to offering 100 hours of training annually through formal and informal programs, encourage you to thrive as an individual and team member. Beginning with research and analysis skill building, training continues with technical training, presentation skills, internal seminars, and career mentoring and performance coaching from an assigned senior colleague. Additional leadership and collaboration opportunities exist through internal firm development activities.
  • We offer a comprehensive total rewards program including a superior benefits package, wellness programming to support physical, mental, emotional and financial well-being, and in-house immigration support for foreign nationals and international business travelers.

Work Location Flexibility

CRA creates a work environment that enables our colleagues to benefit from being together in the office to best deliver on our promise of career growth, mentorship and inclusivity. At the same time, we recognize that individuals realize a range of benefits when working from home periodically. We currently expect that individuals spend at least 3 to 4 days a week working in the office (which may include traveling to another CRA office or to client meetings), with specific days determined in coordination with your practice or team.

Our Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River Associates is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

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