Software Engineer, Machine Lifecycle

• Design and build the end-to-end machine lifecycle pipeline: from power-on and network boot through OS install, configuration, validation, and production handoff.
• Automate hardware bring-up via out-of-band management (BMC, Redfish, IPMI): firmware updates, BIOS settings, boot order, and inventory discovery.
• Automate OS provisioning with network boot (PXE / UEFI HTTP boot) and unattended installation, so no one ever installs a machine by hand.
• Write and maintain the Ansible and Python that configure machines into their final roles, replacing manual runbooks with reviewed, versioned code.
• Apply GitOps and CI/CD principles to the fleet: desired state in Git, changes through merge requests, pipelines that test and apply them, and reconciliation that catches drift.
• Build automated validation and burn-in: health checks, stress tests, and acceptance criteria a machine must pass before users ever see it.
• Model the lifecycle as a state machine (new, provisioning, validating, in-service, needs-repair, decommissioned) with clear, automated transitions and an auditable history.
• Instrument the pipeline with metrics and logging so we always know where a machine is in its lifecycle, and where the process is slow or failing.
• Work with the HPC and datacenter teams to fold their hard-won operational knowledge into the automation, one stage at a time.

• A smart, curious engineer who learns fast and is genuinely excited by the challenge of automating physical infrastructure end to end. This matters more to us than any specific line on your resume.
• Strong Python for building automation, tooling, and services, not just scripts.
• Hands-on Ansible experience: writing playbooks and roles you would be happy to code-review, not just run.
• A solid grasp of CI/CD principles: pipelines, testing, staged rollouts, and the discipline of driving change through version control.
• An automation-first, GitOps mindset: you believe infrastructure state belongs in Git, and that any task done by hand twice should be code.
• Working knowledge of Linux: comfortable with the boot process, system services, and debugging when a machine does not come up the way it should. Depth here is a real plus, but interest and trajectory count.
• Sound engineering judgment: you design workflows that fail safely, retry sensibly, and leave an audit trail.
• Clear communication and the patience to turn tribal operational knowledge into reliable, documented automation.

Nice to Have:

• Experience with bare-metal provisioning tooling such as MAAS, Tinkerbell, Foreman, Ironic, or a home-grown equivalent.
• Familiarity with out-of-band management: BMCs, Redfish, IPMI, and vendor variants like iDRAC or iLO.
• Exposure to hardware validation and burn-in: stress testing, firmware qualification, or failure prediction at fleet scale.
• Experience with GitOps tooling or declarative infrastructure management in general.
• Prior work in datacenter, HPC, or large-fleet environments where machines number in the hundreds or thousands.

Anticipated annual base salary range $150,000-$250,000, plus eligible for discretionary bonus.

Tower’s headquarters are in the historic Equitable Building, right in the heart of NYC’s Financial District and our impact is global, with over a dozen offices around the world.

At Tower, we believe work should be both challenging and enjoyable.

That is why we foster a culture where smart, driven people thrive – without the egos.

Our open concept workplace, casual dress code, and well-stocked kitchens reflect the value we place on a friendly, collaborative environment where everyone is respected, and great ideas win.

Our benefits include:

• Generous paid time off policies
• Savings plans and other financial wellness tools available in each region
• Hybrid working opportunities
• Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily
• In-office wellness experiences and reimbursement for select wellness expenses (e.g., gym, personal training and more)
• Company-sponsored sports teams and fitness events (JPM Corporate Challenge, Cycle for Survival, Wall Street Rides FAR and more)
• Volunteer opportunities and charitable giving
• Social events, happy hours, treats, and celebrations throughout the year
• Workshops and continuous learning opportunities

At Tower, you’ll find a collaborative and welcoming culture, a diverse team and a workplace that values both performance and enjoyment.

No unnecessary hierarchy.

No ego.

Just great people doing great work – together.

Tower Research Capital is an equal opportunity employer.