Sr Systems Engineer I (DevOps, Agentic AI)

Job Summary

Performs advanced systems and infrastructure engineering functions, including planning, designing, and implementing cloud and on-premise platform solutions. This includes container orchestration (Kubernetes/OpenShift), servers, storage, networking, and backup solutions.

Leads the design and implementation of highly available, scalable, and resilient infrastructure aligned with enterprise architecture standards, including multi-region deployments and disaster recovery strategies. Develops and maintains Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and Configuration as Code to automate the provisioning and management of infrastructure and application platforms.

This role blends systems engineering, software development, DevOps practices, and emerging AI-enabled automation capabilities to deliver reliable, scalable, and intelligent solutions across the enterprise.

Primary Activities and Responsibilities

Systems Engineering & Platform Ownership

• Design, implement, and manage enterprise Kubernetes/OpenShift platforms with a focus on resiliency, scalability, and operational efficiency

• Define and maintain platform standards, including lifecycle management, patching, upgrades, and policy enforcement

• Engineer infrastructure and operational workflows as code, driving automation, self-healing, and scalability (using tools like Terraform, Kubernetes Operators, etc.)

• Develop, maintain, and evolve internal platforms and tools to simplify deployment, monitoring, and operational health, improving the experience for application development teams.

• Collaborate across teams (MidTier, Dev, Security) to deliver secure, performant, and highly-available systems.

Cloud, DevOps & Automation

• Design and implement CI/CD pipelines using tools such as Jenkins

• Support GitOps deployment models leveraging tools such as ArgoCD

• Develop Infrastructure as Code (Terraform) and Configuration as Code (Ansible) to automate provisioning and management

• Automate installation, configuration, and lifecycle management of Kubernetes and supporting infrastructure

• Implement monitoring, logging, and reporting to ensure system health and performance

Software Engineering & Developer Enablement

• Develop and maintain automation tools, services, and APIs using Java and/or Python

• Build scripts and reusable automation to improve platform reliability and developer productivity

• Collaborate with development teams to enable efficient application deployment and integration

• Apply software engineering best practices, including modular design, testing, and version control

AI-Enabled Engineering & Intelligent Automation

• Leverage AI-assisted development tools to accelerate engineering workflows and improve productivity

• Apply prompt engineering techniques to create effective, repeatable interactions with AI tools for automation and problem solving

• Contribute to development and reuse of standardized AI “skills” or prompt patterns for engineering tasks

• Demonstrate familiarity with agentic AI concepts, including multi-step workflows driven by AI agents and tool integration

• Understand how external tools and services can be integrated into AI-driven workflows (e.g., MCP-style tool integration and context sharing)

• Evaluate opportunities to incorporate AI-driven automation into infrastructure and DevOps processes

Architecture, Planning & Delivery

• Lead or contribute to infrastructure design aligned with enterprise architecture, including high availability and disaster recovery

• Establish project milestones and drive execution to meet time, cost, and quality objectives

• Analyze, design, and implement solutions in complex and evolving environments

• Provide technical leadership and guidance across teams

Operational Excellence & Support

• Investigate and resolve complex service issues across systems, platforms, and teams

• Perform root cause analysis and implement preventative solutions

• Participate in on-call rotation and provide production support

• Maintain operational documentation, standards, and runbooks

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Mentor team members and share knowledge across the organization

• Influence stakeholders, partners, and peers on infrastructure and platform best practices

• Stay current with industry trends, including DevOps, cloud-native platforms, and AI engineering practices

• Drive continuous improvement and innovation across systems and processes

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• 5+ years of experience in systems engineering, infrastructure engineering, or DevOps roles

• Strong experience with Kubernetes and/or OpenShift

• Strong experience with Linux system administration

Equivalent Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED with 10+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of Kubernetes/OpenShift administration in enterprise environments

• Experience with cloud platforms (Azure preferred)

• Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) certification

• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) or equivalent Linux certification

• Experience with CI/CD and GitOps tooling (Jenkins, ArgoCD)

• Experience developing automation using Java or Python

• Exposure to AI-assisted development, prompt engineering, or intelligent automation frameworks

Knowledge and Skills

Systems & Infrastructure

• Experience deploying and maintaining enterprise container platforms (OpenShift, Rancher, EKS, GKE)

• Strong Linux administration skills (filesystem, networking, permissions, logging, scheduling)

• Understanding of networking fundamentals including switching, routing, and load balancing

• Familiarity with infrastructure performance, capacity planning, and forecasting

DevOps & Automation

• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform) and configuration management tools (Ansible, Ansible Automation Platform)

• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automation frameworks (Jenkins, Git-based workflows)

• Experience implementing GitOps patterns using tools such as ArgoCD

• Experience leveraging APIs and scripting to automate operational processes

Software Engineering

• Proficiency in Java and/or Python for building automation, services, and integration tooling

• Experience with scripting and automation (Python, Ansible, PowerShell)

• Understanding of application architecture and development best practices

AI, Prompting & Emerging Capabilities

• Understanding of prompt engineering concepts and how to structure inputs to improve AI output quality

• Familiarity with reusable AI “skills,” prompt patterns, or workflow-based automation

• Awareness of agentic AI concepts, including orchestration of multi-step tasks using AI agents

• Familiarity with tool integration models (e.g., MCP-style approaches) for connecting AI systems to external services

• Interest in applying AI to improve developer productivity, automation, and operational efficiency

Job Requirements

• Participation in a rotating on-call schedule, including support outside standard business hours

• Work schedule may vary based on operational needs

• This is an on-site position located at CSX corporate headquarters

CSX is passionate about building a workforce that reflects the values and behaviors of ONE CSX. We are nationally recognized for our commitment to diversity and engagement, as well as our support for veterans and reservists.

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For nearly 200 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 230 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Connect with us on Facebook X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

Closing Statement

At CSX, two of our six Guiding Principles are Valuing and Developing Employees as well as Operating Safely. We are committed to offering our team members the most competitive compensation and benefits package available, unlimited opportunities for development and growth throughout an exciting and rewarding career, and the safest work environment possible.

CSX is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Click here to view the EEO is Law poster.

CSX Transportation and its subsidiaries are not seeking outside assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or search firms for employment or contractor opportunities. Any resumes submitted by an outside vendor to any employee at CSX via e-mail, Internet, or directly to hiring managers without a valid written search agreement in place with the Talent Acquisition / HR department will be deemed the sole property of CSX. No placement fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired as a result of the referral, or through other means.

This role offers an annual salary range based on experience and qualifications. In addition to base salary we provide an annual bonus opportunity.

At CSX, we prioritize valuing and developing employees, as well as operating safely. We are committed to offering our team members competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and unlimited growth opportunities. Our benefits support financial, physical, emotional, and social well-being, with health plans, wellness programs, and customizable coverage options. Learn more about our benefits here.