Student Assistant Jobs in the NET Department
SCC’s Network, Cloud Infrastructure, and Core Services (NET) department manages a diverse range of core IT infrastructure. Our services are constantly being expanded and further developed. If you’d like to contribute to the further development of our services as a student assistant, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve compiled various areas of responsibility and specific projects. If none of the listed positions are the right fit for you, we also welcome speculative applications.
Even if you don’t have much experience yet, we warmly invite you to apply -- the only requirement is that you have already passed the orientation exams for your degree program. With us, you’ll have the opportunity to build and deepen your knowledge of computer networks, cloud technologies, and software development, as well as gain valuable experience in teamwork.
Our student assistant office is located in Room 156 of the SCC Building 20.20 on Campus South. Here, you can work on our projects together with other student assistants and staff members. Of course, working from home is also possible.
All workstations are equipped with dual monitors and can be used with laptops. There is also a cozy seating area and a whiteboard for sketching out ideas. A well-stocked beverage fridge is always on hand to quench your thirst. Our loyal pony, Pinkie Pie, is always there to keep you company. We also have our own lab available for work with network or server hardware.
After your orientation, tasks will be assigned and issues discussed during regular team meetings, which can also take place on-site if needed. The regular monthly working time should range from 30 to 80 hours, and you are generally free to decide when to complete your tasks. You can find the current compensation and further information on the website of the Human Resources department.
Whether you’d like to get a feel for what we do without any obligation, submit an informal application, or have questions about a potential role -- just send an email to net-hiwi-bewerbung∂scc.kit.edu.
Software Development
In the Network, Cloud Infrastructure and Core Services (NET) department, we develop numerous in-house software solutions—ranging from applications for technical network administrators to the automation of central processes in the core network, as well as specialized tools for integrating infrastructure components. Below you’ll find a selection of potential tasks and projects.
Network Automation
In the area of network automation, we are building a highly integrated automation platform for the network components of the KIT network, which is connected to our database backend as well as to existing services and network components. In addition to software development, there is also the opportunity to contribute to the conceptual design of the system.
Technologies: Python, Go
Tools and Automation in the Context of IT Security
The KIT Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), which is also part of the NET department, requires specialized tools and automation for its daily operations and incident response. Since these must be adapted to the specific conditions at KIT, existing software often cannot be used, making custom-developed solutions necessary. The scope of tasks ranges from data retrieval and processing to vulnerability scanners and more complex backend applications.
Technologies: Python, Go, Rust, Elastic ELK Stack
Web Development
To enable technical network administrators to manage the services offered, custom web applications are developed, operated, and continuously refined. These applications, such as NETVS or the CA-Portal, feature a modern, user-friendly frontend and rely on a custom-developed, flexible backend interface. In addition, various processes related to network operations as well as automatable workflows, such as the application for user and server certificates, are mapped.
Technologies: Vue.js, Svelte
Monitoring
Our comprehensive monitoring environment based on Prometheus is automatically configured using custom-developed software. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to the further development of these automation solutions and create your own exporters for our infrastructure. Visualizing the collected data in dashboards and weather maps will also be part of your responsibilities.
Technologies: Prometheus, Python, Go
Automation of Procurement and Administrative Processes
Procurement and administrative processes are a daily occurrence in an organization the size of KIT. Here, too, we aim to optimize our workflows: frequently needed documents should be automatically generated based on structured data. Additionally, a web portal for time tracking for student assistants is being further developed and adapted to changing conditions.
Technologies: Python, Flask, Pandoc, or similar
DNSSEC
This project combines software development and applied cryptography: We aim to extend the DNS infrastructure -- which is used, among other things, to resolve the domain kit.edu -- to perform DNSSEC signing, thereby providing cryptographic protection for the transmitted data. To this end, we will develop and robustly implement concepts, ensuring that the integrity of the keys used is maintained at all times.
Technologies: Python or Go, Hardware Security Modules (HSM)
System Administration (Linux)
The Network, Cloud Infrastructure and Core Services (NET) department operates a large number of physical and virtualized servers. These are automatically configured and operated for a wide variety of services, including authentication servers, log servers, and servers for the documentation, management, and automation of network configuration.
Server Orchestration
Our entire server fleet is managed with Ansible. This management encompasses both the basic configuration of the systems and the configuration of individual services. Separate Ansible roles and collections are required for the various services, which must be continuously maintained and further developed.
Technologies: Ansible, Debian GNU/Linux, Python, HashiCorp Vault
Kubernetes
We operate Kubernetes-as-a-Service in a pilot environment based on the VMware vSphere Kubernetes Service. Alternative Kubernetes distributions are currently being evaluated. In the medium term, the service is to be made available on a larger scale.
Technologies: VMware VKS, Vanilla Kubernetes, Cilium, Terraform, Go
Matrix Messenger
We have been operating KIT’s Matrix instance since 2022. Here, too, Ansible is used for orchestration. In this area, you can contribute to the operation, development and support of the decentralized communication service.
Technologies: Ansible, Python, matrix-synapse
Working with Hardware
Operating the KIT network and the wide range of server systems always involves hardware-related tasks: devices must be installed, and the physical infrastructure must be inspected when problems arise. Through systematic lifecycle management, outdated hardware is also continuously replaced.
Wi-Fi Operation and Expansion
Together with a team of student assistants, you will install and replace access points indoors as well as in high-traffic outdoor areas of KIT. With access to central components of the Wi-Fi system and the use of specialized measuring equipment, you will also analyze issues with Wi-Fi coverage.