[Hiring] Systems & Automation Engineer @Truporch Homes

Role Description

We're looking for someone who can own the infrastructure, keep it running, and build new internal tools using AI-assisted development. This isn't a helpdesk role. You'll be managing production Docker containers, building automation workflows, and shipping internal applications — not resetting passwords.

What You'll Do

• Infrastructure & Operations (50%)
  • Maintain and monitor 15+ Docker containers across Hetzner Cloud and Proxmox, deployed via Portainer
  • Manage Cloudflare Tunnel routing, DNS, and SSL for all services
  • Run container updates, database backups, and disaster recovery testing
  • Monitor uptime via Uptime Kuma and respond to alerts
  • Manage Proxmox VMs (Windows 11 virtual desktops for the VA team)
  • Maintain Tailscale VPN across all nodes
  • Document every change in BookStack — this is a core job duty, not optional
• Automation & Workflow Building (25%)
  • Build and maintain n8n workflows (webhook handlers, API integrations, scheduled jobs)
  • Integrate services via APIs: Snipe-IT, Chatwoot, Google Workspace, SmartThings, Gemini AI
  • Maintain and extend our QR code inventory scanning system (n8n webhook → Snipe-IT API)
  • Build Google Apps Script automations as needed
• AI-Assisted Development / Vibe Coding (25%)
  • Build internal tools and dashboards using AI coding assistants (Cursor, Claude Code, Replit Agent)
  • Modify and extend our Next.js/TypeScript Command Center application
  • Build simple CRUD apps, admin panels, and data migration scripts
  • Review AI-generated code for correctness before deploying to production

Required Skills

• 2+ years working with Linux (Ubuntu) command line
• Strong Docker and Docker Compose experience (deploying, debugging, networking)
• Comfortable with APIs and webhooks (REST, JSON, authentication tokens)
• Basic proficiency in JavaScript or Python (enough to read code, spot bugs, write simple scripts)
• Experience with at least one AI coding tool (Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT for code generation)
• Self-directed — you'll get a task brief, not step-by-step instructions
• Strong written English for documentation and async communication

Preferred Skills (Not Required)

• n8n or Node-RED workflow automation
• Next.js / React familiarity
• Proxmox virtualization
• Cloudflare (Tunnels, DNS, Zero Trust)
• Nginx or Caddy reverse proxy
• MySQL / PostgreSQL database administration
• Experience with Portainer
• Familiarity with Zebra label printers or barcode/inventory systems

What Success Looks Like

• First 30 days: You've documented the full infrastructure in BookStack, deployed one new service from a spec we provide, and resolved your first monitoring alert independently.
• First 90 days: You're handling all routine maintenance without supervision, you've built 3-5 n8n workflows, and you've shipped at least one internal tool using AI-assisted development.
• First 6 months: You own the entire infrastructure. When something breaks at 2 AM, you fix it before anyone else notices. You're proactively suggesting improvements and building tools that make the operations team faster.

How to Apply

• Step 1: Complete our candidate assessment. Apply and take the assessment at: https://hiring.truporchhomesvm.com/ . This is required before moving forward. It evaluates cognitive ability, work style, and problem-solving approach.
• Step 2: Interview. Candidates who pass the assessment will be invited to a video interview to discuss your experience, working style, and fit for the role.
• Step 3: Technical case study. Finalists will complete a hands-on practical exercise: diagnosing and fixing a misconfigured Docker Compose deployment, plus building a small automation workflow from a written spec. This takes about 60–90 minutes and simulates the actual work you'd be doing day-to-day.

Why This Role

• Work directly with the CEO — no layers of management
• Build real systems that run a real business, not throwaway prototypes
• Full autonomy over the infrastructure decisions within your domain
• Exposure to AI-assisted development workflows that most companies haven't adopted yet
• Stable, long-term position — we're building infrastructure, not chasing a funding round