Senior Systems Engineer

SUMMARY

The Senior Systems Engineer is a senior technical contributor responsible for advanced server and systems implementation, troubleshooting, and escalation support across a diverse client base within a remote MSP environment. This role handles complex infrastructure incidents escalated from Tier 1, drives proactive improvements, and serves as a subject matter expert for Windows and Linux server administration, virtualization, identity, storage, backup, and cloud platforms. The engineer works closely with clients and internal teams to deliver high-quality, reliable managed services, and is expected to use AI tools to work faster and raise the quality of their work.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build, configure, and administer Windows Server (2016, 2019, 2022, 2025) and Linux servers (RHEL, CentOS, Ubuntu) across multiple client environments.
  
• Administer and troubleshoot Microsoft Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, ADFS, and Remote Desktop Services, including forest and domain architecture, trusts, replication, and FSMO roles.
  
• Manage and optimize virtualization platforms including VMware vSphere (ESXi, vCenter, vSAN), Microsoft Hyper-V (failover clustering, live migration), and Nutanix HCI (AHV, Prism).
  
• Administer Microsoft 365 (Exchange Online, SharePoint, Teams, Entra ID) and hybrid identity configurations.
  
• Support and troubleshoot cloud workloads in AWS and Azure, including IaaS, PaaS, and hybrid architectures.
  
• Manage enterprise storage (SAN, NAS, iSCSI, Fibre Channel, NFS) and backup and disaster recovery platforms such as Cove, Metallic, and Veeam; execute DR tests and validate recovery.
  
• Lead advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis for complex server, virtualization, identity, and performance issues.
  
• Lead patching, firmware upgrades, and lifecycle management for servers and infrastructure appliances across the client base.
  
• Develop and maintain monitoring strategies using LogicMonitor or equivalent platforms; create custom alerts and dashboards and remediate issues before client impact.
  
• Manage and resolve escalated tickets within MSP platforms (ConnectWise, Dell Kace, FreshService); document resolutions thoroughly.
  
• Conduct system assessments and assist with architecture diagrams, runbooks, and technical documentation for client environments.
  
• Conduct periodic security posture reviews including vulnerability assessments, configuration audits, and hardening recommendations aligned to NIST, CIS, or client specific frameworks.
  
• Use AI tools to accelerate troubleshooting, scripting, documentation, and research, while reviewing AI output for accuracy before applying it in client environments.
  
• Build automation and scripts (PowerShell, Python, Bash) to reduce manual effort and improve consistency, including AI-assisted script development.
  
• Evaluate emerging platforms, tooling, and AI-driven capabilities on behalf of the MSP and recommend adoption into the standard service stack.
  
• Serve as the primary escalation point for server and systems incidents, own resolution from escalation through closure.
  
• Act as primary escalation for P1 and P2 outages, coordinating with cross-functional teams and keeping management and stakeholders informed.
  
• Lead change management activities including planning, scheduling, implementing, and validating production changes.
  
• Participate in on-call rotation and after-hours maintenance windows as required.
  
• Collaborate with hardware vendors, software vendors, and cloud providers to coordinate RMAs, support cases, and complex issue resolution.
  
• Assist in onboarding new MSP clients including discovery, documentation, and transition planning.
  
• Identify recurring issues and drive proactive improvements to reduce incident volume and improve client stability.
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5 to 7 or more years of hands-on systems or infrastructure engineering experience, preferably in an MSP or multi-client managed services environment.
  
• At least 2 years in a senior or lead technical capacity.
  
• Deep expertise across Windows Server, Active Directory, and at least one major virtualization platform (VMware, Hyper-V, or Nutanix).
  
• Strong scripting and automation skills (PowerShell, Python, Bash) and a track record of using automation to improve operations.
  
• Demonstrated use of AI tools (such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, or similar) for troubleshooting, scripting, or documentation, and the ability to use them responsibly is strongly preferred.
  
• Familiarity with compliance frameworks (HIPAA, SOC 2, NIST, PCI-DSS) as they apply to systems security controls.
  
• Exposure to ITSM and ITIL practices within a managed services delivery model.
  
• Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or equivalent experience.
  
• Required or highly preferred certifications: Microsoft Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate, Azure Administrator Associate, MCSE, or equivalent.
  
• Additional desirable certifications: VMware VCP-DCV, Nutanix NCP, AWS Solutions Architect or SysOps Administrator, CompTIA Server+/Security+, or ITIL Foundation.
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required for client-facing interactions and technical documentation.
  
• Ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders clearly and professionally.
  
• Strong time management and the ability to handle multiple client priorities at once in a fast-paced remote MSP environment.
  
• Collaborative mindset with a commitment to mentoring Tier 1 engineers and contributing to team knowledge sharing.
  
• Curiosity and willingness to adopt AI tools in daily work, with good judgment about when to rely on them and when to verify.
  
• Self-directed and accountable, comfortable working independently in a fully remote setting with minimal supervision.
  

• Should be willing to accept a long-term work-from-home arrangement.
  
• Should be amenable to a permanent night shift schedule.