The Systems Administrator role is to ensure stability, integrity, and efficient operation of the in- house information systems that support core organizational functions. This is achieved by monitoring, maintaining, supporting, and optimizing all networked software and associated operating systems. The Senior Systems Engineer will apply proven communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills to help identify, communicate, and resolve issues in order to maximize the benefit of IT systems investments.

This individual will also mentor and provide guidance to the Jr Systems Administrator and Help Desk staff.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategy & Planning

• Collaborate with network staff to ensure smooth and reliable operation of software and systems for fulfilling business objectives and processes.
• Work with team members, decisionmakers, and stakeholders to define business requirements and systems goals, and to identify and resolve business systems issues.

Acquisition & Deployment

• Design and deploy new applications and enhancements to existing applications, software, and operating systems.
• Perform cost-benefit and return on investment analyses for proposed systems to aid management in making implementation decisions.
• Conduct research on software and systems products to justify recommendations and to support purchasing efforts.
• Interact and negotiate with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure system-related products and services.

Operational Management

• Gauge the effectiveness and efficiency of existing systems; develop and implement strategies for improving or further leveraging these systems.
• Propose and create system design models, specifications, diagrams, and charts to provide direction to system programmer and development teams.
• Design and perform server and security audits, system backup procedures, and other recovery processes in accordance with the company’s disaster recovery and business continuity strategies.
• Integrate servers, including database, e-mail, print, and backup servers and their associated software into enterprise systems.
• Ensure system connectivity of all servers, shared software, groupware, and other applications.
• Create and maintain documentation as it relates to system configuration, mapping, processes, and service records.
• Ensure compatibility and interoperability of in-house computing systems.
• Coordinate and perform in-depth tests, including end-user reviews, for modified and new systems.
• Monitor and test system performance; prepare and deliver system performance statistics and reports.
• Provide orientation and training to end users for all modified and new systems.
• Provide guidance and assign tasks to System Engineers
• Contribute ‘how-to’ references for technical support functions
• Design, Deploy and Administer the following technologies:
• Active Directory and LDAP services, Radius, DHCP and DNS
• Active Directory Organizational Units, User Accounts, Group Policies and file shares
• Corporate systems and protocols, including Web servers/services (IIS, Apache, DMZ), Email (POP3, SMTP, IMAP), Chat, Antivirus, Content Filter, storage systems (SAN/NAS), PC Imaging and software deployment, performance monitoring, server and O/S configurations for various shared services and contact center technologies
• Daily monitoring of mission critical systems
• Action Support Desk assigned tickets and adhere to change management policies and procedures
• Troubleshoot (analyze and isolate), repair and recover hardware and software failures as necessary and perform root cause analysis and recommend avoidance strategies
• Adhere to Standard Operating Procedure’s (SOP’s) and recommend adjustments as necessary as well as contribute to development of new SOP’s and policies
• Ensure defined policies and procedures pertaining to compliance and security practices are being followed
• Design, Recommend, Implement, and Administer redundant processes and infrastructure
• Advise on contractual needs and cost saving opportunities
• Advise on hardware, software, configuration and automation risks and recommend mitigating strategies
• Research, design, recommend and implement automation and error controls
• Develop and maintain data retention and restoration procedures and mechanisms
• Facilitate patch management definition, approval, testing and rollout in conjunction with peer groups
• Maintain, audit and document, systems hardware and software performance, utilization and inventory
• Maintain, audit and document; software licenses and OEM license compliance, including version control
• Maintain, audit and document, administrative accounts

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS: (Education, Experience, Skills)

• Associate degree or equivalent
• Minimum of 2 – 5 years of experience
• IT Certifications considered an asset:
• Intermediate CompTIA, or Microsoft certifications (ex. Net+, MS Azure)
• Other vendor technology specific certification - such as VMware, Ticketing systems (e.g., ServiceNow, Freshdesk, ManageEngine)
• Knowledge and experience with the following:
• Windows Server / Linux OS
• Backup solutions (e.g., Veeam, Acronis)
• Patch management tools (e.g., WSUS, SCCM)
• Application and database knowledge
• Security scanning tools (e.g., Nessus)
• Major callouts - configuration, DR/BC, vulnerability, project support management
• Proven experience in overseeing the design, development, and implementation of software systems, applications, and related products.
• Proven experience with systems planning, security principles, and general software management best practices.
• Excellent understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Knowledge of applicable data privacy practices and laws.
• Good project management skills.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to conduct research into systems issues and products as required.
• Ability to communicate ideas in both technical and user-friendly language.
• Highly self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail.
• Proven analytical and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.