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