Lead Windows Systems Engineer

Clearance Required: Active Top Secret clearance

Certification Required: IAT Level III Certification;
One or more of the Computing Environment (CE) Certifications

Job Description:

• The Systems Engineer Lead is responsible for the design, administration, optimization, and security of enterprise server infrastructure supporting mission-critical academic, defense, and research operations. This role leads server engineering initiatives across physical, virtual, and cloud-connected environments while ensuring high availability, scalability, performance, and cybersecurity compliance.
• The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Windows Server administration, virtualization, enterprise storage, identity integration with Microsoft Entra , and enterprise cloud platforms including Microsoft 365 or Office 365 within highly regulated environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the architecture, deployment, and maintenance of enterprise server infrastructure.
• Administer and support:
• Virtualized infrastructure
• Hybrid cloud-connected systems
• Enterprise messaging and collaboration services
• Manage and support:
• Microsoft 365
• Office 365
• Exchange Online
• Teams
• SharePoint Online
• One Drive administration
• Manage identity and access integration using:
• Active Directory
• Group Policy
• Conditional Access
• Patching
• Monitoring
• Backup and disaster recovery
• Maintain high-availability systems and ensure maximum uptime for critical services.
• Configure and manage virtualization platforms such as:
• VMware
• Hyper-V
• Nutanix
• Support enterprise storage and backup infrastructure.
• Implement cybersecurity best practices including:
• Vulnerability remediation
• Access control management
• Audit compliance
• Monitor infrastructure performance and troubleshoot complex server-side issues.
• Develop automation scripts using Power Shell and enterprise automation tools.
• Support data center operations, maintenance windows, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, networking, and application teams on infrastructure initiatives.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, SOPs, and disaster recovery plans.
• Lead junior engineers and infrastructure modernization projects.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of enterprise server administration or systems engineering experience.
• Strong expertise with:
• Windows Server
• Active Directory
• Microsoft 365
• Office 365
• VMware or Hyper-V
• Experience with:
• Exchange Online
• SharePoint Online
• Teams Administration
• DNS, DHCP, Group Policy
• Server virtualization
• Storage infrastructure
• Patch management systems
• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, DISA STIGs, and server hardening standards.
• Strong Power Shell scripting and automation experience.
• Strong troubleshooting and infrastructure optimization skills.

Required Certifications

• One or more of the following Computing Environment (CE)
  
  Certifications:
• Microsoft Certified:
  Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
• VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in government, military, higher education, or defense environments.
• Familiarity with:
• Hybrid cloud environments
• Zero Trust architecture
• SIEM monitoring platforms
• Preferred certifications:
• CISSP
• CASP+
• Security+
• Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• Provide technical leadership for enterprise server operations.
• Lead infrastructure modernization and capacity planning initiatives.
• Mentor engineering staff and establish operational best practices.
• Coordinate cross-functional projects involving systems, security, and networking teams.
• Ensure infrastructure compliance with federal cybersecurity and defense standards.