Windows Systems Engineer

The Senior Systems Engineer is responsible for maintaining a functioning, secure, and efficient ecosystem for the end user’s and server computing needs. The Senior Systems Engineer will develop software deployment packages, develop software patching plans and perform needed testing to determining stability and security prior to any deployments. The Senior Systems Engineer will act at an escalation point for the Support Operation Center (SOC) technicians and be responsible for engaging vendors when incidents cannot be resolved through internal controls. This position will also function as Citrix subject matter expert. The Senior Systems Engineer shall be responsible for maintaining server and virtual desktop deployment, images, and will be responsible for aspects of hardware/software vendor relationships. This position will support core Infrastructure solutions, including virtualization, directory services and core Microsoft backend products.Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities:Perform installation, configuration, migration, and maintenance of assigned technology.Manage backend system/application environment and ongoing operations.Troubleshoot software and/or hardware issues/failures and resolves alerts and performs remediation activities.Determine migration and upgrade impacts and diagnose/resolve complex technology/application errors.Assess software patches and create recommended patch list in compliance with standards.Ensure that all clients and servers have the latest first- and third-party security and critical patches and hotfixes.Develop and optimize pre- and post-patching process to ensure proper implementation without any outages.Test patches in a non-production environment and avoid business outages based on the lab results.Automate IT processes utilizing modern scripting languages and other automation tools.Develop processes and procedures related to systems/application administration.Create new and update existing OS images for systems.Resolve tickets escalated by the support operation center and classifying cases according to their priority.Under direction of the architects, monitor relevant IT facilities, services, and systems as needed to maintain 7x24 service operation uptime.Build software deployment packages and maintain endpoint and server environment and processes.Maintain the Configuration Item database within the service management platform and generate accurate system baselines.Implement, operate, and support endpoint management systems for system builds, software deployment, inventory management, endpoint protection and encryption.Ensure all clients receive latest definitions and investigate all breaches.Manage and monitor Citrix system and its technologies, offering solutions to problems.Support and preserve the Virtual Desktop setup, which includes AppSense, XenDesktop, XenApp, etc.Design and implement platform security.Provide technical assistance for all the servers, desktops, and services that apply to the business.Take full control and accountability for applying, implementing, maintaining, and examining the documentation of the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure.Perform after hours activities as needed.Assist in the process for vulnerability management, ensuring that all the risks have been remediated for supporting technologies.Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies:Must have excellent competency with patch management and other patching tools, as well as a solid understanding of industry best practices for patch management.Proficiency in scripting of packaged installation of patches, software and configuration changes.Knowledgeable of programming languages (JavaScript, PowerShell, Python, XML, and .Net).Exceptional knowledge of current Microsoft Server operating systems and as a MS365 enterprise administrator.Able to create deployment patches and package using configuration management tools like Tanium.Ability to self-manage and prioritize multiple projects with aggressive due dates.Understanding of network, system and application security.Knowledgeable of ITIL v3 framework preferred.Understanding of Internet/IP related technologies including, but not limited to, routing, switching and sub-netting preferred.Comprehensive knowledge of storage concepts and skills with various shared storage technologies (provisioning LUN's, expanding volumes, configuring RAID, replication, snapshot), utilizing EMC Unity, Pure Storage and Cohesity backup strategy and replication preferred.Proficiency in Microsoft Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and PKI.Understanding of virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper-V, etc.).Industry and Work Experience:7 years of experience in progressively complex IT technical roles within an enterprise environment required.5 years of experience working with LAN technology required.5 years of experience working with Citrix Netscaler preferred.7 years of experience implementing/managing patch management, software deployment and endpoint security required.Experience with configuration management and asset management required.Experience in security and capacity management and process automation and improvement required.Experience in a systems administration role supporting Microsoft Windows, Linux and VMware required.Project management experience preferred.Experience with database server administration and technologies preferred.Academic:Bachelor's degree in computer engineering or a similar field required.A+, Server+, and Network+ certification is preferred.ITIL v3 framework certification is preferred.