Lead Windows Systems Engineer
22nd century technologiesWashington (DC)
Lead Windows Systems Engineer
Posted 4 days ago
22nd century technologiesWashington (DC)
SENIORITY
Lead
About the role
Lead Windows Systems Engineer
Duration: Full-time
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 ID, 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: Windows Server environments
- Virtualized infrastructureHybrid cloud-connected systems
- Enterprise messaging and collaboration services
- Manage and support: Microsoft 365 Office 365 Exchange OnlineTeamsSharePoint OnlineOneDrive administration
- Manage identity and access integration using: Active DirectoryMicrosoft Entra IDGroup Policy
- Conditional AccessMulti-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Oversee server lifecycle management including: Provisioning
- PatchingHardeningMonitoringBackup and disaster recovery
- Maintain high-availability systems and ensure maximum uptime for critical services. Configure and manage virtualization platforms such as: VMwareHyper-VNutanixSupport enterprise storage and backup infrastructure. Implement cybersecurity best practices including: Server hardening
- Vulnerability remediation
- Access control management
- Audit compliance
- Monitor infrastructure performance and troubleshoot complex server-side issues.
- Develop automation scripts using PowerShell 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 ServerActive DirectoryMicrosoft Entra IDMicrosoft 365 Office 365VMware or Hyper-VExperience with: Exchange OnlineSharePoint OnlineTeams AdministrationDNS, DHCP, Group PolicyServer virtualization
- Enterprise backup systems
- Storage infrastructure
- Patch management systems
Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, DISA STIGs, and server hardening standards.
Strong PowerShell scripting and automation experience.
Strong troubleshooting and infrastructure optimization skills.
Required Certifications
DoD 8570 / 8140 IAT Level III Certification
One or more of the following Computing Environment (CE)
Certifications:
Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator AssociateMicrosoft Certified: Azure Administrator AssociateMicrosoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator ExpertVMware Certified Professional (VCP)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in government, military, higher education, or defense environments.
- Familiarity with: Azure infrastructureHybrid cloud environments
- Zero Trust architectureSIEM monitoring platforms
- Infrastructure automation tools
- Preferred certifications: CISSPCASP+Security+Azure Solutions Architect Expert Leadership Expectations
- 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.
Core Competencies:
- Enterprise Server Administration
- Microsoft Infrastructure Technologies
- Microsoft 365 Administration
- Virtualization & Storage
- Infrastructure Security
- Disaster Recovery & Backup
- Automation & PowerShellTechnical Leadership
- Performance Optimization
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