IT Systems Engineer (Contract to Hire)

Our client is seeking a mid- to senior-level IT Systems Engineer to own the design, maintenance, and reliability of the company’s technology infrastructure. Based on-site in Harahan, this hands-on role keeps servers, networks, and cloud systems running smoothly across our client’s headquarters, remote sites, and distributed workforce. Reporting to the President, the Systems Engineer works closely with our client’s IT Project Manager and coordinates with outside technology partners as needed. This is an individual contributor role suited to someone who takes ownership, communicates well with technical vendors and non-technical staff alike, and keeps our client’s systems secure, stable, and well documented. Our client’s environment runs on Microsoft 365 and Amazon Web Services and supports a range of cloud-based business applications across finance, sales, operations, and HR, including Epicor Prophet 21 (ERP), Rippling (HRIS), and HubSpot (CRM). Job Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain our client’s server environment, including physical and virtual servers, operating systems, and directory services.
• Manage Microsoft 365 and related cloud services, including user accounts, email, file storage, and collaboration tools.
• Support and monitor cloud infrastructure and services hosted in Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS.
• Maintain network infrastructure across our client’s headquarters and remote locations, including firewalls, switches, wireless access, and site-to-site and remote-access VPN connectivity.
• Provision, configure, and manage employee devices and endpoints, including deployment, patching, and security tools.
• Monitor system performance, capacity, and availability, and address issues before they affect operations.
• Maintain and test data backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity processes.
• Support identity and access management, including single sign-on, multifactor authentication (Cisco Duo), and permission controls.
• Apply security best practices across systems, including patch management, endpoint protection, and threat monitoring.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex technical issues that cannot be resolved at the help-desk level.
• Support connectivity and technology needs for remote employees and multiple physical locations.
• Partner with the IT Project Manager on rollouts, migrations, and upgrades across our client’s core business systems, including Epicor Prophet 21, Rippling, and HubSpot.
• Support and help administer our client’s cloud-based business applications across finance, sales, operations, logistics, and HR.
• Coordinate with outside technology vendors and managed service providers on projects, support, and procurement.
• Create and maintain documentation, including system configurations, network diagrams, and standard operating procedures.
• Recommend improvements to infrastructure, security, and processes that support our client’s growth.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four to eight years of hands-on experience in systems engineering, infrastructure administration, or a similar role.
• Demonstrated experience supporting multi-site and remote environments.
• Strong knowledge of Windows Server, Active Directory, and Microsoft 365 administration.
• Experience administering cloud infrastructure and services, particularly Amazon Web Services (AWS).
• Experience with server virtualization such as Hyper-V or VMware.
• Solid grasp of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPN, firewalls, and wireless.
• Experience with backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity tools and practices.
• Familiarity with endpoint management, patching, and security tools.
• Working knowledge of scripting and automation, such as PowerShell.
• Diagnosis issues methodically and follows through to resolution.
• Explains technical topics clearly to non-technical staff and leadership.
• Takes initiative and manages priorities with limited oversight.
• Keeps clear, current records of systems and procedures.
• Works effectively with internal staff and outside vendors.
• Treats data protection and system reliability as everyday priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Security+, or Server+; Microsoft MS-102, AZ-104, or MD-102; Cisco CCNA; or VMware VCP.
• Experience supporting distribution ERP systems such as Epicor Prophet 21.
• Experience supporting an industrial, distribution, or manufacturing environment.
• Experience coordinating with managed service providers and technology vendors.