Systems Engineer Consultant

Job Description: The Consulting Engineer is responsible for the hands-on design, implementation, configuration, and optimization of complex IT infrastructure solutions for our diverse clientele. This senior-level, multi-disciplined engineer will tackle a variety of billable engagements, including project-based deployments, resident engineering assignments, and providing technical expertise during presales activities. This role demands a proactive, “learn-on-the-fly” attitude and deep, practical expertise across Sterling’s core technology pillars: Networking, Storage, Cloud, Operating Systems (Windows/Linux/VMware), and Security.

Job Experience Requirements: U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance is required. Candidates with exceptional, demonstrated technical skills and a strong track record who are clearable but do not currently hold a clearance will be strongly considered. Willingness and ability to travel to customer locations as needed for project execution and resident engagements.

• 7+ years of proven experience in delivering complex IT infrastructure projects in a senior, customer-facing, billable role. In lieu of specific years, candidates must demonstrate participation in a significant number of diverse, enterprise-level project deployments.
• Deep experience deploying, configuring, and troubleshooting enterprise networking solutions, encompassing LANs, WANs, routers, switches (e.g., Cisco, Arista, Juniper), and next-generation firewalls (e.g., Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet).
• Extensive hands-on experience with enterprise storage systems, including SAN (Fibre Channel, iSCSI), NAS, and software-defined storage (SDS) solutions (e.g., Dell Technologies, NetApp, Pure Storage, VMware vSAN).
• Proficient in deploying, managing, and troubleshooting Linux (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu, SUSE) and VMware vSphere (ESXi, vCenter) environments, including virtual machine management, platform services, and associated ecosystem components.
• Strong, practical knowledge of security principles and experience implementing security controls across infrastructure, including network security, system hardening, identity and access management, and vulnerability assessment.
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly master new technologies and adapt to evolving technical landscapes, effectively applying lessons learned and determining the tangible benefits of new solutions for clients.
• Must be comfortable with routine and in-depth interactions with customer technical teams, architects, and business stakeholders across various organizational levels.
• An active listener with excellent and confident communications and interpersonal skills, with an ability to navigate complex customer situations, manage expectations, and articulate technical solutions and their business value effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences, including internal teams and external clients.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills, with a strong emphasis on thorough follow-up and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to effectively multitask, prioritize demanding workloads, and consistently meet deadlines in fast-paced, customer-facing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm and productive when faced with change, ambiguity, and unforeseen challenges, adeptly addressing complex problems that may not have immediately clear solutions.
• Proactive in identifying potential project risks and technical issues, with experience in escalating appropriately to internal teams or vendor support when necessary.
• Experience contributing to presales efforts, such as technical deep-dives, proof-of-concept development, solution validation, and contributing to statements of work., * Advanced industry certifications such as VCAP-DCV (Design/Deploy), CCIE, CISSP, RHCA, or equivalent expert-level certifications from major networking, storage, or security vendors.
• Experience with major public cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and integrating on-premises solutions with cloud services.
• Proficiency with infrastructure automation and configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Terraform, PowerShell, Python).
• Prior experience in dedicated resident engineering roles for enterprise or government customers.
• Ability to provide technical leadership, best practices guidance, and mentor others on complex, product-centric topics within a project setting, including experience in providing technical peer reviews for deliverables to ensure quality and promote knowledge sharing.
• Ability to contribute innovative insights to solution design and implementation, considering system-wide impacts and client business objectives.
• Familiarity with ITIL or other service management frameworks.