Senior Systems Engineer (Tier 3)

Senior Systems Engineers serve as the technical authority across the Peak Solutions client base. This role is split roughly evenly between two core functions: project and professional services work (migrations, infrastructure deployments, and client-facing technical engagements) and Tier 3 escalation ownership (complex, senior-level issues that require deep expertise to resolve). You drive infrastructure architecture decisions, lead security initiatives, and actively shape how we deliver services at scale.

You will work closely with our Tier 1 and Tier 2 teams - not just to close tickets, but to raise the floor of what our whole team is capable of. Mentorship, documentation, and process improvement are core parts of the role.

This position is in-person at our Irvine office. No remote work is available for this role.

What you’ll do:

Escalation & Technical Ownership

• Own all Tier 3 escalations from intake to resolution - no hand-offs without closure
• Serve as the final escalation point for complex infrastructure, security, and system-level issues across Windows, Linux, and virtualization platforms
• Provide root-cause analysis and document permanent fixes to prevent recurrence
• Engage directly with vendors and manufacturers when escalation beyond the MSP is required

Architecture & Infrastructure

• Design and implement scalable infrastructure solutions across hybrid, cloud, and on-premises environments (Azure, AWS, Hyper-V, VMware/ESXi)
• Lead network architecture decisions including segmentation, VLANs, routing, SD-WAN, load balancing, and firewall policy
• Oversee backup, DR, and BCP solutions across the client base - design, implementation, and testing
• Administer and optimize Microsoft 365, Exchange Online, Entra ID, and Intune at an advanced level
• Lead server infrastructure work: builds, migrations, Hyper-V clustering, storage, and RAID
• Develop and optimize solutions incorporating microservices, RESTful APIs, and service-oriented architecture where applicable to improve system interoperability

Security & Compliance

• Drive security posture improvements across clients - Conditional Access, MFA enforcement, Zero Trust principles
• Lead incident response and forensic investigation for security events
• Conduct vulnerability assessments, system hardening, and threat intelligence analysis; translate findings into actionable remediation plans
• Ensure alignment to relevant frameworks and compliance requirements (NIST, CIS, HIPAA, etc.) where applicable
• Evaluate, implement, and manage EDR/MDR platforms and security tooling

DevOps, Automation & Tooling

• Build and maintain PowerShell and Python/Bash scripts and automation workflows that scale across the client base
• Drive efficiency improvements in how we use RMM, PSA, and monitoring tools
• Lead scripting-based solutions for patching, provisioning, reporting, and remediation tasks
• Implement and support CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, Git) to streamline development and deployment workflows where applicable

Client-Facing Technical Strategy

• Serve as the senior technical voice in client-facing conversations, QBRs, and strategic planning sessions
• Translate complex infrastructure challenges into clear, business-aligned recommendations
• Produce high-quality technical documentation, SOWs, and project plans for client-facing engagements
• Support account managers and leadership in pre-sales technical assessments

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor Tier 1 and Tier 2 engineers - proactively identifying skill gaps and coaching toward growth in areas including DevOps practices, scripting, debugging, and system architecture
• Contribute to internal training, knowledge base development, and SOP refinement
• Lead or participate in post-incident reviews and continuous improvement efforts
• Contribute to tooling evaluations, automation initiatives, and RMM/PSA optimization

• High School Diploma or equivalent (Bachelor’s in IT, CS, or related field preferred)
• 5+ years of MSP or equivalent enterprise IT experience
• Extensive hands-on experience with Windows and Linux operating systems and virtualization platforms (Hyper-V, VMware/ESXi)
• Demonstrated expertise in cloud platforms, with strong Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 administration; AWS experience a plus
• Strong understanding of computer networking concepts: DNS, DHCP, VPNs, firewalls, VLANs, routing, SD-WAN, load balancing, and network security best practices
• Advanced Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, and DHCP troubleshooting
• Proficiency in scripting for automation and administration (PowerShell required; Python or Bash a strong plus)
• Familiarity with cybersecurity principles including vulnerability assessment, system hardening, and threat intelligence analysis
• Hands-on experience with database management systems (SQL Server/T-SQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL); NoSQL familiarity a plus
• Knowledge of DevOps tools including Jenkins, Git workflows, and CI/CD pipelines
• Experience leading or significantly contributing to infrastructure migrations or project deployments
• Strong communication and collaboration skills - able to present technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and work effectively across teams
• Ability to troubleshoot complex issues efficiently through debugging techniques across multiple platforms and technologies

Preferred:

• Microsoft AZ-104, AZ-500, MS-102, SC-200, or equivalent
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Cisco CCNP, or similar
• CompTIA Security+, CySA+, CASP+, or similar security certification
• Experience with Hyper-V clustering, SAN/NAS storage, or enterprise backup platforms
• Familiarity with compliance frameworks: NIST CSF, CIS Controls, HIPAA, SOC 2
• Prior experience in a vCIO, solutions architect, or client advisory capacity
• Experience with SIEM, SOAR, or MDR platform administration

Professional development assistance, 401(k), Health insurance, Paid time off, Vision insurance, Dental insurance, * 401(k)

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Peak Solutions is a Managed Service Provider helping small and medium-sized businesses operate at their best. We are fanatics about quality service and quality products - and we’re growing fast. The Senior Systems Engineer is our most senior technical role: the last line of escalation, the architect of solutions, and a key voice in our clients’ technical strategy.

This is not a ticket-pushing role. Roughly half your time will be spent on project and professional services work - migrations, deployments, architecture engagements - and the other half owning Tier 3 escalations that require true senior-level depth. T3 engineers drive infrastructure decisions, lead security posture improvements, and mentor the engineers behind them. If you want to do your best work in a team that genuinely respects technical depth - this is your seat at the table.