Senior Infrastructure Systems Engineer

                                                Sr. Infrastructure Systems Engineer

This is a fully remote position

PURPOSE   

This role will provide escalated support and operational maintenance to client environments.  This role will also work on project-based initiatives for clients, including upgrades to existing infrastructure and deployment of new technology.   

RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Serve as escalation point for the Ascend Technologies Network Operations Center (NOC) and support engineers for questions and complex issue resolution   
• Strong communication skills to be able to work with clients and assist non-technical users with troubleshooting remotely   
• Operate and maintain Windows servers on a virtualized environment (VMWare/Hyper-V)   
• Experience building and working within Azure/AWS environments   
• Experience with support and administration of environments with high-availability and disaster recovery technologies   
• Troubleshooting skills to be used to analyze various alerts from servers and get to root cause of the issues  
• Understanding of server operating systems, how to remotely manage servers operating systems and hardware    
• Assess resource utilization (memory and CPU) to troubleshoot low recourse utilization alerts   
• Understand network concepts TCP/IP, OSI, Vlan, IP, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, etc.)   
• Understanding and management of certificates - what they are used for and how they are generated   
• Ability to participate in on-call rotation  
• Ability to perform off-hours changes when needed  

Windows Server OS   

• Management and support of server operating systems (knowledge of deprecated server OS’s will be needed as well: 2008, and 2008R2, 2012).  
• Management of all installable Windows Roles and Features available for the versions of the MS Operating Systems.  Including but not limited to:   
  • Active Directory/Entra  
  • DNS   
  • DHCP   
  • File Service   
  • Print Services   
  • Failover Clustering    
  • Remote Desktop Services   
  • Network Policy and Access Services   
  • Web Server   
  • NTP   
  • WMI   
  • Certificate Authorities   
• General understanding on how to backup and recovery options for windows server OS’s.   
• General understanding on how window server OS’s security and feature patching works.    
• Understand the difference between share and NTFS permissions and how effective permissions are calculated.   
• Understand where windows will log issues as well as the various Roles and Features that can be added to any windows server OS.  Need to be able to review these log entries and find additional information about the events and possible causes.      
• Understanding of a Microsoft Certificate Authority hierarchy (root CA, intermediate CA, etc.) and how certificates are issued and revoked.   

Server Virtualization   

VMWare     

• Understand the vSphere components and what their function in the environment is VCSA (vCenter), hosts, datastores, vSwitches/PortGroups, and VM’s.   
• General understanding on how to troubleshoot resource utilization alerts from Hosts, datastores, and VM’s.   
• Understand what a snapshot is and what its use cases are (when to use them when to not).   
• Understanding of what the VMware Tools are and how to update them.    
• Understand what maintenance mode is and how it is used.   
• General understanding of how hosts are patched and rebooted.     

Windows Hyper-V   

• Ability to manage and monitor Hyper-V virtualization infrastructure, including virtual machines, hosts, and networks.  
• Implement, configure, and maintain Hyper-V clusters for high availability and disaster recovery . 
• Troubleshoot virtualization issues and provide technical support to users and teams. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess and implement virtualization solutions.  
• Other responsibilities as assigned by management. 

MINIMUM SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE   

• 7+ years of similar work experience in a client-facing role   
• VMWare certifications VCP/VCAP  
• Advanced PowerShell scripting experience   
• Ability to perform off-hours changes   
• Proficiency in cloud technology infrastructure, networking, and system integrations.  
• Demonstrated ability to respond to client questions and provide timely, professional support.  
• Experience performing operational maintenance, system upgrades, and issue troubleshooting.  
• Ability to deliver responsive service and quality work products that contribute to client satisfaction.  
• Strong client service orientation with a focus on timely communication and follow-through 
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills   
• A passion for technology and problem-solving  
• Efficiently manage multiple tasks   
• Contribute in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment   
• Exhibit excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal and organization skills   
• Upbeat, friendly, motivated and ready to help contribute to our team and the needs of our clients    

PREFERRED SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE 

• Microsoft (MCP, MCSA) certifications  
• Linux  

Starting Compensation Range: $100,000 per year

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications. The range is intended to reflect our commitment to attracting top talent, and the final offer will be based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's previous experience, expertise in the field, relevant certifications, and the specific requirements of the role. In addition, internal equity, market trends, and geographic location may also influence the final salary.

At Ascend Technologies we firmly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only fundamental values but also powerful drivers of innovation, growth, and success. We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.  

CORE VALUES  

We are seeking highly motivated individuals who have the willingness and ability to demonstrate Ascend core values:    

• Committed to Client Success: Our actions and our words always align with the best interest of the client.  
• One Team: We work collaboratively to overcome challenges with humility and respect and do what it takes to find innovative solutions.  
• Integrity: We are unquestionably committed to doing the right thing even when it is hard.  
• Accountability: We hold ourselves and each other accountable for keeping our commitments to our clients, our communities, and one another.  
• Transparency: We create open lines of communication with each other and our clients, fostering relationships founded on candor and trust.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:   

Must be able to sit, stand, and bend for the duration of shift. The position is mainly sitting, with occasional lifting up to 50 lbs, such as laptop, server equipment, and, driving to the work site to meet with client(s).