Senior Systems Engineer

IT Systems EngineerOaks Christian SchoolFull-Time (12-month), Exempt, Category 3Salary commensurate with experienceReports to the Director of Information TechnologyPosition SummaryThe Senior Systems Engineer is a senior-level technical leader responsible for the design, implementation, security, optimization, and support of Oaks Christian School's enterprise technology infrastructure. This role provides strategic and operational leadership across networking, server systems, cloud services, cybersecurity, backups, disaster recovery, and endpoint management.The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience with enterprise infrastructure, strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, and a demonstrated ability to successfully lead complex technology projects. The Senior Systems Engineer works closely with IT leadership to develop technology roadmaps, establish standards and best practices, ensure system reliability, and support the school's long-term strategic objectives.This position requires a collaborative professional who can balance technical excellence with exceptional customer service while maintaining secure, highly available, and scalable technology solutions for faculty, staff, and students.Essential FunctionsInfrastructure & Systems ManagementDesign, implement, maintain, and optimize enterprise infrastructure systems and services.Administer and support network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, wireless systems, IP telephony platforms, and related technologies.Manage physical and virtual server environments, storage systems, cloud services, and associated infrastructure components.Monitor system performance, availability, and capacity to ensure reliable operations.Ensure the effectiveness and integrity of backups, disaster recovery, and business continuity solutions.Maintain infrastructure security by implementing industry best practices, security controls, monitoring, and remediation processes.Project Leadership & Technical StrategyLead and participate in infrastructure projects from planning through implementation and support.Partner with IT leadership to develop strategic technology roadmaps and infrastructure improvement plans.Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend solutions that align with organizational goals.Analyze business requirements and translate them into effective technical solutions.Participate in hardware, software, and cloud technology evaluations and deployments.Operations & SupportEnsure consistency, maintainability, and documentation of enterprise systems and services.Create and maintain technical documentation, procedures, and standards.Troubleshoot and resolve complex infrastructure and systems issues.Provide escalation support for critical incidents and high-priority technical challenges.Participate in after-hours maintenance and emergency support activities as required.Leadership & CollaborationServe as a key technical resource and mentor for IT team members.Share knowledge, provide technical guidance, and promote best practices across the department.Collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, vendors, and stakeholders.Contribute to a culture of professionalism, innovation, continuous improvement, and service excellence.Perform other duties as assigned.Qualifications & ExperienceEducationBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or a related field preferred.Equivalent combinations of education, certifications, and experience may be considered.CertificationsCisco CCNA required; CCNP or higher preferred.Other relevant industry certifications including Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, VMware, cybersecurity, cloud, or infrastructure.ExperienceMinimum of five (5) years of experience in senior-level infrastructure, systems engineering, or network engineering roles.Experience designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise-class network and server environments.Demonstrated experience managing Cisco and Microsoft technologies within complex environments.Hands-on experience with enterprise firewall platforms and network security solutions.Experience supporting cloud infrastructures and services, including Microsoft 365 and Entra ID.Experience with virtualization, backup solutions, disaster recovery planning, and cybersecurity best practices preferred.Technical CompetenciesAdvanced knowledge of enterprise networking, routing, switching, wireless, and security technologies.Strong understanding of Windows Server, Active Directory, Microsoft 365, Azure, virtualization, storage, and cloud services.Knowledge of backup, disaster recovery, business continuity, and cybersecurity frameworks.Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.Professional CompetenciesExcellent written and verbal communication skills.Strong organizational and project management abilities.Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, accountability, and a service-oriented mindset.Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.Physical & Operational RequirementsAbility to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 45 pounds.Ability to work in server rooms, network closets, and other technical environments.Participation in an on-call rotation and availability for emergency support when required.Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary for maintenance windows or critical projects.Mission AlignmentAs a Christian educational institution, Oaks Christian School seeks individuals who support and uphold the school's mission, core values, and Statement of Faith. Employees are expected to model professionalism, integrity, respect, and a commitment to serving the school community.