Systems Engineer I

Paychex is reimagining how businesses manage their workforce by bringing payroll, HR, benefits, and advisory services together into a single connected HCM platform. As Paychex and Paycor come together, we're combining innovative technology, data-driven insights, AI, and human expertise to help organizations work smarter, support their people, and achieve better business outcomes. This is an exciting time to join our team as we continue to invest in innovation, simplify client experiences, and shape the future of work. At Paychex, you'll have the opportunity to grow your career, make a meaningful impact, and be part of something bigger as One Paychex.

Overview

Under moderate supervision, the Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, supporting, and continuously improving enterprise infrastructure platforms that enable critical business applications and services. This role provides operational support while driving automation, standardization, and infrastructure modernization across Linux and Windows environments.

The Systems Engineer installs, configures, maintains, and upgrades server hardware, operating systems, middleware, and supporting infrastructure. The role proactively monitors system health, troubleshoots complex technical issues, and implements solutions that improve availability, reliability, security, and performance across the enterprise.

Success in this position requires an engineering mindset focused on Infrastructure as Code (IaC), automation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. The engineer develops reusable automation, self-service capabilities, and standardized deployment processes that reduce manual effort and increase service reliability.

This position works within cross-functional Agile Delivery Teams alongside Software Engineers, Quality Engineers, Product Owners, Solution Architects, Scrum Masters, Security Engineers, and Platform Engineers to deliver infrastructure solutions that support Paychex's Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms.

The Systems Engineer is expected to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)-enabled tools to improve operational efficiency, accelerate issue resolution, and enhance the overall reliability of enterprise infrastructure. The engineer will evaluate emerging AI capabilities and incorporate them into infrastructure operations where appropriate while adhering to organizational governance and security standards.

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, configure, administer, and support enterprise Linux and Windows server environments.
• Perform operating system, application, and infrastructure upgrades while ensuring system stability and minimal business disruption.
• Troubleshoot complex infrastructure, operating system, networking, and application issues across development, test, and production environments.
• Develop and maintain Infrastructure as Code, configuration management, and automation solutions to improve deployment consistency and operational efficiency.
• Build self-service capabilities and automated workflows that reduce manual intervention and improve customer experience.
• Monitor infrastructure performance, capacity, availability, and security, implementing proactive improvements and automated remediation where appropriate.
• Participate in production support, incident response, root cause analysis, and problem management activities during both business and non-business hours as required.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, operational standards, runbooks, and engineering best practices.
• Partner with Security, Networking, Cloud, Storage, Database, and Application Development teams to design scalable, resilient infrastructure solutions.
• Continuously evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements that enhance operational efficiency, security, and platform capabilities.

Qualifications

The engineer will gain experience with a broad range of enterprise technologies, including:

• Linux and Windows Server operating systems
• Infrastructure as Code and Configuration Management
• Git-based Version Control
• CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
• Automation and Orchestration platforms
• Container technologies and modern application platforms
• Virtualization and enterprise compute platforms
• Enterprise storage and networking technologies
• Public and private cloud technologies
• Monitoring, logging, and observability platforms

Common technologies may include Git, Puppet, Ansible, PowerShell, Python, Go, Container solutions, VMware, Microsoft, Red Hat, Cisco, Dell Technologies, HPE, Cloud technologies, and other enterprise and open-source platforms.

Preferred Skills

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Experience administering Linux and/or Windows enterprise environments.
• Understanding of scripting or programming languages such as PowerShell, Bash, Python, Go, or Ruby.
• Familiarity with automation, orchestration, Infrastructure as Code, and configuration management concepts.
• Knowledge of Agile methodologies, DevOps principles, Continuous Integration, and Continuous Delivery.
• Familiarity with Generative AI platforms and AI-assisted engineering tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or similar technologies).
• Understanding of AI concepts, including Large Language Models (LLMs), prompt engineering, and AI agents.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize multiple initiatives while maintaining high operational standards.
• Passion for continuous learning, innovation, automation, and improving customer outcomes.

Compensation

In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share that the starting base pay range for this position is $61,000 - $95,900 annually. Please keep in mind that this range is the base pay only and does not consider other components that make up the total rewards package for the position. If you are hired at Paychex, your overall compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience which may result in total compensation outside of this range.

Live the Paychex Values

• Act with uncompromising integrity.
• Provide outstanding service and build trusted relationships.
• Drive innovation in our products and services and continually improve our processes.
• Work in partnership and support each other.
• Be personally accountable and deliver on commitments.
• Treat each other with respect and dignity.

What's in it for you?

• We value your well-being: We provide over 21 comprehensive rewards, including medical coverage, virtual wellness classes, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) + employer match, adoption assistance, financial assistance, and much more.
• We value your time: From paid time off to company holidays, culture days, and comprehensive work-life balance programs, we will ensure you have the flexibility you need to be your best.
• We value your development: Our award-winning training and development programs empower our employees with ongoing learning opportunities to give you the building blocks to grow your career.
• We value your perspective: Our company culture reflects the diversity of our employees. We want you to be you and your voice to be heard.
• We value our communities: We offer paid time off for volunteerism and promote many company-wide and local initiatives that benefit organizations you care about.

Note: The benefits described apply to full-time employees. Benefits for part-time, contract, and intern roles may vary.

Not sure if you meet every requirement?

At Paychex, we know that great talent comes in many forms. If you're passionate about the role but don't check every box, we still encourage you to apply. You might be the right fit - either for this position or another opportunity with us.

Paychex is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated fairly and evaluated based on their qualifications, experience, and merit. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment.