Lead Systems Engineer (Washington)

Title: Systems Engineering Lead/Technical SME

Client: National Defense University (NDU) South Campus

Location: Washington, DC

Clearance:- Active Top Secret

The Server Systems Engineer Lead is responsible for the design, administration, optimization, and security of enterprise server infrastructure supporting mission-critical academic, defense, and research operations. This role leads server engineering initiatives across physical, virtual, and cloud-connected environments while ensuring high availability, scalability, performance, and cybersecurity compliance.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Windows Server administration, virtualization, enterprise storage, identity integration with Microsoft Entra ID, and enterprise cloud platforms including Microsoft 365 or Office 365 within highly regulated environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, deployment, and maintenance of enterprise server infrastructure.

Administer and support:

• Windows Server environments
• Virtualized infrastructure
• Hybrid cloud-connected systems
• Enterprise messaging and collaboration services

Manage and support:

• Microsoft 365
• Office 365
• Exchange Online
• Teams
• SharePoint Online
• OneDrive administration

Manage identity and access integration using:

• Active Directory
• Microsoft Entra ID
• Group Policy

Oversee server lifecycle management including:

• Provisioning
• Patching
• Hardening
• Monitoring
• Backup and disaster recovery
• Maintain high-availability systems and ensure maximum uptime for critical services.

Configure and manage virtualization platforms such as:

• VMware
• Hyper-V
• Nutanix
• Support enterprise storage and backup infrastructure.

Implement cybersecurity best practices including:

• Server hardening
• Vulnerability remediation
• Access control management
• Audit compliance
• Monitor infrastructure performance and troubleshoot complex server-side issues.
• Develop automation scripts using PowerShell and enterprise automation tools.
• Support data center operations, maintenance windows, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, networking, and application teams on infrastructure initiatives.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, SOPs, and disaster recovery plans.
• Lead junior engineers and infrastructure modernization projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of enterprise server administration or systems engineering experience.
• Strong expertise with:
• Windows Server
• Active Directory
• Microsoft Entra ID
• Microsoft 365
• Office 365
• VMware or Hyper-V

Experience with:

• Exchange Online
• SharePoint Online
• Teams Administration
• DNS, DHCP, Group Policy
• Server virtualization
• Enterprise backup systems
• Patch management systems
• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, DISA STIGs, and server hardening standards.
• Strong PowerShell scripting and automation experience.
• Strong troubleshooting and infrastructure optimization skills.

Required Certifications

• DoD 8570 / 8140 IAT Level III Certification
• One or more of the following Computing Environment (CE) Certifications:
• Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
• Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert
• VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in government, military, higher education, or defense environments.
• Familiarity with:
• Azure infrastructure
• Hybrid cloud environments
• Zero Trust architecture
• SIEM monitoring platforms
• Infrastructure automation tools
• Preferred certifications:
• CISSP
• CASP+
• Security+
• Azure Solutions Architect Expert

Leadership Expectations

• Provide technical leadership for enterprise server operations.
• Lead infrastructure modernization and capacity planning initiatives.
• Mentor engineering staff and establish operational best practices.
• Coordinate cross-functional projects involving systems, security, and networking teams.
• Ensure infrastructure compliance with federal cybersecurity and defense standards .