System Engineer

Systems EngineerThe Systems Engineer is responsible for the provisioning, deployment, configuration, and administration of IT infrastructure and systems, while also serving as frontline technical support for end users across AOI's Sugar Land campus. This role supports Microsoft servers, PCs, VMware ESXi hosts, network-attached storage (NAS), network monitoring tools, and VPN solutions. This position sits within the office environment and acts as a walk-up helpdesk resource for employees, resolving day-to-day issues while also maintaining and improving the reliability, performance, security, and scalability of IT systems that support business operations. This is a hands-on role in an office environment adjacent and exposed to a 24/7 manufacturing facility that requires strong interpersonal skills, a service-first mindset, and the ability to communicate effectively across a diverse, multicultural workforce. As the firm scales, the Management of Information Systems (MIS) team will continue to improve upon new hire onboarding integrations, knowledge base implementation, and ticketing system improvement projects. This position reports to the Deputy Director of Management of Information Systems (MIS).End-User Support & HelpdeskServe as a primary walk-up and ticketing-based helpdesk resource for employees, including user account provisioning, password resets, device setup, and general troubleshootingDeliver consistently high-quality customer service in a diverse, multicultural environment, translating technical issues into clear, accessible language for non-technical staffSupport new hire IT onboarding, including workstation setup, account provisioning, and first-day connectivityInfrastructure & Systems AdministrationWork closely with the System Architect and Cyber Security team to administer Active Directory and Group PolicyConfigure and maintain VMware ESXi hosts, SAN, and NAS environmentsInstall and configure servers, operating systems (Windows Server, Linux), and application softwareManage software deployments and Windows Updates across the environmentMonitor system health and performance using monitoring tools; optimize for high availabilityDiagnose and resolve complex technical issues across hardware, software, and network layersRepair and recover from hardware or software failures; coordinate and communicate with impacted departmentsWrite scripts (Python, Bash, PowerShell) to automate repetitive administrative tasksImplement security protocols, manage firewalls, and support backup and disaster recovery strategiesMaximize network performance by monitoring, troubleshooting outages, scheduling upgrades, and collaborating with network architectsResearch and recommend innovative and automated approaches to system administration that leverage existing resourcesPerform additional duties as assigned to support team and organizational objectivesDocumentation & Continuous ImprovementMaintain and improve all technical documentation as required by managementSolicit end-user feedback to identify system pain points and translate those into technical requirements for upgradesStay current through professional development, publications, and professional organizationsParticipate in on-call rotation to support 24/7 production operations (infrequent; phone-based rotation shared across the team)Qualifications & CompetenciesCandidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.Education:Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education, certifications, and hands-on experience will be considered.Experience:3–5 years of experience administering Microsoft Windows operating systems, Windows Server, and Office 3652+ years of experience with VMware ESX/ESXi, SAN, and NASWorking knowledge of UNIX/Linux environmentsStrong networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, VPNs)Demonstrated experience in a helpdesk or end-user support capacityProfessional fluency in English requiredExcellent interpersonal skills with a patient, service-oriented approach and the ability to work effectively across a diverse, multicultural environmentAbility to manage competing priorities between infrastructure projects and real-time user supportAbility to work on-call as neededPreferred:CompTIA Network+, MCSE, VMware VCP, or CCNA certificationMandarin bilingualFamiliarity with SAP environmentsFamiliarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)Experience with Hyper-VWhy AOI?Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needsEmployer matching on 401(k) deferralsGenerous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the yearRelocation packages available within the United States.Applied Optoelectronics, Inc (AOI) is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including hiring, placement, promotion, training, transfer and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, veteran status, age, disability, marital status, or any other category protected by State or U.S. Federal law. Moreover, we endeavor to treat our employees fairly. We do not accept unsolicited proposals from third-party recruiters or agencies. Contacting hiring managers directly may result in disqualification of submissions.