Systems Engineer II

The Position

Join the City of Modesto's IT team as a Systems Engineer and play a key role in maintaining and improving the networks and systems that keep our city connected. If you're passionate about technology and public service, we'd love to meet you. Salary Incentives: 2.5% Education Incentive (bachelor's degree) 5% Education Incentive (master's degree) The Systems Engineer is responsible to perform duties pertaining to the management of Network Operating Systems (NOS), Local Area Networks/Wide Area Networks (LAN/WANs), telecommunications networks and/or other computing platforms; and to analyze, plan, install, evaluate, monitor, test, and maintain system and application software in a personal computer, client/server, or web environment. APPLICATION PROCESS Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Applications will be screened to the most qualified. Please do not substitute any part of the application with the words "see resume". The following information is provided for use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations. Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City. Tentative Testing Schedule Online exam October 30, 2026 - November 5, 2026 The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire. The City of Modesto does not sponsor H-1B Visas. Salary offered depends on candidate's experience.

Essential and Marginal Function Statements

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions :

All Assignments:

Assist with the development and implementation of network-related projects.

Communicate and work with third-party vendor sales, applications, and support.

Implement standards and procedures relating to network and operating systems software products.

Utilize current and emerging network, communications, and/or operating system technologies.

Monitor the performance of assigned operating systems and communications software; identify problems, as required.

Stay current and aware of "state-of-the-art" information technology practices.

Prepare procedures, handbooks, manuals, and other documentation.

Assist with the development of project proposals and yearly work program/budget.

Plan, install, evaluate, monitor, and maintain client/server operating system releases, enhancements, and/or application software.

Work with department management, internal customers, and information technology professionals to provide solutions to short and long-range computer services and integrated network needs.

Perform project cost estimates and ensure billing procedures and costs are correct, timely, and in compliance with general accounting principles.

Work with the organizational team and vendor personnel to implement changes or resolve technical questions related to the operating system, as necessary.

Establish operational and technical procedures for the utilization of client/server systems and program products.

Monitor and evaluate system performance, status, and resources; develop and write scripts, as needed.

Perform hardware installation, configuration, and maintenance.

Prepare and develop budget recommendations related to client/server environment.

Provide resolution to systems errors and/or problems; apply "fixes" to system and program product software.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.

Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.

When assigned to LAN/WAN System Engineering:

Participate in LAN/WAN installations and configurations.

Assist with the quality execution of LAN/WAN task(s), within budget while maintaining the schedule integrity.

Assist in resolving LAN connectivity issues and maintaining LAN and Internet connections.

Execute Networking/Communications (LAN/WAN) projects.

Develop LAN/WAN system requirement definitions and functional and technical specifications.

Resolve LAN connectivity issues and maintain LAN and Internet connections.

Perform LAN/WAN installations, upgrades, support, and maintenance.

Develop cost data for LAN/WAN project cost estimating.

Perform LAN/WAN system analysis, at the workgroup, department, and enterprise level.

When Assigned to NOS Engineering:

Assist with the installation and maintenance of Network Operating Systems (NOS) on small to medium projects.

Participate in reviewing new network operating systems and enhancements.

Resolve and fix basic system errors and problems.

Interface with IT staff and users, regarding changes to existing system software or to resolve technical problems related to system software, as necessary.

Assist in documenting standards and procedures developed by senior staff as they relate to network operating systems.

Monitor the overall performance of the network operating systems and communications software, and resolve problems as required.

Perform installation and maintenance of moderately large and complex Network Operating Systems (NOS) projects.

Support client/server application software products, including connectivity with multiple remote sites.

Participate in reviewing, evaluating, and installing new network operating systems and enhancements.

When Assigned to Telecommunications:

Assist with the installation, repair, and maintenance of telecommunications systems and equipment.

Assist with the implementation of telephone systems and networks to meet departmental needs; perform basic telephone system and network traffic analysis.

Participate in reviewing and evaluating new telecommunications systems and enhancements; assist in planning their installation; estimate project costs, as required.

Ensure Federal Communication Commission requirements are met in regard to licensing, operating, and the technical performance of wireless communications equipment.

Prepare Federal Communication Commission license applications.

Marginal Functions: Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

In addition to the qualifications for Systems Engineer I:

Knowledge of:

Depending on Assignment:

Principles, practices, and techniques of information systems management including applications, design, hardware, and software options for administrative and business-oriented applications.

Methods and techniques for project management including identifying project task, scope, team building, resource allocation, scheduling/timelines, and communicating the deliverables/results.

Methods of designing and deploying network architecture and infrastructure.

Techniques for researching and evaluating micro and mini hardware, operating systems, and communications software.

Network printing and print server technology.

Telephone network design, configuration, and provisioning; PBX and carrier network technologies and protocols.

Radio frequency coordination and Federal Communication Commission licensing processes.

Voice messaging systems; local and long-distance carrier providers and rates, Automated Call Distribution (ACD) systems; Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems.

Industry standard LAN/WAN, communications protocols, and network speeds; LAN configuration, and topologies; departmental LANs, WANs, and multiple server LANs; LAN/WAN implementation, maintenance, and support.

Capabilities and limitations of current micro and mini hardware, operating systems, and communications software.

Methods for implementing and managing network operating systems such as Novell NetWare and Microsoft, and administering network security.

Data communications, telecommunications, and integration with networks, telephone network design, configuration, provisioning, PBX, and carrier network access technologies and protocols.

Ability to:

Depending on Assignment:

Carry out moderately complex networking/communication/telecommunications project life cycle from analysis through deployment.

Analyze moderately complex systems engineering problems and develop appropriate solutions.

Manage projects within project costs, resources, and schedules.

Develop project plans and reasonable timelines.

Recommend measures to optimize network performance and response.

Install, configure, and support complex network infrastructure elements, security devices, operating systems, Web servers, Intranet/Internet servers, and other system servers.

Conduct and obtain approval of feasibility study reports for telecommunications projects.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Three years of increasingly responsible experience performing network administration, installation, and implementation, monitoring communications or operating system software and hardware, maintaining high-end computing platforms or automated business systems, technological project management, and the implementation of new systems using client server technology.

OR

Two years of responsible experience equivalent to Systems Engineer I with the City of Modesto.

Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business information systems, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.

Additional Requirements:

Incumbent must be able to pass a P.O.S.T. level background investigation prior to appointment for clearance to work on Police Department Information Systems.

Physical and Mental Requirements

Mobility : frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting : frequently up to 50 pounds; occasionally up to 75 pounds. Vision : constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; frequent color and depth vision. Dexterity : frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking : frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological : frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental : frequent exposure to computer noise.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to frequent noise from computers and related equipment. Some work may occur at remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and travel is rare.

Benefits

Modesto Confidential and Management Association (MCMA) Employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect please see the Memoranda of Understanding. PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM: CalPERS enrollment in either the 2% @ 60 or the 2% @ 62 formula is dependent on eligibility, as per AB 340. Employee pays the full member contribution. Retirement benefit is based on the employees three year final compensation average. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the required 1.45% Medicare contribution by both the City and the employee (applies to employees hired after 4-1-86). HOLIDAYS: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours holiday credit. MANAGEMENT LEAVE: 80 hours per year for positions exempt from overtime. VACATION: Accrued at the rate of two weeks during the first year, increasing to five weeks during the 21st year of service. SICK LEAVE: Accumulated at 8 hours per month, 96 hours per year. Employees may accumulate up to 2,200 hours. MEDICAL INSURANCE: Health, dental and vision coverage is provided. The City's monthly contribution to health, dental and vision benefits is based on a three-tier system as follows: $ 2,110.00 Employee + Family $ 1,494.00 Employee + 1 Dependent $ 748.00 Employee Only $ 450.00 Opt Out The employee pays the balance. An employee who opts out of health coverage receives the amount noted above minus dental and vision premium on their paycheck and treated as taxable income. Dental and vision coverage continuation is available upon retirement. DEFERRED COMPENSATION: With a matching contribution by the employee, the City will contribute 1.5% of salary, increasing to 2.5% at 9+ years of service, to a voluntary 457 Plan. RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RHS): $2,880 initial deposit provided upon completion of a two (2) year vesting period. After initial contribution, the City shall contribute $130 per month. LIFE INSURANCE: Coverage in the amount of $120,000 is provided by the City. Supplemental coverage is available at employee cost. DISABILITY INSURANCE: Coverage is provided by the City, at City cost. This benefit pays 66 2/3% of the first $12,000 per month in salary. EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Master's Degree Pay in the amount of 5% of salary. Bachelor's Degree Pay in the amount of 2.5% of salary. BILINGUAL INCENTIVE LEAVE: Employees who pass a review panel and are needed in this capacity by the department, will receive 3 hours of Bilingual Leave Time per pay period into their Compensatory Time Off (CTO) balance. LONGEVITY PAY: 2.5% of salary at 10 years of service. SECTION 125 PLAN: Providing for pre-tax deductions for employee-paid health premium and dependent care costs.