System Engineer

Summary The 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). Job Responsibilities End‑User Support & Helpdesk Serve as a primary walk‑up and ticketing‑based helpdesk resource for employees, including user account provisioning, password resets, device setup, and general troubleshooting Deliver consistently high‑quality customer service in a diverse, multicultural environment, translating technical issues into clear, accessible language for non‑technical staff Support new hire IT onboarding, including workstation setup, account provisioning, and first‑day connectivity Takes immediate corrective action(s) against unsafe conditions to the best of one’s own ability Infrastructure & Systems Administration Work closely with the System Architect and Cyber Security team to administer Active Directory and Group Policy Configure and maintain VMware ESXi hosts, SAN, and NAS environments Install and configure servers, operating systems (Windows Server, Linux), and application software Manage software deployments and Windows Updates across the environment Monitor system health and performance using monitoring tools; optimize for high availability Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues across hardware, software, and network layers Repair and recover from hardware or software failures; coordinate and communicate with impacted departments Write scripts (Python, Bash, PowerShell) to automate repetitive administrative tasks Implement security protocols, manage firewalls, and support backup and disaster recovery strategies Maximize network performance by monitoring, troubleshooting outages, scheduling upgrades, and collaborating with network architects Research and recommend innovative and automated approaches to system administration that leverage existing resources Perform additional duties as assigned to support team and organizational objectives Documentation & Continuous Improvement Maintain and improve all technical documentation as required by management Solicit end‑user feedback to identify system pain points and translate those into technical requirements for upgrades Stay current through professional development, publications, and professional organizations Participate in on‑call rotation to support 24/7 production operations (infrequent; phone‑based rotation shared across the team) Qualifications & Competencies Candidates 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 Required: 3–5 years of experience administering Microsoft Windows operating systems, Windows Server, and Office 365 2+ years of experience with VMware ESX/ESXi, SAN, and NAS Working knowledge of UNIX/Linux environments Strong networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, VPNs) Demonstrated experience in a helpdesk or end‑user support capacity Professional fluency in English required Excellent interpersonal skills with a patient, service‑oriented approach and the ability to work effectively across a diverse, multicultural environment Ability to manage competing priorities between infrastructure projects and real‑time user support Ability to work on‑call as needed Preferred CompTIA Network+, MCSE, VMware VCP, or CCNA certification Mandarin bilingual Familiarity with SAP environments Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) Experience with Hyper‑V Benefits Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer employees the right options to meet individual and family needs Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year Relocation 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr