Systems Engineering Manager

Job Description

Systems Engineering Manager

Location: Willowbrook, Illinois
Hire Type: Full-Time
Shift: On-Site
Compensation: $140,000-$165,000, based on experience
Bonus/ Incentives/ Stock Options: Bonus eligibility

Overview:

Our client is a leading security technology firm specializing in secure computing platforms and advanced surveillance systems for critical infrastructure. The organization partners with industry leaders to deliver air-gapped, high-availability solutions that comply with stringent regulatory requirements and supports large corporations with tightly controlled technology infrastructures.

Our client is seeking an experienced Systems Engineering Manager with several years of hands-on systems engineering and management experience to lead and support the design, deployment, and maintenance of mission-critical IT infrastructure. This position will be responsible for both technical systems engineering and systems team management, including the development of processes, procedures, documentation, automation, and operational standards.

The Systems Engineering Manager will work closely with the organization's leadership team and report directly to the Senior Vice President of Operations.

Due to the sensitive nature of the work, U.S. Citizenship, successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation and drug screening, and the ability to work fully on-site in Willowbrook, IL are required.

Job Duties:

• Lead and manage systems engineering activities, including team management, processes, procedures, documentation, and operational standards.
• Design, implement, maintain, and support Proxmox-virtualized and bare-metal Windows and Linux server environments, ensuring high availability, reliability, and security.
• Design and implement air-gapped and cloud-based systems and network environments.
• Maintain and expand the corporate IT environment, including Active Directory, Microsoft Entra, Azure, Intune, SentinelOne, and other enterprise-level technologies.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and firewalls from Ubiquiti, Cisco, Fortinet, and similar vendors.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts and tools using technologies such as Bash, PowerShell, and Ansible for system provisioning, configuration management, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate virtualization technologies including vSphere and Hyper-V, as well as containerization technologies such as Docker.
• Support the integration and management of cloud-based resources where applicable.
• Assist with cybersecurity assessments, vulnerability scanning, remediation, and security documentation.
• Support compliance and security initiatives aligned with NRC RG 5.71, NEI 08-09, and applicable industry best practices.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, runbooks, standard operating procedures, and system configuration documentation.
• Configure and administer Active Directory, including Group Policy.
• Configure and support Azure SAML authentication integrations with third-party vendors and applications.
• Configure, troubleshoot, and support a diverse range of IoT devices, including cameras, motion sensors, and industrial automation equipment.
• Support day-to-day IT and systems operations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve system, network, virtualization, and application issues promptly.
• Establish and improve systems engineering processes, procedures, and automation.
• Lead and mentor systems engineering team members while maintaining hands-on technical involvement.
• Travel up to approximately 20% as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field preferred; equivalent hands-on experience will be considered.
• 6-10 years of professional systems engineering experience, including demonstrated experience managing or leading technical teams.
• Proven experience implementing IT processes, procedures, documentation standards, and automation.
• 6-10 years of experience with virtualization and containerization technologies, including Proxmox; VCP certification is a plus.
• Strong Linux Server administration experience.
• Strong understanding of networking, switching, and routing.
• Experience with Microsoft Entra, Office 365, and Active Directory.
• Experience with Active Directory Group Policy and enterprise authentication.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and documentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of JIRA and Confluence is desired.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles and compliance frameworks, including NIST, NRC/NEI/DOE regulations, and role-based access controls, is highly desirable.
• Experience with NetBox and Snipe-IT is a plus.
• Experience with SMB-level storage infrastructure, including SAN/NAS, is desirable.
• Ability to travel approximately 20%.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Security & Employment Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship is mandatory. Non-U.S. Citizens cannot be considered.
• Must possess a compliant REAL ID.
• Must be willing and able to successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation and drug screening in accordance with applicable requirements, including 10 CFR 73.56.
• Must be able to work 100% on-site in Willowbrook, Illinois. This position does not offer a remote or hybrid work option.

What Our Client Offers:

• Competitive salary of $140,000-$165,000, based on experience.
• Bonus eligibility.
• Health, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development and certification opportunities.
• Career growth opportunities.
• Collaborative, mission-driven work environment focused on advanced security technology and critical infrastructure.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Meet Your Recruiter

Galen Schloming
Senior Technical Recruiter

Galen is a Senior Technical Recruiter at Sterling Engineering with nearly 14 years of recruiting and talent acquisition experience, spanning agency leadership, high-volume technical recruiting, and executive-level client partnership. Since joining Sterling in February 2026, he has brought a strategic, relationship-driven approach to supporting candidates and clients across manufacturing, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and more.

Galen is dedicated to solving complex hiring challenges and building trusted, long-term partnerships with candidates, hiring managers, and executives. He takes the time to understand each person's experience, goals, and career ambitions so he can help connect them with opportunities that align with both their skills and long-term direction.

For Galen, recruiting is about being an advocate and facilitator during important moments of transition and opportunity. He genuinely enjoys learning what motivates people and helping them take meaningful next steps in their careers while supporting companies in building strong, high-performing teams.

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About Willowbrook, IL

Explore exciting job opportunities in and around Willowbrook, Illinois today! Located in DuPage County, this vibrant area offers a unique blend of suburban charm and urban amenities. With easy access to Chicago, Willowbrook boasts a thriving business community, top-rated schools, beautiful parks like Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, and nearby shopping at the Oakbrook Center. Indulge in the local food scene with a mix of restaurants offering everything from deep-dish pizza to gourmet burgers. Enjoy cultural experiences at the Drury Lane Theatre or visit the Mayslake Peabody Estate for a taste of local history. Join us in Willowbrook and discover a place where career growth meets a high quality of life. Let's find your dream job together!