Microsoft Enterprise Sr Systems Engineer [CAMPUS ONLY]

The University of California, Santa Cruz is a public university known for its innovative and experimental approach to education. The Microsoft Enterprise Senior Systems Engineer will apply advanced systems engineering expertise to manage and enhance the campus Windows server and identity management infrastructure, ensuring high availability and security for mission-critical services.

Responsibilities:

• Administer, maintain and upgrade campus Windows servers and Active Directory, on-prem, in VI and in the Cloud
• Serve as a primary point of contact for issues at the OS level on Windows Servers and Active Directory infrastructure, for example, monitoring, Microsoft DNS, fire walls
• Perform regular system OS patching
• Perform both routine and emergency systems administration tasks for daily operations of Windows infrastructure, including large complex production systems
• Diagnose, resolve and document complex problems. Initiate and coordinate the escalation of problems to other support staff, others on campus or outside vendors as required
• Develop scripts and other automation in support of systems management, log analysis and other system-administration duties
• Coordinate with other systems engineers/administrators to ensure both routine and non-routine systems administration tasks are reliably and consistently completed
• Ensure key production systems are up 24x7x365
• Apply operating system/systems engineering expertise in the planning, analysis, design and implementation of solutions for campus, for infrastructure, for customers
• Communicate and partner with staff outside of ITS to ensure their Windows systems are reliable, secure and appropriately meet their needs
• Assist in the design and implementation of reliable Windows servers and Active Directory/EntraID infrastructure
• Assist in the architecture and implementation of Windows systems in Virtual Infrastructure environments (i.e. HyperV, ProxMox, VMWare)
• Assist in the architecture and implementation of Cloud based Windows systems (AWS)
• Document implementations
• Recommend modifications, including upgrades, additions or deletions to complex systems and services
• Provide analysis and justification for recommendations, which may include operational data, feasibility, technological motivations, customer demand or need
• Provide technical direction and leadership to other technical groups (i.e., Linux, OSX, Networking, DBAs) through the planning and implementation processes
• Keep abreast of industry trends and new technologies. Recommend new technologies as appropriate
• Share knowledge of current activities, software, operational standards, and current installation methods with other ITS staff
• Participate in the development of campus standards and processes

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience and / or training
• Demonstrated knowledge of how to design, develop, and adapt technologies and systems to meet business needs
• Demonstrated experience writing and editing scripts, and in the selection and configuration of automated tools, used to perform system maintenance and administration
• Advanced knowledge of computer security best practices and policies, including demonstrated experience securing server-based software
• Advanced knowledge of Windows server operating systems
• Understanding of system performance monitoring, and actions that can be taken to improve or correct availability or performance
• Demonstrated comprehensive understanding of how system management actions affect other systems, system users and dependent/related functions
• Advanced knowledge of Active Directory, and Active Directory concepts like Group Policy, Groups, Organizational Units
• Demonstrated experience with Virtualization technologies: VMWare, HyperV, Proxmox
• Demonstrated experience with Cloud technologies: AWS, EntraID/M365
• Demonstrated experience using systems-management tools, including BigFix and SCOM
• Knowledge of Information Technology security functions and practices
• Ability to elicit and communicate technical and non-technical information in a clear and concise manner
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a highly-collaborative team. Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and other commitments
• Ability to learn new technical skills quickly
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with Macintosh OSX and the Linux operating systems