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Role Overview Position: Lead / Senior Systems Engineer Reports To: Director of IT Location: Princeton, NJ (occasional travel to NY office and colocation facilities) Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt, Permanent This position plays a key role in designing, implementing, and maintaining the organization’s core IT infrastructure, focusing primarily on Windows-based systems and associated technologies. The role balances project-based initiatives with daily operational responsibilities, including end-user desktop support. As part of a lean IT team, this individual must be equally comfortable managing backend systems and resolving front-line user issues. Company Culture The organization emphasizes a tight-knit, high-performance, and collaborative environment. They pride themselves on: • A fast-paced, high-energy team culture • A proactive, forward-thinking, and continuous learning mindset • Staff who are self-motivated yet collaborative • Direct access to management and a broad view of business operations • Integrated departmental collaboration with shared goals • A commitment to confidentiality and discretion Note: The company has very low turnover — employees tend to stay long-term. The previous individual in this role was promoted internally. Key Responsibilities The Senior Systems Engineer will: • Design, deploy, and maintain Windows-based infrastructure (Server 2022, Windows 11) • Manage and optimize hybrid cloud environments (Microsoft Entra ID / Azure AD) • Support file systems, share permissions, and NTFS security configurations • Engineer and maintain virtualization platforms (VMware vCenter, virtual networking, performance tuning) • Administer networking and security for Microsoft-centric environments • Collaborate cross-functionally to evaluate and implement new technologies • Provide end-user support as needed, ensuring reliability and uptime • Participate in off-hours maintenance and on-call rotation • Maintain cybersecurity best practices across systems and endpoints Core Technical Focus Areas Cybersecurity Awareness & Responsibility • Identify and mitigate security risks across cloud and on-premises systems • Operate within a multi-layered cybersecurity framework • Support identity protection, EDR, email security, firewalls, and related tools • Collaborate on new security technology evaluations and implementations • Maintain a security-first mindset while balancing operational needs Core Infrastructure & Systems Engineering • Advanced knowledge of Windows Server 2022 and Windows 11 • Deep experience with Microsoft Entra ID / Azure AD, including conditional access and synchronization • File system engineering and NTFS permission management • Hands-on expertise with VMware vCenter, including networking and storage Networking & Security • Administer and support Microsoft-centric networks • Configure and manage Cisco Catalyst/Nexus switches and firewalls • Apply Zero Trust principles and secure remote access strategies • Oversee endpoint protection, patch management, and identity-based security Messaging & Communication Platforms • Engineer and troubleshoot SMTP flow and message delivery • Support Exchange and mobile messaging systems • Administer VoIP and telephony systems, including provisioning Desktop Engineering & End-User Support • Troubleshoot complex desktop and endpoint issues • Support Microsoft Office applications and hardware (workstations, printers, phones) • Perform proactive monitoring and maintenance of systems and networks Systems Management & Optimization • Monitor and improve infrastructure performance and efficiency • Evaluate backup and replication strategies (hardware/software) • Implement consistent monitoring and alerting frameworks