Lead Systems Engineer

22nd Century Technologies Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

22nd Century Technologies Inc. seeks a Systems Engineering Lead/Technical SME to direct enterprise server architecture, deployment, and optimization in a highly regulated environment.

The role requires deep Windows Server administration, Active Directory, and cloud/M365 expertise, with a track record of cybersecurity compliance and automation using PowerShell. Active Top Secret clearance is required for this position. Washington, DC site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of enterprise server administration or systems engineering experience.
• Strong expertise with Windows Server, Active Directory, Microsoft 365, Office 365, VMware or Hyper-V.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, deployment, and maintenance of enterprise server infrastructure.
• Administer and support virtualization and hybrid cloud-connected systems.
• Manage Microsoft 365, Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Teams, and related services.
• Implement cybersecurity practices, patching, access control, and audit compliance.
• Develop automation with PowerShell and document disaster recovery plans.

Skills

Windows Server

Active Directory

Microsoft 365

PowerShell scripting

Leadership

Cybersecurity best practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

VMware

Hyper-V

Nutanix

Office 365

Job description

Title: Systems Engineering Lead/Technical SME

Client: National Defense University (NDU) South Campus

Location: Washington, DC

Clearance: Active Top Secret

The Server Systems Engineer Lead is responsible for the design, administration, optimization, and security of enterprise server infrastructure supporting mission-critical academic, defense, and research operations. This role leads server engineering initiatives across physical, virtual, and cloud-connected environments while ensuring high availability, scalability, performance, and cybersecurity compliance.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Windows Server administration, virtualization, enterprise storage, identity integration with Microsoft Entra ID, and enterprise cloud platforms including Microsoft 365 or Office 365 within highly regulated environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, deployment, and maintenance of enterprise server infrastructure.

Administer and support:

• Virtualized infrastructure
• Hybrid cloud-connected systems
• Enterprise messaging and collaboration services

Manage and support:

• Microsoft 365
• Office 365
• Exchange Online
• Teams
• SharePoint Online
• OneDrive administration

Manage identity and access integration using:

• Active Directory
• Group Policy
• Patching
• Monitoring
• Backup and disaster recovery
• Maintain high-availability systems and ensure maximum uptime for critical services.

Configure and manage virtualization platforms such as:

• VMware
• Hyper-V
• Nutanix
• Support enterprise storage and backup infrastructure.

Implement cybersecurity best practices including:

• Vulnerability remediation
• Access control management
• Audit compliance
• Monitor infrastructure performance and troubleshoot complex server-side issues.
• Develop automation scripts using PowerShell and enterprise automation tools.
• Support data center operations, maintenance windows, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, networking, and application teams on infrastructure initiatives.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, SOPs, and disaster recovery plans.
• Lead junior engineers and infrastructure modernization projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of enterprise server administration or systems engineering experience.
• Strong expertise with:
  • Windows Server
  • Active Directory
  • Microsoft 365
  • Office 365
  • VMware or Hyper-V

Experience with:

• Exchange Online
• SharePoint Online
• Teams Administration
• DNS, DHCP, Group Policy
• Server virtualization
• Patch management systems
• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, DISA STIGs, and server hardening standards.
• Strong PowerShell scripting and automation experience.
• Strong troubleshooting and infrastructure optimization skills.

Required Certifications

• One or more of the following Computing Environment (CE) Certifications:
• Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
• VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in government, military, higher education, or defense environments.
• Provide technical leadership for enterprise server operations.
• Lead infrastructure modernization and capacity planning initiatives.
• Mentor engineering staff and establish operational best practices.
• Coordinate cross-functional projects involving systems, security, and networking teams.
• Ensure infrastructure compliance with federal cybersecurity and defense standards.

Familiarity with:

• Hybrid cloud environments
• Zero Trust architecture
• SIEM monitoring platforms

Preferred certifications:

• CISSP
• CASP+
• Security+
• Azure Solutions Architect Expert