Lead Windows Systems Engineer

22nd Century Technologies Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

22nd Century Technologies Inc. seeks a Systems Engineer Lead to design, administer, and secure enterprise server infrastructure across physical, virtual, and cloud environments.

You will lead server engineering initiatives to ensure high availability and regulatory compliance in support of mission-critical operations. The role emphasizes Windows Server administration, virtualization, identity integration with Entra ID, and Microsoft 365/Office 365 in highly regulated settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, CS, 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 architecture, deployment, and maintenance of enterprise server infrastructure.
• Administer and support: Virtualized infrastructure, Hybrid cloud-connected systems, Enterprise messaging and collaboration services.
• Manage Microsoft 365, Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint Online, OneDrive administration; Manage identity with Active Directory, Group Policy, and Conditional Access.
• Implement patching, monitoring, backup, and disaster recovery; ensure high availability and uptime.
• Develop PowerShell scripts and automation; collaborate with cybersecurity, networking, and application teams.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, SOPs, and disaster recovery plans.
• Mentor junior engineers and lead infrastructure modernization projects.

Skills

Windows Server

Active Directory

Microsoft 365

Office 365

VMware

Hyper-V

Exchange Online

SharePoint Online

Teams Administration

DNS

DHCP

Group Policy

PowerShell scripting

Automation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

VMware

Hyper-V

Job description

Clearance Required: Active Top Secret clearance

Certification Required: IAT Level III Certification; One or more of the Computing Environment (CE) Certifications

Job Description:

• The 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
• Conditional Access
• 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
• Storage infrastructure
• 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.
• Familiarity with:
• Hybrid cloud environments
• Zero Trust architecture
• SIEM monitoring platforms
• Preferred certifications:
• CISSP
• CASP+
• Security+
• Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• 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.