Network / Systems Engineer

Apex Technology Corporation; Cornelius (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Team-based work environment

On-the-job training

Hybrid work option after 90 days

Job summary

Apex Technology Corporation is hiring a Network / Systems Engineer in Cornelius, NC. The role serves as the Level 3 escalation point for complex issues, handling advanced troubleshooting across client environments and contributing to engineering-level work on networks, servers, and cloud services.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in IT support or network engineering, with strong Windows Server, AD, DNS/DHCP, and 365/Azure skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of IT support or systems/network engineering experience, preferably in an MSP environment.
• Advanced hands-on experience with Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, and DNS/DHCP.
• Strong networking skills - routing, switching, firewalls, VLANs, VPNs, and wireless.
• Experience configuring and supporting firewalls and network devices (Meraki, Fortinet, SonicWall, or similar).
• Experience with Microsoft 365 and Azure administration beyond basic support.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to client sites as needed.
• Experience using ConnectWise or a comparable PSA/ticketing platform.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical issues to non-technical clients.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Level 3 escalation point for complex issues across client environments.
• Diagnose and resolve advanced hardware, software, network, and systems issues.
• Perform onsite visits when remote resolution isn't possible.
• Configure, deploy, and maintain network devices including routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points.
• Document all project work in ConnectWise and IT Glue.

Skills

Windows Server

Active Directory

Networking

Firewall configuration

Microsoft 365 / Azure

ConnectWise

IT Glue

MSP experience

Communication

Tools

Meraki

Fortinet

SonicWall

ScreenConnect

Datto

Veeam

ConnectWise

Job description

The Network / Systems Engineer is Apex's Level 3 technical resource, responsible for resolving the most complex escalated issues across client environments and performing engineering-level work on networks, systems, and infrastructure. This role handles advanced troubleshooting that exceeds Level 1 and Level 2 scope, performs onsite visits when remote resolution isn't possible, and participates in project work as needed - though project delivery is not the primary focus of the role. The Network / Systems Engineer is expected to be deeply technical, highly self-directed, and a reliable escalation point for the service desk team.

Primary Responsibilities

Advanced Escalation & Issue Resolution

• Serve as the Level 3 escalation point for complex issues that exceed Level 1 and Level 2 scope
• Diagnose and resolve advanced hardware, software, network, and systems issues across client environments
• Identify root cause on recurring or complex problems and implement permanent resolutions
• Perform onsite visits for issues that cannot be resolved remotely
• Escalate to the Engineering Manager or Senior Systems Engineer when issues require additional oversight or architecture-level decisions
• Configure, deploy, and maintain network devices including routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points
• Diagnose and resolve network-related issues including connectivity, performance, routing, and outages
• Support and maintain server environments including Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, and DNS/DHCP
• Assist with cloud infrastructure and Microsoft 365/Azure administration at an engineering level
• Troubleshoot hardware failures, configuration errors, and system-level issues across client environments
• Participate in infrastructure projects as assigned - including network deployments, server migrations, and system upgrades
• Execute scoped project tasks in coordination with the Senior Systems Engineer and Project Manager
• Document all project work thoroughly in ConnectWise and IT Glue
• Note: project work is a secondary function of this role - service desk escalations and engineering support remain the primary focus

Ticket Management

• Log all work accurately and in real time in ConnectWise
• Work through the assigned ticket queue in priority order
• Keep ticket notes clear, complete, and useful for anyone who picks up the ticket after you
• Meet defined response time and resolution SLAs consistently

Documentation Adherence

• Follow all standard operating procedures documented in IT Glue
• Adhere to Apex's security best practices on every ticket
• Never bypass documented processes - if a process is unclear or missing, flag it
• Contribute to documentation improvements when gaps or outdated procedures are identified
• Keep clients informed of ticket progress and resolution status throughout the support process
• Communicate professionally and clearly in all client interactions
• Identify patterns and recurring issues within client environments and flag them to the Service Desk Manager
• Work collaboratively with dispatchers, service managers, and engineers
• Represent Apex professionally in every client interaction

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of IT support or systems/network engineering experience, preferably in an MSP environment
• Advanced hands-on experience with Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, and DNS/DHCP
• Strong networking skills - routing, switching, firewalls, VLANs, VPNs, and wireless
• Experience configuring and supporting firewalls and network devices (Meraki, Fortinet, SonicWall, or similar)
• Experience with Microsoft 365 and Azure administration beyond basic support
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to client sites as needed
• Experience using ConnectWise or a comparable PSA/ticketing platform
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical issues to non-technical clients

Preferred Qualifications

• MSP experience strongly preferred
• Experience with ConnectWise, ScreenConnect, and IT Glue
• CompTIA Network+, Security+, or equivalent certifications
• Microsoft certifications (MD-102, AZ-104, or similar)
• Experience with backup and disaster recovery platforms (Datto, Veeam, or similar)
• Exposure to cybersecurity tools and best practices in an SMB environment
• Experience participating in infrastructure deployment or migration projects

What This Role Is Not

• Not a primarily project-based role - escalation support and engineering coverage are the core function
• Not a solution architecture or design role - that is owned by the Senior Systems Engineer and Engineering Manager
• Not a pure helpdesk role - Level 1 and Level 2 issues should be resolved before reaching this level

What Makes Someone Successful Here

• Gets to root cause - doesn't patch problems, fixes them
• Trusted by the service desk team as a reliable escalation point who responds promptly and communicates clearly
• Manages time well between escalated tickets and project work without letting either suffer
• Documents thoroughly - every resolution, every configuration change, every onsite visit
• Comfortable working independently onsite with clients and representing Apex professionally
• Stays current on the technologies Apex supports and proactively builds knowledge
• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Quarterly incentives based on individual and team KPIs
• On-the-job training and support
• Team-based work environment
• Successful Network / Systems Engineers may advance their career by adding additional skills that can help them grow into a Senior Systems Engineer position

Schedule

• Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. May require work outside of normal business hours on occasion.
• On call rotation required after 90 days

Work Location

• Onsite in Cornelius, NC
• Local travel required for client onsite visits
• Hybrid work opportunity (up to 2 days/week) available after 90 days, based on performance

This is a general overview of the role and does not constitute a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities.