Principle System Engineer

Welch Packaging; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Welch Packaging seeks a Principal Systems Engineer to lead enterprise infrastructure architecture, cloud initiatives, and IT security across locations. You will design, implement, and maintain highly available systems while setting engineering standards and mentoring staff.

You will collaborate with network, security, and ERP teams, manage vendor relationships, and travel regionally up to 50%. The role requires 5+ years in infrastructure leadership, Azure/M365 experience, and a BS in a technical

Qualifications

• BS in Technology or Computer Sciences required.
• Certifications in programming languages preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in enterprise infrastructure, architecture and long-term technology strategy.
• Automation and infrastructure optimization experience.
• Technical leadership and/or mentoring experience.
• Cloud infrastructure experience (Azure/Microsoft 365).

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, design, implementation, and lifecycle management of enterprise infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain standards for systems engineering, security, performance, DR, and documentation.
• Lead complex infrastructure projects including upgrades, migrations, and modernization initiatives.
• Evaluate requirements to recommend scalable, secure, cost-effective solutions.
• Collaborate with network, security, application, and ERP teams for integration.
• Mentor Systems Engineers and IT staff; develop documentation and playbooks.

Skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Time management

Systems analysis

Active learning

Education

BS in Technology or Computer Sciences

Certifications in programming languages

Tools

Azure

Microsoft 365

Job description

Summary

The Principal Systems Engineer serves as the technical leader for the organization's enterprise infrastructure, systems architecture, and cloud technologies. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, securing, and supporting highly available IT systems that enable business operations across all locations. The Principal Systems Engineer provides strategic direction for infrastructure initiatives, establishes engineering standards, mentors technical staff, and partners with business and IT leaders to deliver scalable, secure, and reliable technology solutions.

Description

The Principal Systems Engineer serves as the technical leader for the organization's enterprise infrastructure, systems architecture, and cloud technologies. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, securing, and supporting highly available IT systems that enable business operations across all locations. The Principal Systems Engineer provides strategic direction for infrastructure initiatives, establishes engineering standards, mentors technical staff, and partners with business and IT leaders to deliver scalable, secure, and reliable technology solutions.

Essential Functions

• Lead the architecture, design, implementation, and lifecycle management of enterprise server, storage, virtualization, cloud, and endpoint infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain enterprise standards for systems engineering, security, performance, disaster recovery, and infrastructure documentation.
• Serve as the technical lead for complex infrastructure projects, including system upgrades, migrations, acquisitions, and technology modernization initiatives.
• Evaluate business and technical requirements to recommend scalable, secure, and cost-effective infrastructure solutions.
• Design, implement, and maintain Microsoft Windows Server, Active Directory, Microsoft 365, Azure, virtualization platforms, backup solutions, and enterprise storage environments.
• Lead infrastructure planning for high availability, business continuity, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity initiatives.
• Monitor and optimize system performance, capacity, and reliability while proactively identifying opportunities for automation and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with network, security, application, and ERP teams to ensure seamless integration and performance of enterprise systems.
• Manage relationships with hardware, software, and cloud vendors for support, licensing, upgrades, and strategic planning.
• Conduct root cause analysis for critical infrastructure issues and implement long-term corrective actions to improve system stability.
• Mentor Systems Engineers and IT staff by providing technical leadership, knowledge sharing, and guidance on engineering best practices.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, infrastructure diagrams, standard operating procedures, and support documentation while expanding the Welch IT playbook.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies to improve infrastructure reliability, security, scalability, and operational efficiency.
• Provide advanced (Level 3) support and participate in an on-call rotation, including after-hours support for critical production outages.
• Support Welch University initiatives by developing and delivering technical training on infrastructure systems, administration, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with organizational security policies, regulatory requirements, and IT governance standards.
• Ability to travel 25%-50% as needed regionally
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Qualifications

Education:

• BS in Technology or Computer Sciences or similar education required.
• Certifications in various programming languages preferred

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in enterprise infrastructure, architecture and long term technology strategy
• Automation and infrastructure optimization
• Technical leadership and/or mentoring
• Cloud infrastructure (Azure/Microsoft 365)

Specific Knowledge, Skills Or Abilities

• Strong written and oral communication.
• Organization and attention to detail.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Time management.
• Systems analysis.
• Mathematical and deductive reasoning.
• Critical thinking.
• Active learning.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to lift 50 pounds on a repeatedly on a regular basis.

Must be able to stand for 8-10 hours a day.

Bend, stand, squat, twist repeatedly.

Work Environment

Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phones and printers, light traffic).

Ability to work in a confined area.

Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period time.

Typical office environment.

Disclaimer: This list does not represent all physical demands. Descriptions are representative of those that must be met by employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the jobs’ essential functions.

Welch Packaging is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran