Sr. IT Field Engineer

Ascend Technologies; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Flexible time off

Professional development

Job summary

Ascend Technologies is seeking a Senior IT Field Engineer to deliver hands-on IT support and infrastructure services across client locations in the Chicago metro area. The role is onsite/field-based and client-facing, requiring independent work across varied environments and technologies.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years in IT support with strong Windows, AD, M365, Azure, and networking skills, plus server/virtualization experience.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years in IT support or related field.
• Experience supporting Windows desktop and Windows Server environments.
• Hands-on experience with Active Directory, Group Policy, Microsoft 365, and Azure.
• Strong networking basics including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, routing, switching, and wireless.
• Experience troubleshooting firewalls, VPNs, switches, routers, and wireless APs.
• Ability to work independently across client environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide onsite technical support and infrastructure services across multiple client locations in the Chicago metro area.
• Troubleshoot complex issues across desktops, servers, networks, cloud, and IT infrastructure.
• Support Windows environments including Windows, Active Directory, and Microsoft 365.
• Troubleshoot networking including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, routing, switching, VPNs, and wireless.
• Handle server hardware, storage, virtualization, and network connectivity issues.
• Configure and troubleshoot network equipment like firewalls, routers, switches, and APs.
• Assess issues onsite, determine root cause, and propose solutions.
• Document environments, steps, and completed work; communicate with clients and teams.
• Participate in client meetings as a trusted Ascend Technologies resource.

Skills

IT support

Windows desktop

Windows Server

Active Directory

Group Policy

Microsoft 365

Azure

Networking fundamentals

Firewall/VPNs

Field engineering

Job description

SENIOR IT FIELD ENGINEER
Location: Chicago Metro Area - Onsite/Field-Based

Position

Ascend Technologies is seeking a Senior IT Field Engineer to provide hands-on technical support and infrastructure services across multiple client locations throughout the Chicago metro area.

This is a client-facing, field-based position for an experienced IT professional who enjoys troubleshooting complex technical issues and working directly with customers. The Senior IT Field Engineer will independently support a variety of Microsoft, server, network, cloud, and end-user environments while serving as a trusted technical resource for our clients.

The ideal candidate is a well-rounded IT infrastructure professional with strong troubleshooting skills who is comfortable working independently and moving between different client environments and technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide onsite technical support and infrastructure services across multiple client locations throughout the Chicago metro area.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues involving desktops, servers, networks, cloud services, and other IT infrastructure.
• Support Microsoft environments including Windows, Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, Microsoft 365, and Azure.
• Troubleshoot network connectivity, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, routing, switching, wireless networks, firewalls, and VPNs.
• Perform server and hardware troubleshooting, including storage, RAID, virtualization, and physical infrastructure.
• Configure, support, and troubleshoot network equipment including firewalls, routers, switches, and wireless access points.
• Independently assess technical issues onsite, determine root cause, and implement or recommend appropriate solutions.
• Document technical environments, troubleshooting steps, processes, and completed work.
• Communicate effectively with client stakeholders and internal teams regarding technical issues, recommendations, and environment status.
• Participate in client meetings and serve as a trusted technical resource representing Ascend Technologies.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in IT support, systems administration, field engineering, network engineering, or a similar technical role.
• Strong experience supporting Windows desktop and Windows Server environments.
• Hands-on experience with Active Directory, Group Policy, Microsoft 365, and related Microsoft technologies.
• Strong networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, routing, switching, and wireless networking.
• Experience troubleshooting and supporting firewalls, VPNs, switches, routers, and wireless access points.
• Experience troubleshooting server hardware, storage, virtualization, and network connectivity issues.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot complex technical problems and make sound decisions with minimal guidance or remote support.
• Strong client-facing communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong organization, documentation, time management, and follow-through.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly between client locations throughout the Chicago metro area.

Preferred Experience

• Aruba networking, including Aruba switches, access points, Aruba Central, Instant On, or CLI
• Microsoft Azure
• VMware and/or Hyper-V
• IPSec VPN configuration
• SD-WAN technologies
• macOS support
• Physical network infrastructure, cabling, and cable tracing
• Experience working within an MSP or multi-client IT environment

At Ascend Technologies we firmly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only fundamental values but also powerful drivers of innovation, growth, and success. We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.

CORE VALUES

We are seeking highly motivated individuals who have the willingness and ability to demonstrate Ascend core values:

• Committed to Client Success: Our actions and our words always align with the best interest of the client.
• One Team: We work collaboratively to overcome challenges with humility and respect and do what it takes to find innovative solutions.
• Integrity: We are unquestionably committed to doing the right thing even when it is hard.
• Accountability: We hold ourselves and each other accountable for keeping our commitments to our clients, our communities, and one another.
• Transparency: We create open lines of communication with each other and our clients, fostering relationships founded on candor and trust.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to sit, stand, and bend for the duration of shift. The position is mainly sitting, with occasional lifting up to 50 lbs, such as laptop, server equipment, and, driving to the work site to meet with client(s).

Salary Expectations: $85,000

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications. The range is intended to reflect our commitment to attracting top talent, and the final offer will be based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's previous experience, expertise in the field, relevant certifications, and the specific requirements of the role. In addition, internal equity, market trends, and geographic location may also influence the final salary.
Along with a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings options, flexible time off (FTO), and professional development opportunities. We are open to discussing compensation and benefits further during the interview process to ensure alignment with the candidate’s expectations and experience.