Systems Engineer

Charles River Associates International; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer-m

Paid time off

Parental leave

Wellness programs

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Charles River Associates is seeking an IT professional to join the Global ITS team supporting Windows Server, VMware, and cloud-adjacent infrastructure. The role emphasizes hybrid on-premises and cloud environments, with responsibilities spanning server operations, security, and automation.

Chicago-based offices and global collaboration define the work culture. The ideal candidate has 3+ years in hybrid environments, Azure knowledge, and PowerShell scripting abilities to streamline

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred).
• 3+ years of significant hybrid on-premises/cloud experience.
• MCSA certification preferred.
• Solid knowledge of Azure with AZ-900 fundamentals.
• Ability to build a robust PowerShell script from the ground up.
• Proficient with Office 365, Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, RBAC.
• Experience in geographically dispersed cross-functional teams.
• Experience with VMware vSphere/VCF.

Responsibilities

• Install/configure, operate, maintain and troubleshoot systems hardware and software in a Global Windows server environment.
• Install/configure, operate, maintain and troubleshoot Windows Servers.
• Install/configure, operate, maintain and troubleshoot VMware vSphere, vCenter, and ESXi.
• Provide Level 2 support to the Service Delivery team.
• Active Directory and Entra Administration, Group Policy & RBAC.
• Automate common administrative tasks.
• Rotate off-hours on-call support.
• Complete fast-paced and high-volume work order requests.

Skills

Hybrid cloud experience

Azure knowledge

PowerShell scripting

Office 365

Windows Server

Active Directory

Group Policy & RBAC

VMware vSphere

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred)

MCSA certification

Tools

VMware vSphere

VCF

Office 365

Azure

Job description

About Charles River Associates

Charles River Associates is a leading global consulting firm that provides economic, financial, and business management expertise to major law firms, corporations and governments around the world. CRA advises clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings, and guides corporations through critical business strategy and performance-related issues. Since 1965, clients have engaged CRA for its combination of industry experience and rigorous, fact-based analysis that provide clients with clear, implementable solutions to complex business concerns.

About Charles River Associates

Charles River Associates is a leading global consulting firm that provides economic, financial, and business management expertise to major law firms, corporations and governments around the world. CRA advises clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings, and guides corporations through critical business strategy and performance-related issues. Since 1965, clients have engaged CRA for its combination of industry experience and rigorous, fact-based analysis that provide clients with clear, implementable solutions to complex business concerns.

Position Overview

The Information Technology (ITS) team at CRA is currently a Global team of 40 professionals dedicated to enhancing, maintaining, and developing the firm's technology infrastructure and security. The team is comprised of four functions: Service Delivery & Telecom, Enterprise Application Solutions, Infrastructure, Networking and Cloud Services and Security. Information Technology staff are based in the Boston, Chicago, London, Munich, New York, Oakland, and Washington, DC offices.

Mainly a Microsoft house, CRA is looking to maximize the performance of our on-premise systems and hybrid infrastructure, meaning experience with cloud technologies is essential for this role.

Responsibilities

• Install/configure, operate, maintain and troubleshoot systems hardware and software in a Global Windows server environment;
• Install/configure, operate, maintain and troubleshoot Windows Servers;
• Install/configure, operate, maintain and troubleshoot VMware vSphere, vCenter, and ESXi;
• Provide Level 2 support to the Service Delivery team;
• Active Directory and Entra Administration, Group Policy & RBAC;
• Automate common administrative tasks;
• Rotate off-hours on-call support;
• Complete fast-paced and high-volume work order requests.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred);
• 3 + years of significant experience working within a hybrid on premises/cloud environment;
• MCSA preferred;
• Solid working knowledge of Azure is essential with minimum AZ900 Azure Fundamentals qualification;
• Ability to build a well-documented and robust PowerShell script from the ground up;
• Proficient with core technologies: Office 365, Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, RBAC;
• Experience working in a geographically disperse cross-functional team;
• Experience with VMware vSphere/VCF.

Career Growth And Benefits

• CRA’s robust skills development programs, encompassing both formal and informal programs, encourage you to thrive as an individual and team member. Beginning with research and analysis skill building, training continues with technical training, presentation skills, internal seminars, and career mentoring and performance coaching from an assigned senior colleague. Additional leadership and collaboration opportunities exist through internal firm development activities.
• We offer a comprehensive total rewards program including a superior benefits package, wellness programming to support physical, mental, emotional and financial well-being, and in‑house immigration support for foreign nationals and international business travelers.

Work Location Flexibility

CRA creates a work environment that enables our colleagues to benefit from being together in the office to best deliver on our promise of career growth, mentorship and inclusivity. At the same time, we recognize that individuals realize a range of benefits when working from home periodically. We currently expect that individuals spend at least 3 to 4 days a week working in the office (which may include traveling to another CRA office or to client meetings), with specific days determined in coordination with your practice or team.

Responsible AI Use in Recruiting

We believe that recruiting is fundamentally a human process, and we are committed to a hiring process that is consistent, transparent, and people-focused. While AI and other technology-enabled tools help our team operate more efficiently, we strive to provide every candidate with a personalized, thoughtful, and high-touch experience. As CRA invests significant human effort to find qualified members for our teams, we expect candidates to invest corresponding human effort to learn about CRA, prepare thoughtful application materials, and engage with our interviewers. Read more about appropriate hiring manager, recruiting team, and candidate AI at CRA on our website.

Our Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River Associates is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Salary And Other Compensation

A good-faith estimate of the annual base salary range for this position is $100,000-$125,000. Starting pay within this range varies based on factors such as education level, experience, skills, geographic location, market conditions, and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is eligible for additional bonus incentive compensation. CRA offers a comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility requirements, which includes: medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; life and disability insurance; paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays); paid parental leave; wellness programs and employee assistance resources; and commuter benefits.