Systems Engineer I

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Parental leave

Pension plan

13 paid holidays

15 days vacation

15 days sick leave

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Job summary

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is seeking a high-level Systems Engineer to design, implement, and support the agency’s enterprise IT infrastructure.

You will lead patching programs, manage server and desktop environments, and contribute to disaster recovery planning while partnering with IT leadership. Strong experience in Windows/Linux, automation (PowerShell, Terraform, Ansible), and security best practices is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field; experience may substitute for degree.
• Experience with Windows and Linux server environments.
• Experience with patching and vulnerability management.
• Knowledge of IT security best practices, disaster recovery, and data protection.

Responsibilities

• Recommend, develop, configure, and support patching of server and desktop environments.
• Monitor system performance and implement optimizations for reliability.
• Design and implement disaster recovery plans for business continuity.
• Provide high-level support and troubleshooting for system issues.

Skills

PowerShell scripting

Infrastructure as Code

IT security best practices

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science / information systems / related field

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

Job description

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is seeking a highly skilled Systems Engineer to provide advanced-level design, implementation, and support of the agency’s enterprise IT infrastructure.

About SLED

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is a premier statewide law enforcement agency dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of South Carolina. With a proud history rooted in integrity, professionalism, and public service, SLED is committed to providing high-quality investigative, intelligence, and forensic services to support law enforcement agencies across the state.

At SLED, we value dedication, ethical conduct, accountability, and a strong commitment to justice. Our agency plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and supporting criminal justice efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. From advanced forensic science to homeland security, criminal investigations, and criminal justice information systems, SLED's diverse responsibilities make it one of the most dynamic law enforcement agencies in the state.

We foster a professional work environment where teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement are fundamental. Our employees are held to the highest standards and are given opportunities to grow within a mission-driven organization that makes a meaningful difference in South Carolina communities.

Learn more about why you should join our team at www.sled.sc.gov.

General Responsibilities

Recommend, develop, configure, and support the patching of the agency's server and desktop environments. Maintain server images with up-to-date patches and drivers and provide third-party software patching. Deliver monthly and on-demand patching reports to IT leadership. Perform systems engineering functions, including system design, implementation, and optimization, and serve as a technical lead by providing high-level support and troubleshooting expertise.

Specific Duties

• Oversee the installation, configuration, and deployment of hardware and software systems. Monitor system performance, analyze metrics, and implement optimizations to enhance efficiency and reliability. Provide high-level support for system issues, diagnose problems, and implement solutions to minimize downtime.
• Execute the SLED server vulnerability management program. Facilitate monthly, on-demand, and third-party patching of Windows and Linux servers using enterprise patching tools.
• Design and implement disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity in the event of system failures or data loss. Maintain the backup environment to ensure data integrity and availability.
• Create and maintain documentation related to system configurations, processes, and procedures for reference and compliance. Provide training and support to end users and other IT staff on system operations and best practices.
• A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field and experience in computer system development and modification in an on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid environment. Relevant experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.
• Working knowledge of Windows and Linux server environments.
• Experience with server patch and vulnerability management using enterprise patching tools, including third-party patching.
• Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions.
• Experience with automation and scripting (e.g., PowerShell) and with security best practices.
• Ability to manage projects, solve complex technical issues, and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Must have a strong understanding of IT security best practices, including patching, hardening, compliance, disaster recovery, and data protection.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Must successfully complete a fingerprint background check.
• Position requires participation in a rotating 24/7 on-call schedule and may involve occasional overnight travel.
• Professional certifications such as CompTIA, VMware VCP, Azure Administrator/Architect, other Microsoft certificates, or equivalent.
• Experience with PowerShell, Terraform, or Ansible for automation and infrastructure-as-code.
• Experience in a law enforcement or public safety IT environment.

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

SLED offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

Supplemental questions are considered part of the official application. Any misrepresentation of yourself may be grounds for disqualification. Conditional selection based on candidate education, training, experience, oral interviews and clearance of background investigation.