Windows Server Engineer

Pantex Plant; Amarillo (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Pantex Plant is seeking a Windows Server Engineer to design, implement, and manage Windows-based infrastructure in a distributed environment. The role focuses on security, reliability, and scalable configurations within the IT Infrastructure team.

The ideal candidate will have strong PowerShell/Ansible automation skills, experience with SCCM/WSUS, and deep knowledge of AD, DNS, DHCP, and GPO. On-call rotation and weekend maintenance are part of the responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering/science; typically 2–7 years experience, or Master's degree; alternative: 10+ years education/experience
• Proven Windows Server engineering background with strong IT infrastructure skills
• Experience with automation and patch management tooling is required

Responsibilities

• Design, install, and maintain Windows-based infrastructure in a large distributed network
• Develop automation scripts with PowerShell and Ansible to streamline administration
• Administer core Windows technologies: Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, GPO, file services, virtualization
• Oversee installation, configuration, and support of Windows and COTS apps within the Windows ecosystem
• Monitor, patch, secure, and ensure compliance of Windows OS and apps
• Provide on-call support and participate in weekend maintenance
• Create and maintain operational procedures and user training materials
• Collaborate with IT Project Management and CTO to deliver solutions on time and within scope

Skills

PowerShell

Ansible

Active Directory

Group Policy

DNS

DHCP

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/science

Master's degree in engineering/science

10+ years of combined education/experience

Tools

SCCM

WSUS

Job description

Location: Amarillo, TX - Pantex Plant

Job Title: Windows Server Engineer

Career Level From: Senior Associate

Career Level To: Senior Specialist

Organization: Operating Systems (51130661)

Job Specialty: System Administration

What You'll Do

As a Windows Server Engineer, you will play an integral role in a national security mission, focusing on maintaining the safety, security, and effectiveness of the United States nuclear weapons stockpile. Operating within the Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure team, your responsibilities include:

• Designing, installing, managing, upgrading, and maintaining Windows-based infrastructure within a large, distributed network environment.
• Collaborating with IT engineering and project management teams to implement new technologies.
• Configuring user access and ensuring system stability across critical systems.
• Working with customers and other IT professionals to resolve complex issues and implement new capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• System Architecture & Deployment: Lead the design, installation, and comprehensive configuration of critical internal and customer-facing server infrastructure, adhering to best practices in scalability, security, and resilience.
• Automation & Scripting: Develop and implement automation scripts, particularly utilizing PowerShell and Ansible, to streamline system administration tasks, enhance efficiency, and ensure consistent configurations. Also, experience managing Operating System (OS) deployments, patching, and software deployments with Microsoft Configuration Manager is preferred.
• Core Technology Administration: Provide expert administration and advanced support for a wide array of core Microsoft Windows-based technologies, encompassing Active Directory, Group Policy, Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), file services, and virtualization platforms.
• Application Integration & Support: Oversee the intricate installation, configuration, and ongoing support of both proprietary and Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) applications within the Windows ecosystem, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
• Security & Compliance Management: Proactively monitor, patch, and update the Windows operating system and installed applications, strictly adhering to stringent cybersecurity requirements, vulnerability management protocols, and regulatory compliance frameworks.
• Performance Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Implement sophisticated monitoring tools and methodologies to proactively identify, diagnose, and resolve complex performance issues, system outages, and security incidents across the Windows server environment, minimizing downtime and maximizing availability.
• On-Call & Maintenance Operations: Provide essential after-hours support for critical emergencies and execute planned weekend maintenance activities, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to continuous system uptime. (Expected to participate in a rotational on-call schedule).
• Documentation: Develop, maintain, and enhance detailed operational procedures, comprehensive user documentation, and targeted user training materials to empower end-users and ensure knowledge transfer across supported systems.
• Project Delivery & Strategic Alignment: Collaborate closely with the IT Project Management Organization and the Chief Technology Office to meticulously plan, execute, and deliver complex technology solutions on schedule and within scope, aligning with strategic IT initiatives.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering/science discipline. Minimum 2 years of relevant experience.Typical engineering/science experience ranging from 3 to 7 years
• OR Master's degree in engineering/science discipline.
• OR applicants without a bachelor's degree may be considered based on a combination of at least 10 years of completed education and/or relevant experience..

Department of Energy (DOE) Order 426.2A Requirements

Not applicable.

Preferred Job Requirements

The ideal candidate will possess a robust technical aptitude and a proven track record in Windows system engineering, demonstrated by the following core competencies:

• Operating System Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of current Microsoft Windows Server Operating Systems.
• Automation & Scripting: Strong scripting skills (e.g., PowerShell, Ansible) for automation and system management tasks.
• Patch Management Proficiency: In-depth knowledge and practical experience with Microsoft patch management systems, including System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).
• System Interoperability: A strong grasp of the intricate interactions between applications, operating systems, and third-party software components.
• Infrastructure Services: Solid understanding of critical Microsoft Windows Infrastructure components such as Domain Name System DNS and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
• Identity & Access Management: Expertise in Microsoft Active Directory and Group Policy Object (GPO) implementation and management.
• Distributed Computing Environments: In-depth understanding of information technology systems within highly distributed computing environments.
• Database Fundamentals: General understanding of Structured Query Language (SQL) Server Database Management Systems (DBMS).
• Networking Fundamentals: General understanding of networking equipment and technologies.
• Security Implementation: Demonstrated experience in securing hardware and software components against vulnerabilities and threats.
• Virtualization Technologies: Experience with virtual computing environments, including virtual servers (preferred).
• Backup & Recovery: Proven capabilities in backup and recovery strategies for both physical and virtual computing environments.
• Enterprise Storage: Experience with Enterprise storage subsystems, including Storage Area Networks (SAN) and Network Attached Storage (NAS) hardware and associated protocols.
• Application Deployment: Experience with deploying applications efficiently across large network infrastructures.
• Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with customers and technical personnel across various departments and organizations.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Ability to clearly and effectively present complex technical and operational information both verbally and in writing, solve intricate technical problems, and maintain vigilance regarding changes that may impact system security and operational integrity.

#JointheMission: Your Impact Starts Here

At Pantex, you won't just find a job—you’ll discover a career of purpose safeguarding national security through work performed nowhere else on Earth. We empower dedicated, innovative individuals like you to achieve their greatest impact surrounded by exceptional talent and limitless opportunities for professional growth.

When you #JointheMission, you choose a lifetime career where your commitment is genuinely valued and rewarded. At Pantex, we believe that extraordinary talent thrives when supported by a balanced life. Discover the flexibility that empowers you to excel, coupled with a benefits package designed for your total peace of mind from comprehensive health coverage and robust retirement planning, to opportunities for continuous learning through education reimbursement.

Notes

The minimum education and experience for the lowest career level in the job posting range are listed under Minimum Job Requirements. Successful candidates hired into a higher career level than the minimum in the range must meet the requirements listed in the job leveling charts for the career level into which they are being hired.

If a range of Career Levels is posted, i.e., Senior Associate to Senior Specialist, internal applicants already in one of the Career Levels would come across at their current Career Level. Internal applicants currently in a lower level Career Level would move to the lowest posted Career Level.

Requires a Q clearance; however all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of their current clearance status. The ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q clearance is required.

Position may require entry into Materials Access Areas (MAA) and participation in the Human Reliability Program (HRP). If HRP is required, candidate must complete a counterintelligence-scope polygraph, pursuant to 10 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 709. Medical requirements may apply.

Pantex is a drug-free workplace. Candidates accepting a job offer will be required to pass a pre-placement physical, drug screening and background investigation. As an employee, you may be required to receive and maintain a security clearance from the United States Department of Energy in order to meet eligibility requirements for access to sensitive information or matter. U.S. citizenship is a requirement for security clearance applicants. All employees are subject to random selection for drug testing without advance notification.

Pantex is an equal opportunity employer, and does not tolerate discrimination in the terms and conditions of employment on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law. Such terms and conditions of employment include, but are not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment. Pantex takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans; including disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, active-duty wartime, or campaign badge veterans, and Armed Forces service medal veterans. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.