Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer

The Systems Engineer position serves a senior technical role within a team of systems administration professionals to support an enterprise computing infrastructure that includes a variety of servers, storage, and supporting equipment. Additionally, this position along with the team oversees two data centers as well as strategic cloud/hosted services. The Systems group is responsible for a wide range of services ranging from client hosting to university-wide mission-critical applications. This position may operate up to 95% remotely, with on-site responsibilities as required. Reports to the Lead Systems Engineer.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, maintain, and monitor Windows, Linux, and Unix server environments.
• Partner with technical stakeholders to build scalable, highly available, and secure solutions.
• Lead modernization initiatives including automation, containerization, cloud adoption, and platform migration.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex system issues, driving resolutions with internal teams and vendors.
• Ensure system security compliance and maintain documentation, standards, and best practices.
• Evaluate and recommend hardware and software solutions to optimize performance and scalability.

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Mentor peers and guide technical skill development.
• Manage multiphase upgrades, patching, and lifecycle maintenance efforts.
• Provide upper-tier support to ITS teams and directly to clients as needed.
• Participate in capacity planning, disaster recovery, and performance tuning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success:

• Expertise in Windows and Linux/Unix architectures and system administration.
• Proficiency with scripting and automation frameworks (e.g., PowerShell, Bash, Ansible, Satellite).
• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals, firewalls, and secure access principles.
• Experience with high-availability systems, clustering, fault-tolerant architectures, and monitoring.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to learn new technologies and adapt to change.
• Ability to work from a ladder, lift to 50 lbs., and differentiate colors without assistance.

Job Requirements:

• 4-year degree and minimum of 4 years relevant experience.
• Experience in enterprise server and storage hardware implementation, operation, and lifecycle management.
• Demonstrated expertise in system monitoring, auditing, alerting, and reliability engineering practices.
• Experience designing and supporting modern multi-tier application environments, including diverse web servers, middleware, and database architectures.
• Must possess a current valid Driver's License and maintain it in good standing in accordance with University policies.
• Understanding of network technologies and their integration with enterprise systems.
• Ability to participate in a 24x7 on-call rotation for unplanned outages and work outside of regular University hours, typically planned in advance, as needed.
• Must be able to provide and maintain Internet connectivity from personal residence. Must be able to travel to the Bowling Green campus in a time frame congruent to the group's on-call policy which, among other details, states a maximum of 1 hr. under normal travel conditions.

Additional Information:

Salary Range: $74,000 - $80,000

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices. Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867.