Overview
Job Title: Systems Engineer III
Location: Chicago, IL (primarily remote with occasional onsite work)
Engagement Type: Long-term contract
Rate: $55/hour
Role Overview
We are seeking a Systems Engineer III to support enterprise server operations in a large-scale, highly available environment. This role focuses on maintaining, monitoring, and troubleshooting Windows-based server infrastructure across a diverse technology stack.
The ideal candidate is technically curious, dependable, and comfortable handling operational responsibilities in a 24×7 environment. This position offers the opportunity to work with a wide range of enterprise technologies and grow technical skills over time.
Key Responsibilities
Provide end-to-end operational support for server infrastructure, including:
Operating systems
Hardware
Patching, firmware, BIOS, and service packs
Maintain high availability and stability of server platforms operating 24×7
Monitor server health and performance; respond to and resolve incidents in a timely manner
Troubleshoot issues related to Windows Server, clustering, virtualization, and system management tools
Participate in root cause analysis and problem management to prevent recurrence
Ensure enterprise security standards and compliance requirements are met
Implement system upgrades, patches, releases, and configuration changes
Support lifecycle planning, capacity planning, and performance tuning
Participate in on-call rotation and occasional after-hours maintenance
Collaborate with cross-functional IT teams to resolve complex infrastructure issues
Document procedures, changes, and operational knowledge
Required Qualifications
3–5 years of experience supporting enterprise server environments
Strong experience troubleshooting Windows Server (2012–2022) in production environments
Hands-on experience with:
Windows Server Failover Clustering
Microsoft System Center tools:
SCCM (Configuration Manager)
SCOM (Operations Manager)
Orchestrator
VMware administration and troubleshooting experience
Scripting experience (PowerShell or similar)
Experience supporting large, geographically distributed server environments
Familiarity with patch management and system maintenance
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a production environment
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with:
Load balancing technologies (e.g., F5)
Disaster recovery planning and execution
ITIL and change management processes
Service management tools (e.g., ServiceNow)
Microsoft certifications (MCSE, MCSA, MCP, or equivalent) are a plus
Experience with monitoring and performance tuning tools
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
OR equivalent combination of education, training, and hands-on experience
Work Environment
Primarily remote, with occasional onsite work at Chicago-area locations
No fixed shift schedule, but participation in:
After-hours work as needed
On-call rotation to support a 24×7 operation