IT Systems Engineer

At Daniel Defense Only the Best Build the Best

Daniel Defense engineers and manufactures the world's finest firearms systems and accessories. We are a faith-based organization, intensely focused on providing top quality small arms solutions to our military and law enforcement communities as well as to civilians seeking premium rifles for home defense, hunting, and sport shooting.

We are seeking an experienced IT Systems Engineer with strong leadership skills to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate is proficient in VMware, Windows and Linux Servers, HPE Aruba networks, HP servers, and possesses experience managing vendor relationships and external Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Additionally, this role requires expertise in Office 365 administration and comfort working in cloud environments, specifically Microsoft Azure or Amazon AWS, the ability to work effectively in a Service Desk environment, a track record of executing IT capital projects, and a solid foundation in cybersecurity best practices. A background in supporting manufacturing and data center environments is essential. This role involves implementing and maintaining our IT infrastructure while guiding a team, fostering a collaborative environment, and mentoring team members.

Key Responsibilities:

Infrastructure Management:

• Design, deploy, and maintain VMware, Windows Server, Palo Alto, HPE Aruba network environments.
• Manage and support HP servers and associated data center infrastructure, ensuring high availability and security.
• Oversee system configurations and updates to optimize performance, stability, and scalability across all platforms.
• Implement and manage automation processes using tools like Ansible and Terraform to streamline tasks and improve efficiency.

Cybersecurity Management:

• Implement and enforce cybersecurity best practices, ensuring the security and integrity of all systems and data.
• Perform regular vulnerability assessments, patch management, and security audits to safeguard infrastructure and prevent unauthorized access.
• Monitor systems for security incidents, respond to threats, and conduct investigations and root cause analysis to mitigate future risks.
• Collaborate with the IT security team to develop and maintain security policies, protocols, and response plans for incident management.

Cloud & Office 365 Administration:

• Administer and manage Office 365, including user accounts, permissions, and security configurations.
• Work with cloud infrastructure in Microsoft Azure or Amazon AWS environments to support hybrid setups and cloud-based resources.
• Support cloud migrations and deployments, ensuring data integrity, security, and accessibility across environments.

Vendor & MSP Management:

• Manage relationships with vendors and external Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to ensure timely and effective support.
• Evaluate vendor performance, negotiate contracts, and coordinate maintenance or upgrades as necessary.
• Act as the primary point of contact with MSPs, ensuring alignment with organizational standards, timelines, and quality expectations.

Network & Application Monitoring:

• Utilize monitoring platforms like SolarWinds to proactively track server, network, and application health.
• Continuously monitor data center and network infrastructure, addressing issues promptly to minimize downtime and ensure production stability.

Leadership & Mentorship:

• Ensure efficient task assignment and alignment with project goals.
• Mentor and coach team members, providing guidance in technical skills and professional development.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment, encouraging knowledge sharing and skill development within the team.

Manufacturing & Data Center Support:

• Provide specialized support for manufacturing IT environments, understanding the criticality of uptime and unique production needs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and data center teams to address technical challenges and maintain operational continuity.
• Work within a Service Desk environment, handling tickets, troubleshooting issues, and providing timely resolutions to end-users.
• Prioritize and manage Service Desk requests effectively, escalating issues as necessary to maintain productivity and minimize downtime.

Documentation & Process Improvement:

• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting across data center, network, and cloud infrastructure.
• Identify areas for process improvement, leveraging automation and best practices to increase efficiency and reliability.

General:

• Responsible for demonstrating commitment to and leadership of environmental health and safety principles, policies and procedures.
• Participates in the company's efforts to continuously improve Safety, 6S, Quality, Delivery and Productivity.
• Expected to be a contributor to the company standards on high integrity, safety, fair and equitable treatment and a positive work environment
• Other responsibilities as deemed appropriate or necessary by management

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
• 5+ years of experience in IT systems engineering, with a focus on VMware, Windows Server, HPE Aruba networking, HP servers, and Office 365 administration.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms, specifically Microsoft Azure or Amazon AWS.
• Hands-on experience with automation tools such as Ansible and Terraform.
• Proficient in server, network, and application monitoring, preferably with SolarWinds.
• Demonstrated experience in managing vendors and external MSPs, including contract negotiation and performance evaluation.
• Background in supporting IT systems in manufacturing, data center, or industrial settings.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a passion for mentoring and coaching team members.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with an ability to work collaboratively across teams.
• Ability to participate in an on-call rotation.

• Travel requirements: Up to 10% of the year. Air travel may be necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize and work with our Permission to Play Values.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry awkward items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Requires intermittent standing, walking, sitting and bending throughout the work day.
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment, to include working in and around machinery, exposure to noise and chemicals, lights/lasers, etc.
• Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protection Equipment as required by your position and/or Company policy.

Daniel Defense is an EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability employer and promotes a "Drug Free Workplace".

Note: The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to the job. This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in this job. Responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of the employer and do not establish a contract of employment - Daniel Defense is an at will employer.

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