IT Systems Architect

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The IT Systems Architect is responsible for the overall maintenance and operations of secure and highly available computing platforms, servers, storage devices, networks, HVAC, Backup Power (UPS and Generator), Facilities and Security support. The IT Systems Architect will serve as a backup and assist the Data Center and Network Manager with project management duties for all High Availability Planned Outages, other outages, roll-outs, upgrades, and standards for all aspects of Data Center operations. This position will plan, direct, install, maintain, upgrade, and continuously monitor and improve the operating environment. This includes identifying and responding to incidents and problems and planning for growth. Will deploy the release of new technologies as well as design, install, configure, test and maintain servers, storage devices, networks, operating systems and related utilities and hardware.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Design, build, maintain, monitor, and support infrastructure environments and data center facilities
• Act as technical liaison between the IT Data Center team, Network team, Security team, Business Application teams, and End User Support to provide insight into upcoming implementations and strategies including validation of ongoing solutions supportability.
• Works across teams to ensure IT system upgrades, deployments and maintenance are conducted with minimal impact to the operation.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate IT Infrastructure security, providing ongoing recommendations and reporting any issues when appropriate.
• Participate in design, implementation and execution of backup and disaster recovery.
• Implement and maintain a global VMware virtual infrastructure.
• Install, configure, and maintain various systems, including a multi-tiered storage environment; global Active Directory; Clustered File Server; various multi-vendor server hardware, including blade and rack-mounted servers as well as converged infrastructure platforms; web and application servers for production and disaster recovery environments.
• Define, implement, and monitor solutions and tools that automate and alert on systems and network performance and issues.
• Provide after-hours support for infrastructure-related emergencies as well as off-hours system maintenance.
• Assist in training employees with hardware and software utilization and maintenance.
• Plan, develop, organize, write, edit and keep current documentation including project plans, project proposals, technical operation documentation, procedure documentation, network diagrams, data flow diagrams, technical support documentation, and scope of work documentation.
• Complete risk management tasks for areas of responsibility or as assigned including but not limited to: required risk assessments are completed and revisited at required intervals; all vendor management due diligence, risk assessments, monitoring and other documentation is completed for new and existing technology vendors as required.
• Provide after-hours support
• Carries a smart phone and on a rotation with the rest of the Information Technology staff
• When called, resolves the problem; if problem cannot be solved, collects sufficient data to determine the best resource to help solve the problem.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Mentor, coach, remediate, and motivate staff
• Budget managed

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Education
• College degree in computer, math, or science related field
• Graduate of specialized technical curriculum is a plus
• Technical Certifications are a plus but not required
• Valid driver’s license
• Skills
• Abilities
• Ability to master new computer-related technologies both quickly and frequently
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems quickly
• Ability to communicate with application owners and the business to resolve technical issues
• Ability to transfer computer skills one on one and in a classroom environment
• Ability to develop written procedures for Data Center Systems
• Experience
• At least 5 years supporting Microsoft Windows Server Operating systems in a networked environment
• At least 5 years of experience working with Cisco routers, switches, and APs.
• At least 5 years of experience working with enterprise level firewalls and security systems.
• Extensive knowledge of current Microsoft tools such as Windows, Active Directory, and PowerShell
• Extensive knowledge of virtualization technologies such as VMware
• Extensive knowledge of enterprise backup and recovery technologies
• Extensive knowledge of disaster recovery technologies
• Extensive understanding of Switching & Routing Technologies
• Extensive understanding of Network Security Systems
• Extensive knowledge of automation and alerting technologies

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Deploy and support systems in remote locations
• Some travel may be required
• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Typing
• Talking on the telephone
• Working from remote locations and providing after-hours support, when needed
• Some lifting of IT equipment such as Servers, Network Equipment, Computers, Monitors, and Printers; carts are provided to transport IT Equipment
• Manual dexterity for completion of technical tasks

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a fast-paced work environment with consistent pressure to complete duties as outlined above which requires the ability to manage multiple projects at a detailed level and provide support to many internal departments in a fast-changing environment.  Many duties listed above are time-sensitive and have strict deadlines for completion. 

• Primarily climate-controlled office environment

Shurtape Technologies, LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Shurtape Technologies, LLC does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including identity & expression), medical condition, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business requirement.